“When were forks first invented?” asked George, with a grin.
Italian designs
Fig. 5. Primitive Forks.
“They were introduced into England early in the sixteenth century, but were known in Italy before that time. Certain English writers, traveling in the south of Europe, wrote about the curious habit of using tiny little forks, and the new fad was adopted, and the custom was for each person to have his own knife and fork, which he always carried with him. The inns and public places did not serve these articles.”
In the morning the savages were still there, but had moved over toward the river, and were examining, in the distance, the water wheel. What a curiosity it must have been to them. Before leaving on their trip this had been drawn back from the water, so that the cataract was not turning it.
Harry, who was in the shop with Tom, in a spirit of mischief carried out the levers, used for the purpose, and pushed the wheel into place, and as it began to turn with the rushing waters, the entire tribe was set in commotion. Was this some new demon?
The boys enjoyed the effect produced. “Let us hitch up the sawmill and give them an additional lesson in the arts of civilization.”
The belt was attached, and as the saw began to reciprocate a piece of timber was put on the saw carriage and fed into the saw. The effect was startling to their audience, which was heightened when George opened the door of the house, and both boys rushed out to ascertain what the boys were doing.
“What are you doing?” asked Tom.