ne, 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 resistance. One part of the machinery is driven by
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
something 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 the plan. 'Hurrah, round she goes--stick to your spar. All right,
shut off steam.' And the difficulty is vanquished.

"This, or such as this (not always quite so bad), occurs hour after
hour, while five hundred tons of coal are rattling down into the holds
and bunkers, riveters are making their infernal row all round, and
riggers bend the sails and fit the rigging:--a sort of Pandemonium, it
appeared to young Mrs. Newall, who was here on Monday and half choked
with guano; but it suits the likes of me.

"_SS. Elba, River Mersey, May 17._

"We are delayed in the river by some of the ship's papers not being
ready. Such a scene at the dock gates. Not a sailor will join till the
last moment; and then, just as the ship forges ahead through the
narrow pass, beds and baggage fly on board, the men, half tipsy,
clutch at the rigging, the captain swears, the women scream and sob,
the crowd cheer and laugh, while one or two pretty little girls stand
still and cry outright, regardless of all eyes.

"These two days of comparative peace have quite set me on my legs
again. I was getting worn and weary with anxiety and work. As usual I
have been delighted with my shipwrights.