The day book. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 1857-1867, 1859-11-30
THE DAY BOOK.
WEDNESDAY EVENING, NOV. so.
ANOTHER HATEFUL, JOEL PA short

WEDNESDAY EVENING, NOV. 80.
ANOTHER HATEFUL, JOEL PA short
warn was spun to us last evening, con-
corning. the experiment in milling of a
couple OF friends Of ours, now or lately
soiourning for health and pleasure at the
Taladega Springs. 1t is unnecessary to
give the names of these gentlemen, but
lor convenience we shall call them, re-
spectively, John and Joel.
They, it may be remarked, have
great similarity of taste, and among
other pendants are very fond of fishing;
and everv body knows that Talladega
Springs offers fine opportunities to the
skillful knight on the fly.
Thus, Joel and John went to the mill
of Mr.. P, mile Or two down the
creek, with view to dinner of small
trout and cream; and with them went
their invited guest Mr.. Smith.
The party was snug, and the wind
was propitious, and the fish altogether
amable. A cozy, nice dinner Of brown
and crisp mountain fsh was soon wash
ed down with few glasses of cham
payne, and then segars were lit. AS the
smoke curled languidly about their noses,
Satan lwho was inyisibly present with
out an invitation) suggested to, John that
the mill was slow coach, and couldn't
cut much lumber; and John expressed
the5same opinion olJoel Joel thought
differently, and SO did Smith.
"Let's try her, said John. q
"Apreed" said joel and Smith
1t was short work; a large pine log
lay at right angles across the carriage Of
the mill, and it was agreed to "let her
drive" through this. Accordingly the
gate was raised, and Immediately the
stiffness of the "grand oldl woods"
was broken by the sharp strokes, of the
saw. In a minute the log was brought
up, and the saw went rapidly through.
"Now stop herr" said Joel--and Smith
a,.d John essayed to do SO. sls
But the mill wouldn't be stopped, but
went Gathering away as hard as ever
''Stop, stop, her John, or she'll split
herself in two p shouted Joel. But all
the fixtures were obstinate, and refused
to yield to the exertions of John and
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 flew.
Some pieces of mill iron had been left
upon the carriage way.) But yet it ceas-
ed not-up and down. the true steel to
the dull cast iron, until suddenly a small
fame broke out among the dust and
splinters near the point of contract.
"John, john" said Joel, ssthe ma
chine is on frel What shall we do ?"
"Run down to the creek, and bring
mp your hat full of water,'' said John.
Joel look affectionately at his hand
some tile, which is always kept neatly
brushed; but submitting to dire neces-
sity, he straightwE made tia fire buck
ct, and commenced :. fighting the flames.
John and Smiths straw. were unavaila-
BILE; nevertheless they did all those wild,
inconsiderate things which most persons
will do in case Of fire, when there is no
possibility Of doing any good. 4
Still that toothless saw ripped on,
singing demon song as it scraped a.
gainst the dull cast iron. And the fire
kept gaining little
Joel labored faithfully, and every two
minutes brought up his hat full Of water,
and threw,it upon the fire. John stood
desparingly leaning against post in the
mill, and halloed to his friend, as be
seemed to pause at the brink Of the
stream ,.-s
Another hat-full for goodness sake
The thing will cost us at least 81 200
apiece, if it burns p
Besides my hat said Joel, but he
brought the water and poured it on.
On went the saw, raking, rasping 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 diff
Guilty the saw 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 his ex-
enions at some lever which he suppos-
I'd might have some influence in quieting
the demon saw.
The s.boys" paid 500, for not know
ing how to stop saw, and that night
Iohn, in feverish sleep, (he has had
blessing, chills and fever,) shouted to his
room mate
';one more hat-full, Joel r'-Challen's
Aoathly.