Herald_. In the _Railway Official Gazette_ was a
column devoted to short reviews of new books which were sent to the
editor. For a time, from some reason or other, I undertook this
reviewing. Possession of the books was the only recompense, though for
all other work payment in money was made. It was a daring thing on my
part and I am sure many a reader of the paper must have smiled at my
criticisms. I forget why I soon gave up the duty; probably from
incompetence, for I am sure I was not at all qualified for such a task;
but what will the audacity of youth not attempt? This journalistic work
occupied much of my spare time, but it supplemented my income, a
consideration of no little importance, for in October, 1876, I had
entered the married state. My wife came from the Midlands of England. My
friends became her friends, and other friends we made. Children soon
appeared on the scene; my bachelor days were over.

Societies amongst the staff of a railway company, whether for the purpose
of physical recreation, for mutual improvement or for social enjoyment
are to be much commended. The assembling together of employees of
various ages, filling various positions, from the several departments,
from different districts, freed from business, and mixing on equal terms
for common objects, promotes good feeling and good fellowship, provides
pleasant memories for after life, gives a zest to work, and adds to the
efficiency of the service.

Amongst all my fellow clerks I remember one only who resembled as a
borrower some of my quondam associates at Derby. But this was in
Scotland where more provident ways prevailed. He was a married man,
about 30 years of age, with a salary of 100 pounds a year. By no means
what one would call a nice fellow, he had nothing of the _bonhomie_ or
light-hearted good nature that distinguished my Derby friends. He
possessed a good figure, wore fierce moustaches, and affected a military
air. One suit of well-made, well-cut clothes by some means or other he
managed to keep in a state of freshness and smoothness nothing short of
marvellous. Borrowing was his besetting sin, and he was always head over
ears in debt. Duns pursued him to the office and he sometimes hid from
them in a huge safe which the office contained. It was a wretched life,
but he brazened it out with wonderful effrontery, and, outwardly, seemed
happy enough. From all who would lend he borrowed, and rarely I believe
repai