104 MEMOIR OF FLEEMING JENKIN 



necessary to feign a rage one does not feel. I 

 look upon it as the natural order of things, that if 

 I order a thing, it will not be done — if by accident 

 it gets done, it will certainly be done wrong : the 

 only remedy being to watch the performance at 

 every stage. 



' To-day was a grand field day. I had steam 

 up and tried the engine against pressure or resis- 

 tance. One part of the machinery is driven by a 

 belt or strap of leather. I always had my doubts 

 this might slip ; and so it did, wildly. I had 

 made provision for doubling it, putting on two belts 

 instead of one. No use — off they went, slipping 

 round and off the pulleys instead of driving the 

 machinery. Tighten them — no use. More strength 

 there — down with the lever — smash something, 

 tear the belts, but get them tight — now then, stand 

 clear, on with the steam ; — and the belts slip away 

 as if nothing held them. Men begin to look queer ; 

 the circle of quidnuncs make sage remarks. Once 

 more — no use. I begin to know I ought to feel 

 sheepish and beat, but somehow I feel cocky instead. 

 I laugh and say " Well, I am bound to break some- 

 thing down " — and suddenly see. " Oho, there 's 

 the place ; get weight on there, and the belt won't 

 slip." With much labour, on go the belts again. 

 " Now then, a spar thro' there and six men's 

 weight on ; mind you 're not carried away." — 

 " Ay, ay, sir." But evidently no one believes in 



