ROBERT STEPHENSON AND HIS FRIEND BRUNEL.

Temuka Leader, Issue 361, 10 March 1881, Page 3

ROBERT STEPHENSON AND HIS FRIEND BRUNEL.

A little incident is told to show the pleasant relations of the two men with each other. They were travelling together in a railway carriage, Stephenson wrapped in a dark plaid, on the exact disposition of the folds of which he somewhat prided himself. He saw Brunei regarding him with curious eye. “ You are looking at ray plaid,” said he : “ I’ll bet you ten pounds that you cannot put it on properly the first time.” — :c Very well,” said the other. “I have no objection to bet ten pounds ; but I won’t take your money. I bet ten pounds against the plaid . If I put it on right when we get out on the first platform, it is mine. If I miss, I pay you ten pounds.” “Done,” said Stephenson, and resumed conversation with Locke, who was also in the carriage. But Brunei sat in a brown study, andsaid not a word till they anived at the next station. “ Now, then, Stephenson give me the plaid to. try,” said he as he stepped on the platform. Robert Stephenson slowly unwound the garment. Brunei promptly wound it around his own shoulders, with as much composure fib if he had pulled on a great coat, “It ib a first attempt,” said he ; “ but I think the plaid is mine.” For many a day did he rejoice in its comfort. “But had you never tried it betore ?” said a friend. “No,” said Brunei ; “but when Stephenson challenged me, I was not going to give it up ; so I began immediately to study the fold, and to make out how he had put it on. I got the thing pretty clear in my head before we reached the station, and when I saw him get out of it I knew that I was right; so I pur it on at ouee.”