The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1858-09-23
The IncendiarY SaW-Mill.

sojourning for health and pleasure at the
Talladego Springs. 1t is unnecessary to
give the names of these gentlemen. but
tor convenience we will call them, respec-
lively, John and Joel. They. it may be
remarked, have great similarity of taste,
and among other penchants, are very fond
OF fishing: and everybody knows that the
vicinity of Talladego Springs offers fine
opportunity to the skillful knight OF the
fly.
Thus John and Joel-there being no
religious service 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 dinner of small
trout and Dream. With them went their
invited guest, Mr.. Smith, and "Miles"
took them down bottle or two of wine
The party was snug; the wind was pro-
pit;ous; and the fish altogether amiable.
A cosy, nice dinner of brown and crisp
mountain fish was soon washed
down with few glasses of champagne !;
and then cigars were lit. AS the smoke
curled lsnguidly about their noses, Satan,
(who was invisibly present, without an
invitation,) suggested to John, that that
mill was "slow COACH" and couldn't cut
much lumber; and John expressed the
same opinion to Joel. Joel thought diff
ferently, and so did Smith.
"Let's try her," said John.
agreed" said Joel and Smith.
1t was short work; large pine log lay
at right angles across the carriage Of the
mill; and was agreed to "let her rip"
through this. Accordingly, the gate was
raised aud Immediately the stiffness of "the
grand old woods was broker by the rapid
sharp strokes of the saw. 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 so.
But the mill wouldn't be stopped, but
went Gathering away, as hard as ever!
"Stop her, John, or by the Lord she'll
split herself in two," shouted JOEL But
all the fixtures were obstinate, and refus-
ed to yield to the exertious of John a1d
Smith. On went the saw, while John and
Joel perspired.
Presently the carriage presented some
metallic obstruction to the passage of the
saw, but "true as STEEL it went against
the obstruction-and then the teeth fer.
[Some pieces of mill iron had been left
upon the carriage way. But yet it cess
en- not--up and down up and down the
true steel to the dull cast iron, until sud
denly small fame broke out among the
dust and splinters near the point of con-
tact.
"Great God, John" said Joel; "the
Internal machine is on FIRE. What shall
we dol"
"Run down to the creek and bring up
your hat full of water" said John. Joel
looked affectionately at his handsome tile
which be always kept neatly brushed, but
submitting to dire necessity he straight
way m ade it fire bucket, and commenced
fighting the flames. John and Smiths
straws were unavailable; nevertheless,
they did all those wild, inconsiderate
things which most persons will do. in case
of fire, when there is no possibility of do
ing any good.
Still that toothless saw ripped on, sing
ing a demon song as it seraped against
the dull cast iron. And the fire kept
gaining a little Joel labored faithfully,
and every two minutes brought up his bat
full of water and threw it upon the FIRE.
John stood despsiriug!y leaning against
a post in the mill, and hallooed to his
friend as be seemed to pause at the brink
of the stream
"Another hat full. Joel, for Gods sake
The Internal thing will cost US at least
81 200 apiece if it burns !"
"Besides my hgt," said Joel; but he
brought the water and poured it on,
On went the devilish saw, raking, ras-
ping, and tearing itself to pieces.
At this juncture, Mr.. P, the owner of
the mill, having seen the smoke, came
down to the mill, and with great difficult
ty the mill was stopped and the fire put
out Joel was grievously "blown" with
carrying water in his hat, and John was
quite used up with excitement, while
Smith was breathleSs from bis exertlons
at some lever which be supposed might
have some influence iu quetlng the dem-
on saw.
"Gentlemen," said the proprietor, very
politely, lit is easy ehbush to see why
you couldpt stop the saw alter you set 1t
a going. This mill has some new arrange
ments which can easily explain"
"For Heavens sake, Mr.. p" said
John, +" ,ao explanation on that point! It's
the first mill ever set going and L
shall neUer start another! just send US
your bill for the damages, and let's say
no more about il"
The "boys" paid 500 for not knowing
how to stop a saw, and that night John
in feyerish sleep, Che has that blessing,
chills aud fever,) shouted to his room
mate-"one more bat full, Joel -
An old lady said her husband was very
fond of peaches, and that was his only
\ Iak