er, and hope for better times. The two companies
forming the detachment, numbering about a couple of hundred men, reached
Hamilton all right. Within a short distance of Hamilton, is Bothwell and
its famous Castle; and during my stay in the locality I paid frequent
visits to Bothwell Castle and Bothwell Bridge, at which latter place Sir
William Wallace defeated the English in battle. I also visited the
magnificent residence of the Duke of Hamilton.

IN CHARGE OF DEFAULTERS

I remember that on the first evening of our arrival in Hamilton I had
under me twenty or thirty soldiers, who were on the defaulters' list in
consequence of being absent from barracks the night previous to our
leaving Edinburgh. They had to all intents and purposes been out in the
city bidding their acquaintances good-bye, and had taken too long a time
over it. For this misdemeanour they were confined to barracks at
Hamilton. I assembled the men in front of the officer's quarters, and
said, "This is our first evening here and a grand evening it is. I should
very much like to visit the town, and I have no doubt that you would.
Now, I have a proposal to make if you will all stand by me."--"We will,"
they shouted in one voice. "I propose," I continued, "to see the captain,
and if you will promise that during your stay in Hamilton you will not
commit yourselves, I will try to get you dismissed from defaulters'
drill, so that you can go out and enjoy yourselves." They readily
expressed their willingness to carry out the promise. I then made for the
officers' room, and was admitted into the captain's presence. "Well, what
is your wish this evening?" he inquired. "A great favour, captain," I
replied, "not only for myself but for those men outside. There are over a
score defaulters, and they wish to speak a word with you." "Where are
they?" said the captain. So I brought him outside before the men. He
heard their case stated, and then asked, "Do you all promise that if I
dismiss you from pack drill you will not misbehave yourselves during your
short stay in this town?" Of course the promise was promptly given; but
promises, like pie crusts, are easily broken. Well, every one of the
defaulters was dismissed, and sent to his own quarters. They then went
out of the barracks and had a pleasant look round the town.

A DESPERATE AFFRAY WITH THE POLICE

All went wisely and well for three weeks, at the end of which period
there was a desperate affray b