They cannot tell what became of it, but sure enough, it has dropped out of existence; for just like two measuring lines laid alongside the one an inch shorter than the other, their work and their time run parallel, but the work is always ten minutes in advance of the time.

They are not irregular.

They are never too soon.

Their letters are posted the very minute after the mail is closed.

They arrive at the wharf just in time to see the steamboat off, they come in sight of the terminus precisely as the station gates are closing.