Page:Dave Porter at Oak Hall.djvu/237

Rh peace, and so came out of the ordeal "a good fellow."

Ben was given "the sawmill test." One of the lads had a toy which imitated a buzz saw, and after being led through the woods, Ben was tied to a plank placed over an old nail keg.

"Now, boys, be careful," was the command. "Don't let him run too close to the buzz saw, or you'll cut him in half. Just shave off a few of his curly locks, that's all."

And then poor Ben was rolled forward, and the imitation buzz saw was started up. Sawdust had been brought along, and this was showered in the victim's face, and one boy pulled two or three of his hairs. Then of a sudden came a yell!

"Look out! Don't let that board run so fast!"

"I can't hold it!"

"He'll be cut in two!"

"Stop the saw! Stop the saw, quick!" but the buzzing went on all the faster. Yet Ben was grit, and took it calmly, not uttering a single word of protest. Then he, too, was hailed as a fellow member.

"No fun in this," grumbled one of the party.

"What were you going to do to Haven and Poole?" asked Dave.

"Water and fire test," was the reply.

"I've got a plan for Poole, if you'll try it," went on Dave, and told what it was.