STEPHENSON'S COTTAGE AT WJiLINGTON QUAY. [By R. P. Leitch ] 



CHAPTER IV. 



ENGINEMAN AT WELLINGTON QUAY AND KILLINGWORTH. 



G-EORGE STEPHEXSON had now acquired the character 

 of an expert workman. He was diligent and observant 

 while at work, and sober and studious when the day's 

 work was over. His friend Coe described him to the 

 author as "a standing example of manly character." 

 On pay-Saturday afternoons, when the pitmen held 

 their fortnightly holiday, occupying themselves chiefly 

 in cock-fighting and dog-fighting in the adjoining fields, 

 followed by adjournments to the " yell-house," George 

 was accustomed to take his engine to pieces, for the 

 purpose of obtaining " insight," and he cleaned all the 

 parts and put the machine in thorough working order 

 before leaving her. His amusements continued to be 

 principally of the athletic kind ; and he found few that 



