The Cripple-Boy's Warning.

Waikato Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2093, 5 December 1885, Page 2 (Supplement)

The Cripple-Boy's Warning.

On a dismally oold November day (Not a half score ypors ago), When the damp miat still in the valleys lay, A train was running (all-speed away — Hushing from town to town. With every nerve at its utmost strain, Like a giant it raged and roared ; It was tbe " Dutchman," a favourite train, Fljirn with all its might and main — Flying from town to town. Alas 1 for the hearts that aro yearning to see Their nearest and dearest once more ; Alas 1 for expectant homes, cureless and free, Alas 1 for carth'B " bappy time?," never to be, Never, for evermore ! On sweet thoughts of meeting and vigions of home Breaks the truth— too well they all know ; And the crash, and the awful moments come — The helpless moments— the fate of lorne — God save us from such woe. Heaven help them ! Has no one'a moment's calm To think, ere thoughts be in vain ? Has somebody thought of a further harm, Homebody hastened to give tho alarm, Somebody stopped the next train ? Ere the dreadful " worst" oould be certainly known, 'Mid confusion and murmur of pain, Stunned and bewildered, suppressing a moan, A cripple- lad crawled from the wreck, all atone — Crawled from beneath tho train. " Now what can / do ?— I am so fetble and small, * But, breathing and moving again — So weak, I a burden should be to them all ; Stay— could I not holp them assistance to call? Could I not stop the next train ? ' And none else had thought of a direr mishap Bearing on them amain, But this insignificant, poor little ohap : He would avert the worse mishap — He would otop the next train. So ho limped along as fast as he might, And ofton stumbled and fell ; Bruised and weary, in piteous plight, Tbe cignal-box he at last hails in sight, In time his tain to tell. His taik accomplished, hit errand done, Fainting he sank, on the ground ; Spent waa his strength, but the end was won— He had saved from sorrow more than one Of the crowd that pressed around. And blessings were poured on the brave boy's head, And recompense qniokly made. 41 1 did all I could," be humbly said ; And men thanked God, who his thoughts had led To give suoh timely aid. Gentle reader 1 1 pray you recall Who onoe commended lovo's offering small — •• She bath done what she oould." Be yours, b« mine, yuch praise from the Master's lip* divine.