Thad looked at the carpenter with astonishment, for he had no suspicion that there was any thing wrong in what he had done.
“What I say to Thad I say to the whole class,” continued the carpenter. “He has done just what most of you would if you had been in his place. What is that mallet for, Thad?”
“To hit with, just as your fist is,” replied the amateur workman, laughing.
“To strike with, and that is just what your fist is not for. You are never to strike a wooden tool, or the wooden handle of a tool, with a hammer or a hatchet. Can you all remember that, my lads?”
“Yes, sir!” shouted all the boys.
“Don’t do it, then. A mallet is used in striking a chisel.”
Thad took the mallet, and hit the chisel a tremendous crack with it. The tool happened to be in a rather loose place in the opening, and it went
in to the handle. Thad tried to draw it out. He pulled and tugged and wrenched at the chisel, but it was in firm enough to resist all his efforts. He was so much in earnest, that his attempts amused the rest of the boys; and they were soon laughing with all their might. The machinists at the other end of the shop were interested, and some of them went over to see what the excitement was. But they were called back by Mr. Jepson before they could see inside of the ring that surrounded Thad.
“Pull away, my lad,” laughed the master-carpenter. “But when you get tired of the work, let me know, if you please.”
“I can’t get it out,” replied Thad, when he discovered that he was the laughing-stock of the class.