Dory took a thin package from the top of the box. Removing the paper from it, he handed the tool to the carpenter.
“I needn’t tell you what this is, for you all know,” continued Mr. Brookbine.
“It looks very much like a saw,” said Thad. “I know what it is, and what it is for.”
“I am glad you do, Thad, though I have my doubts. Will you look at it, and tell me what kind of a saw it is?”
Thad took the implement; and, putting on a very wise expression, he examined it carefully.
“I should say that this was a hand-saw,” said he at last.
“Quite right: it is a hand-saw. Why is that name given to it—to distinguish it from what?”
“From the saw in a saw-mill, or a circular-saw, which is not a hand-saw,” answered Thad.
“You have answered as well as could be expected. There is no particular meaning to the name, and the term is seldom used. There are
not a few words that lose their original meaning. I suppose if I should ask you to go for a wood-saw, you would know what I meant.”