f Murdocks
behind him. There was a famous staff in the family, originally owned
by William Murdock's grandfather, which bore the following inscription:
"This staff I leave in pedigree to the oldest Murdock after me, in the
parish of Auchenleck, 1745." This staff was lately held by Jean
Murdock, daughter of the late William Murdock, joiner, cousin of the
subject of this biography.

When William arrived at Soho in 1777 he called at the works to ask for
employment. Watt was then in Cornwall, looking after his pumping
engines; but he saw Boulton, who was usually accessible to callers of
every rank. In answer to Murdock's enquiry whether he could have a
job, Boulton replied that work was very slack with them, and that every
place was filled up. During the brief conversation that took place,
the blate young Scotchman, like most country lads in the presence of
strangers, had some difficulty in knowing what to do with his hands,
and unconsciously kept twirling his hat with them. Boulton's attention
was attracted to the twirling hat, which seemed to be of a peculiar
make. It was not a felt hat, nor a cloth hat, nor a glazed hat: but it
seemed to be painted, and composed of some unusual material. "That
seems to be a curious sort of hat," said Boulton, looking at it more
closely; "what is it made of?" "Timmer, sir," said Murdock, modestly.
"Timmer? Do you mean to say that it is made of wood?" "'Deed it is,
sir." "And pray how was it made?" "I made it mysel, sir, in a bit
laithey of my own contrivin'." "Indeed!"

Boulton looked at the young man again. He had risen a hundred degrees
in his estimation. William was a good-looking fellow--tall, strong,
and handsome--with an open intelligent countenance. Besides, he had
been able to turn a hat for himself with a lathe of his own
construction. This, of itself, was a sufficient proof that he was a
mechanic of no mean skill. "Well!" said Boulton, at last, "I will
enquire at the works, and see if there is anything we can set you to.
Call again, my man."

"Thank you, sir," said Murdock, giving a final twirl to his hat.

Such was the beginning of William Murdock's connection with the firm of
Boulton and Watt. When he called again he was put upon a trial job,
and then, as he was found satisfactory, he was engaged for two years at
15s. a week when at home, 17s. when in the country, and 18s. when in
London. Boulton's engagement of Murdock was amply justified by the
result