coat of arms of the Cavendish family), and
all the necessary accessories. This was all done "on strap." For our
first performance we gave the comedy "Time tries all," and there was a
large and influential gathering, including Mr Birkbeck, banker, of
Settle, and party. Mr Birkbeck afterwards invited the society to repeat
the performance at his residence. The proceeds of our first entertainment
were 14 pounds, and performances on two other nights brought the sum up
to 40 pounds. It was not long before we had raised 80 pounds and this was
sufficient to discharge all expenses incurred in erecting and fitting up
the stage, purchasing costumes, &c. The society continued to prosper.
Military plays were generally chosen for representation, such as "The
Roll of the drum" and "The Deserter." At last, certain difficulties arose
which sealed the doom of the society, and the organisation soon dropped
into decay. The stage, &c., were allowed to remain, and the hall was let
to travelling theatricals and other companies. The dramatic society and
the reviews which the Volunteers occasionally attended at London, York,
Doncaster and Liverpool all tended to make my connection with the
Volunteer corps very pleasant and enjoyable; and I can truly say that in
those days it was regarded a great privilege to be a Volunteer. My
membership of the Keighley corps extended over fourteen years, and would
not then have been severed but for my removal to Bradford. Perhaps I may
wind up my Volunteering history with a few verses which I penned on the
death of Captain Irving of the Surrey Volunteers:--

Gone is poor Irving, the brave Volunteer--
The soldier, the man, is now on his bier;
He was with you all round, as well as the ranks,
Full of wit, and good humour, and frolicsome pranks.

He could mimic the Cockney at home or abroad,
He could shoulder a rifle or handle a sword;
His word of command would put you all right;
He could talk to a stranger from morning to night.

But, alas! he is gone, and we now mourn his loss,
For he's gi'en up his sword at the foot of the Cross.
And if there's an army wherever he's gone,
We know that brave Irving is second to none.

CHAPTER XV

IN SEARCH OF EMPLOYMENT

During my service in the Volunteer corps, I had my ups and downs in
connection with securing that employment which is necessary for one's
maintenance. I gave up my work at Mr Edwin Hattersley's, warp-dresser