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.