The following is one of such stories, illustrative of one phase of Mr.
Brassey’s character—his strict adherence to his word, under all
circumstances.
When the “Sambre and Meuse” was drawing towards completion, Mr. Brassey
came along as usual with a staff of agents inspecting the progress of the
work. Stopping at Olloy, a small place between Mariembourg and Vireux,
near a large blacksmith’s shop, the man, a Frenchman or Belgian, came
out, and standing up on the bank, with much gesticulation and flourish,
proceeded to make Mr. Brassey a grand oration. Anxious to proceed, Mr.
Brassey paid him no particular attention, but good naturedly endeavoured
to cut the matter short, with “Oui, oui, oui,” and at length got away,
the Frenchman apparently expressing great delight.
“Well, gentlemen, what are you laughing at, what is the joke?” said he to
his staff as they went along.
“Why, sir, do you know what that fellow said, and for what he was
asking?”
“No, indeed, I don’t; I supposed he was complimenting me in some way, or
thanking me for something.”
“He _was_ complimenting you, sir, to some tune, and asking, as a souvenir
of his happy engagement under the Great Brassey, that you would of your
goodness make him a present of the shop, iron, tools, and all belonging!”
“Did he, though! I did not understand that.”
“No sir, but you kept on saying, ‘Oui, oui, oui,’ and the fellow’s
delighted, as he well may be, they’re worth £50 or £60.”
“Oh, but I didn’t mean that, I didn’t mean that. Well, never mind, if I
said it, he must _have_ them.”
It must be borne in mind, that at that time, at best, Mr. Brassey knew
very little French, and his staff were well aware of the fact.”
Sep. 13, 1872.