CHAPTER III.
ENGINE-MAN AT WILLINGTON QUAY AND KILLINGWORTH.
Sobriety and Studiousness.--Removal to Willington Quay, and Marriage.--Attempts a Perpetual-motion Machine.--William Fairbairn, C.E., and George Stephenson.--Ballast-heaving.--Cottage Chimney takes fire--Birth of his son Robert.--Removal to West Moor, Killingworth.--Death of his Wife.--Appointed Engine-man at Montrose.--Return to Killingworth.--Appointed Brakesman at West Moor.--Is drawn for the Militia.--Thinks of Emigrating.--Takes a contract for Brakeing.--Improves the Winding-engine.--Cures a Pumping-engine.--Is appointed Engine-wright of the Colliery. 121