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. 



4 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 



