Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1888-09-07
lR. MOUSER'S SAWBUCK.
BY DAVID H. STEVENS.

Mr. Mouser and his merry little wife
occupied charming cottage in the SUBJ
prbs of large city in the "Fatherland."
his business connections We're of nat
are that he was usually at leisure after
o'clock in the afternoon.
Mr.. Mouser prided himself on being
man of originality and brains. Mr..
alouser also liked little joke at other
peoples expense.
It was autumn. MIR. Mouser had Just
laid in goodly supply Of winter fuel.
Wood was chiefly used for this purpose
in the land of Mr. Mousefs birth.
Sitting by the window of his cozy liv-
ing room, enjoying royal smoke from
the long stemmed porcelain pipe, Mr..
Mouser watched the wood sawyer ply
ing his trade, made easy by long habit
Of handling wood and saw. AS Mr..
Mouser ,gazed and pondered an idea
crept into his head. It was grasped-
as ideas quickly became captive there.
"Lizbeth," said he to his wife, ut is
singular never thought of it before-I
generally think of such things-but it
strikes me that could saw that wood
myself"
Gracious! what an ideal"
"a bright one, isn't it? A big saving,
too! just see with what ease it is done
the man cuts through the sticks as if
he were slicing bread and butter; be-
sides, 1 require more exercise; my
health is not what it has been"
why, dear, do you feel ill?"
'"N-no, but man needs to exert him
self if he does not wish to run down in
muscular power. Ny habits are too
confirming; sense Of this fact has been
growing on me lately. But I have
solved the difficulty while watching that
man play on his sawjack."
A merry twinkle of the eyes and a
laudable endeavor to maintain serious
expression would have convinced the be-
holder that Lizbeth also had ideas, but
like properly respectful wife she kept
them to herself until called for.
DO you think, Lizbeth, that a little
gentle muscular activity is what need
to stimulate appetite?"
You might paint the house or dc
some less tiresome work than wood
saving" replied Mrs. Mouser.
ooh, you underrate my capacities, my
dear. And saving wood is not such
hard work. Come and see how simple
It's done, yet how every muscle is
brought into play. I am enchantee
with my idea, and shall carry it out
The man can finish this job, but it shall
be the last I ever pay for"
Mr.. Mouser meant business. He a
once ordered the very best kind of saw
jack made. He purchased splendid
saw, with sharp teeth and light frame
He pranced about, happy as a school
boy, with dabbs of yellow and greer
paint spattered over his person, unit
finally the saw frame suited him in it
bright yellow coat. The sawjack III
painted lovely light green.
Daily he promenaded inpatient,
around the sheds where the wood wa
stored, and grumbled because the fue
lasted SO unusually long. At intervals
he added another coat of green paint t.
the highly decorated saving jack c'saw
buck" it is called sometines), and bad
all his acquaintance and friends com
and inspect his patent calisthenlc toys
until every one for miles around becam
familiar with Mr.. Mouser's green saw
ing jack.
At last the longed-for day arrived. I
zig load Of fine hickory had been plle'
up in close proximity to the tools fdec
imation.
Mr.. Mouser was all excitement. II
passed by his amused wife with import
ant distaind, and scarcely gave hlmse'
time to devour his dinner, he was s
eager to. be at work.
Nothing more, thanks" he replied
as his wife wished to replenish his cup
Rising, he fastened to handle his pet
with IN artlor thst caused Iizbeth
smile knowingly as she watched h'