The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1858-10-20
"Another HATEFUL, Joel"

A short yarn was spun to us one even.
ing, Of and concerning the experiments in
milling of q couple Of friends Of ours now
or lately sojourning for health and pleasure
at the Talladega Springs. in Alabama
1t is unnecessary to give the names ofthese
gentlemen, but for convenience we will call
them, respectively, John and Joel. They
it may be remarked, have great similarity :
of tastes, and among other penchants. are
very fond of fishing; and everybody knows
that the vicinity of Taledaga Springs Of.
fers ans opportunity to the skillful knight
of tho fly. I
Thus. John and Joel-thsre beinp no
religious services at the springs that day
went out, Sunday before last, to the
mill Of Mr.. p mile or two down
the creek, with view to dinkef IT small
trout and Dream. With them went their
invited guest, Mr.. Smith, aad Miles con-
trived them down bottle or two Of
| wine. a-a
The party was snug, the wind was propi.
tious. and the 6sh altogether amiable.g A
cosy, aice dinner ofbrown and crisp mouA-
tain fish was soon washed down with few
glasses of champagne; and then cigars
were lit As the smoke curled languidiy
about their noses, Satan, (who was invisi.
| bly, present, without an invitation,) sug.
gested to John that that mill was slow
coach, and couldn't cut much lumber; and
John expressed the same opinion to Joel.
Joel though differently, and so did Smith.
Let's try her. said John. t
Agreed, said Joel and Smith, asa IA,
1t was short work; large pine log lay
at right angles across the carriage of the
mill; aud it was agreed to let her rip
through this. Accordingly, the gats wxs
raised, and Immediately the the stiffness Of
the grand old woods was broken by the
rapid, sharp strokes Of the sew. In
minute the log was brought up and the saw
went rapidly through.
Now stop her, said Joel-and Smith .
and John essayed to do 90.
But the mill wouldn't be stopped, bus
went Gathering away as hard as evsrl :
Stop her John, or By the lord she'll
split herself in two.' shouted Joel. Bat
all the fixtures were obstinate, and refused
to yield to the exertions of John and Smith,
On went the saw, while John and Smith
psrspired.
i Presently the carriage presented some
metallic obstruction to the passage of the
saw. but true as steel it went against
the obstruction-snd then the teeth feso
(some pieces of mill iron had been left on
the carriageway.) But yet it ceased not
up and down! up and down. the true
steel to the dull cast-iron, until suddenly o
small flame broke out among the dust and
: splipters near the point of contact. t,E
Great Cd, john said Joel, the in
fernal machine is on fire. What shall We
do . a.ssg se. s#a3 4. 81,
Run down to the creek and bring mp
your hat full Of water said John. Joel
looked affectionately at his handsome tile
which is always kept neatly brushed, but
I such was the dire necessity he straightwsy
made it q Gre bucket and commenced
! fighting the flames. John and Smith straws
I were unavailable, nevertheless, they did oil
9 those wild. inconsiderate things which
u most persons do, in case Of FIRE. when
. there is no possibility Of doing any good.
Still that toothless saw ripped on, sing
ing q demon song as it scraped against
e the dull cast-iron. And the & re kept
u gaining little. . ~ s,ls
. Joel laborcd faithfully, and every two
" " minutes brought up his hat full Of water
- and threw it upon the fire. John stood
" despairingly leaning against post in the
81 mill, and hallooed to his friend, as h
y seemed to pause at the brink of the stream
- Another hat.full Joel, for Gods sake
20 The Internal thing will cost us at leas
9. $1,000 apiece. if she bdfns!' ,
y Besides my hatn said Joel; but b
ae brought the water and poured it on.
" On went the devilsh saw, raking. rssp
VI ing, and tearing itself to pieces.
=. ~ At this juncture, Mr.. r.. the owner q
= the mill, having seen the smoke, cam
. :. down to the mill, and with great difficult
- the saw was stopped and the fire put on
e Joel was gricvously blown with carryin
% water in bis hat and John was quite use
up with excitement, while Smith wa
~ brcathless from his exertions at some leve
y. which he supposed might have some iudu
epce in qnieting the demon saw.
~. 'Gentlemcn,' said the proprietor, yer
= politely. it is easy enough to see VII
you could not stop the saw after yos g
it agoin. This mill has some new ssrangt
% .S ments which / can easily explain q
be For Heavens sake. Mr.. p said Johl
he no explanations on dot poinG It's u
he 6rst mill ever set agoing. and ! shall ne'
a er start another Just send Us your bill &
an the damages, and let's say no more sbo'
it.
I'D The boys paid $50 for not kuowir
ii. how to stop saw, and that night John.
of a fevcrish sleep, Che bss that blessin
70. chlls aud fever) shouted to his room mat
ve- "One more hat.full, JocP'
EAR
try @- It was done when it wss bceo
It was done when il wss half done. sr