The first thing I did after I became a real live mountebank was to start on a tour in the south of Scotland and various coast towns, with my old comrade W. T. Rushbury, who was impresario, baritone, and pianist, for two seasons. In those days we commenced in September, and our starting place was Stranraer, thence through Galloway.

The company consisted of four persons―Mrs. Rushbury, Charles Stewart, the famed Scotch tenor, who was one of the best vocalists of his day, and who afterwards joined the Carl Rosa Opera Company, Mr. Rushbury and myself. You can guess we had each plenty of work to do to fill in two hours.

Still we managed splendidly. I myself sang in no fewer than fourteen items―took part in quartettes, trios, and duets, besides singing eight humorous songs. Think of that ye warblers! and I am still alive to tell the tale and sing on.