hy pedigree;
And if we separated be
Death's cord shall snap--
For I will ne'er abandon thee,
My old Scotch cap.

I reached Keighley safely; my parents again killed the fatted calf, and
right loyally did they welcome their prodigal son. I kept from the fact
that I had been a soldier while I had been away, and for a long time very
few people knew what I had really been doing during my three years'
absence from my native town. Everybody complimented me on my sleek and
robust appearance. In due course I applied to Mr Edwin Hattersley,
manufacturer, North Brook Works, for a job at warp-dressing, and he
readily provided me with one. For a few weeks I was made a sort of god of
among my friends.

CHAPTER XIII

BACK TO KEIGHLEY--I BECOME A VOLUNTEER

When I got home to Keighley, the authorities were busily engaged in
forming a corps of Rifle Volunteers in the town. The commanding officer
was the late Captain Busfeild Ferrand, of St. Ives, Bingley. I was asked
to enlist by sergeant (afterwards captain) Henry Wright (now magistrate's
clerk at Keighley), but objected at first, as each Volunteer had to
purchase his own clothing and accoutrements. However, I was told that if
I would join I should have my uniform, &c., free; and I believe I am
correct in stating that I was the first in the Keighley corps to have my
outfit on these terms. I became a Volunteer. At this time the gentry of
the town and district took a great deal more interest in the Volunteer
movement than they do to-day. Tradesmen, especially, readily joined the
corps, and it was not long ere the first Company was filled up, and a
second Company started in the town. Entertainments were frequently given
by the officers.

CAPTAIN BUSFEILD FERRAND GIVES A BANQUET

One of these popular functions was given by Captain Busfeild Ferrand. It
took the form of a splendid banquet, which was served at the Devonshire
Hotel by mine host and hostess, Mr and Mrs Cheeseborough. (Mr
Cheeseborough was subsequently the superintendent of police at Keighley).
The fact that the banquet cost the Captain over 1 pound per head may
afford some idea of the scale of its magnificence. The guests comprised
the gentry of the neighbourhood, and also many from a distance. Several
military officers of high rank were present--Colonel Wombwell, Captain
McMurdock, &c. The Rector of Keighley (the Rev. W. Busfeild) was among
the guests; also, his two sons, both o