CHAP. V.] Einlists in the Rifles. 93 
ally do not know, unless it was from a desire to possess the 
butterfly.” 
Looks were exchanged between the officer and corporal, 
when the former, calling Edward aside, said to him, “I 
dare say, young man, you are not aware that the crime 
which you have committed against military discipline is a 
very severe one. This constant disobedience to orders 
must be put a stop to. But as this is your first offense, 
and as these ladies have interceded for you, I shall endeay- 
or to obtain your acquittal, in the hope that you will close- 
ly attend to your duty in future.” Addressing the corpo- 
ral, he added, “Take him back to the ranks, and tell Ser- 
geant Forbes that I will speak to him about this affair.” 
This was Edward’s first and last military offense, and he 
served out the rest of his time with attention and dili- 
gence. 
Edward disliked returning to his trade. His aversion to 
it was greater even than before. He disliked the wages, 
which were low; but he still more disliked the manner in 
which the masters treated their men. They sometimes 
kept them idle for days, and toward the end of the week 
they would force them to work night and day in order to 
finish their jobs. Edward liked his militia life much bet- 
ter; and, in order to get rid of the shoe-making, and con- 
tinue his soldier’s life, he enlisted in the 60th Rifles. When 
his mother heard of the decision he had come to, she ex- 
pressed herself as strongly opposed to it; and, working 
upon the young man’s feelings, which were none of the 
hardest, he at last promised not to go, and arrangements 
were made to get him off. Thus ended Edward’s military 
career. 
Before he left Aberdeen, he assisted his father as beadle 
(or pew-opener) in the North Church, King Street. He 
continued in this office for about two years. He liked the 
occupation very well, and was sorry to leave it, when he 
finally left Aberdeen to settle at Banff. 
