Oor ain folk times

258 JAMES AND THOMAS
England. He recently retired with the honorary-
rank of Lieutenant -Colonel ; and one of the London
dailies in noting the fact comments as follows on
10th April 1891 —
' This resignation deprives the volunteer service of
a very able officer, who has always taken very great
interest in its welfare, and has displayed much activity
and energy in supporting the movement. We believe
that Major Inglis now resigns because he is of opinion
that it will be to the interest of the service if he makes
room for younger and more active men. We may add
that the gallant officer served in the Queen's Edinburgh
Rifle Brigade from 1860 to 1866; and in the London
Irish Rifles (Hon. Colonel H.R.H. the Duke of Con-
naught, K.P., etc. etc.) from 1867 until now. We have
no doubt the regiment will much regret the severance
of his connection with it.'
As to myself little need be said. I have been
repeatedly urged to tell the story of my life which
has been full of adventure and change. Perhaps I
may some day. It has been one long record of mercies
and kindnesses ; and though at one time, I believe,
sundry shortsighted critics predicted that I would
come to no good, and put me down as ' the minister's
black sheep,' there were not wanting kindly hearts
who responded with the more cheering prophecy that
I would yield ' as good a clip ' as any of them in the
long-run. 'So mote it be.'
Thomas Chalmers, the next to myself, is the only
bachelor of the family. He learned the trade of a
practical engineer. Graduating in the village black-
smith's shop, then in a local millwright's, he after-