The Bear and the Two Friends. " Select Fables," 1784. 

 From the original block engraved by Thomas Bewick. Lent by the Rev. Mr. Pearson. 



CHAPTER IX. 



NEWCASTLE AGAIN. JOHN BEWICK. 



HORTLY after his arrival in Newcastle Bewick became partner in 



k — ' business with his former employer, Ralph Beilby. Although they 

 eventually separated, Bewick and Beilby lived together on terms of pleasant- 

 ness for many years. Beilby ever showed appreciation of his pupil's skill, 

 acknowledged it on many occasions, and was the first to bring him into 

 extended general notice by sending the woodcuts to the Society of Arts. 



Previous to the partnership Bewick had proposed to set up a workshop for 

 himself. He had been promised sufficient employment by London and other 

 friends, and he immediately commenced to work at wood engraving. Silver 

 chasing was also given to him by Newcastle tradesmen, and, everything 

 considered, the outlook of his personal position was not by any means dis- 

 couraging. Bewick called to see Beilby as one of his primary duties on 

 returning to Newcastle, so that they were on the best terms when, as Bewick 

 himself relates, a friend proposed that the former master and servant should 

 unite their respective talents and position, or perhaps it should be said, the 



