The life of George Stephenson, railway engineer - Lighthouse ...

CHAP. XXVII.] MR. STEPHENSON'S PUPILS. 341
whom, in the course of his useful career, he took by the hand
and led steadily up to honour and emolument, simply because he
had noted their zeal, diligence, and integrity. One youth ex-
cited his interest while working as a common carpenter on the
Liverpool and Manchester line ; and before many years had pas-
sed, he was recognized as an engineer of distinction. Another
young man he found industriously working away at his bye-
hours, and, admiring his diligence, engaged him for his private
secretary ; the gentleman shortly after rising to a position of
eminent influence and usefulness. Indeed, nothing gave Mr.
Stephenson greater pleasure than in this way to help on any
deserving youth who came under his observation, and, in his own
expressive phrase, to " make a man of him.''