could be loaded into sea-going ships. It was a very long line, compared
to any railway that had yet been constructed; but it was still only to
be worked by horse-power--to be, in fact, what we now call a tramway,
rather than a railway in the modern sense. However, while the plan was
still undecided, George Stephenson, who had heard about the proposed
scheme, went over to Darlington one day, and boldly asked to see Mr.
Pease. The good Quaker received him kindly, and listened to his
arguments in favour of the locomotive. "Come over to Killingworth some
day and see my engine at work," said Stephenson, confidently; "and if
you do you will never think of horses again." Mr. Pease, with Quaker
caution, came and looked. George put the engine through its paces, and
showed off its marvellous capabilities to such good effect that Edward
Pease was immediately converted. Henceforth, he became a decided
advocate of locomotives, and greatly aided by his wealth and influence
in securing their final triumph.

Not only that, but Mr. Pease also aided Stephenson in carrying out a
design which George had long had upon his mind--the establishment of a
regular locomotive factory, where the work of engine-making for this
particular purpose might be carried on with all the necessary finish and
accuracy. George himself put into the concern his precious L1000, not
one penny of which he had yet touched; while Pease and a friend advanced
as much between them. A factory was forthwith started at Newcastle on a
small scale, and the hardworking engine-wright found himself now fully
advanced to the commercial dignity of Stephenson and Co. With the
gradual growth of railways, that humble Newcastle factory grew gradually
into one of the largest and wealthiest manufacturing establishments in
all England.

Meanwhile, Stephenson was eagerly pushing on the survey of the Stockton