Thus it would saw it through, from end to end, and then, by reversing the motion of the machinery, the log was carried back again.

The man would then move it a little to one side, just far enough for the thickness of the board which he wished to make, and then begin to saw again.

He moved the log by means of an iron bar with a sharp point, which he struck into the end of the log, and thus pried it over, one end at a time.

When the log was placed in its new position, the machinery was set in motion again, and the log was sawed through in another place, from end to end, parallel to the first sawing, leaving the width of a board between.

This process was continued until the log was sawed entirely into boards, except a piece in the middle, which it was necessary to leave of double thickness, and this answered for a plank.
Marco was much interested in watching this process, and when the sawing of this log was completed, and another log drawn up into its place, Forester introduced the subject of the boat.