CHAP. XVII. TRAVELLING INCIDENT. 393 



Mr. Stephenson was now anxious to be in England. 

 During the journey from Madrid lie often spoke with 

 affection of friends and relatives ; and when apparently 

 absorbed by other matters, he would revert to what he 

 thought might then be passing at home. Few inci- 

 dents worthy of notice occurred on the journey home- 

 ward, but one may be mentioned. While travelling 

 in an open conveyance between Madrid and Vittoria, 

 the driver urged his mules down hill at a dangerous 

 pace. He was requested to slacken speed ; but sus- 

 pecting his passengers to be afraid, he only flogged 

 the brutes into a still more furious gallop. Observing 

 this, Mr. Stephenson coolly said, "Let us try him on 

 the other tack ; tell him to show us the fastest pace at 

 which Spanish mules can go." The rogue of a driver, 

 when he found his tricks of no avail, pulled up and pro- 

 ceeded at a moderate rate for the rest of his journey. 



Urgent business required Mr. Stephenson's presence 

 in London on the last day of November. They travelled, 

 therefore almost continuously, day and night ; and the 

 fatigue consequent on the journey, added to the priva- 

 tions voluntarily endured by the engineer while carrying 

 on the survey among the Spanish mountains, began to 

 tell seriously on his health. By the time he reached 

 Paris he was evidently ill, but he nevertheless deter- 

 mined on proceeding. He reached Havre in time for 

 the Southampton boat ; but when on board, pleurisy 

 developed itself, and it was necessary to bleed him 

 freely. During the voyage, he spent his time chiefly 

 in dictating letters and reports to Sir Joshua Walmsley, 

 who never left him, and whose kindness on the occasion 

 he gratefully remembered. His friend was struck by 

 the clearness of his dictated composition, which exhibited 

 a vigour and condensation which to him seemed mar- 

 vellous. After a few weeks' rest at home, Mr. Stephen- 

 son gradually recovered, though his health remained 

 severely shaken. 



