In the course of time, more and more of the ship work came in my way.

Indeed, I seemed to obtain the preference.

Fortunately for us both, my superior obtained an appointment of a similar kind on the Tyne, at superior pay, and I was promoted to his place.

The Thomsons had now a very fine shipbuilding-yard, in full working order, with several large steamers on the stocks.

I was placed in the drawing-office as head draughtsman.
At the same time I had no rise of wages; but still went on enjoying my twenty shillings a week.