In a medium bowl, soak the bread crumbs in the milk. Grind the meat and fat together, first coarsely and then finely. Place the meat in a large bowl. Add the salt, pepper, thyme, eggs and softened bread crumbs. Mix well with your hands ntil thoroughly blended. Working with about one-quarter of susage filling at a time (cover and refrigerate the remainder), stuff the casings loosley with s=the sausage filling. Pinch and twist into 4 inch links and cut to separate. Refrigerate while stuffing the remaining sausages. To Cook: Prick the sausages all over to prevent the skins from bursting, place enough susages in skillet to fit in a lingle layer without crowding. Pour in about one-half inch of water, cover and simmer over low heat for 20 minutes. Pour off the liquid and cook uncovered, turning, until the sausages are evenly browned about 10 minutes. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.