"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.