THE CROSSING OF THE BRIDGE.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2254, 18 December 1886, Page 1 (Supplement)

THE CROSSING OF THE BRIDGE.

BY S. H. M. BYKRS.

Have you ever heard the story How Tim Nesbitt crossed the bridge When the down express came roaring Round the curves of Smoky Ridge ? You remember the big trestle Just this side of Careys Mill ; Twenty miles about from Sharon, And as far from Smoky Hill. Half a mile in length— they say so— And it's not a yard-stick less— Fifty feet above the cieek, too ; That's as near as I can guesp. And just as Tim came round the curve And saw the bridge ahead, He felt the track was giving, like, And knew the rails had spread. Down grade at that, and thirty miles— That was her common run— A bridge not fifty yards ahead, Oh, Heaven ! what could be done ? Like jangling millstones bouuced the cars Along the sleepers' ends ; Tim had no time to think of wife, Of babe, or self, or friends. The fireman jumped, but quick as thought, Tim Nesbitt took it in— The bridge is straight, there is a chance For life if he should win. And with a mighty jerk he threw The throttle open wide— And said a prayer— and " Lady Bess " Went on her crazy ride. Dreadful ! You might have seen the wood And nails and glances fly, And splinters, torn from bridge and beam, And clamps from every tie. While " Lady Bess " just flew across, And Tim just held his breath— While half the passengers had swooned, And half were sure of death. But ere the scared had time to pray, Or broken wheels to stand, Tim Nesbitt's train had crossed the bridge, And we were safe on land. I reckon that no other man That runs upon the line, Has got ft watch as big as his, Nor anything so fine. For on one aide's a picture-like The creek at Smoky Ridge— And on the other'B writ : "To him Who run across the bridge."

The phrase "lightning rapidity," was probably first made use of by a man who thoughtlessly placed the hot end of a cigar in his mouth, and forgot juat how quick he pulled it out again.