So I resolved to start on my own account the now well-known “Frame Vaudeville Touring Company.” That was my first great responsibility as ”boss.” My party consisted of Miss Isa Robertson, the distinguished Scotch vocalist; J. M. Hamilton, the Scottish Sims Reeves; J. N. Hodge, the popular sand dancer and negro comedian; and Augustus M‘Innes, accompanist.

Our instrument was a folding-up harmonium, which, when closed, went into small bulk. It had been all over America with the Moody and Sankey people. Still, in those days it served the purpose, unless in a big town, where we hired a piano. I well remember my first tour on my own. It was an anxious time for me I can assure you, but my business tact stood me in good stead.

We left St. Enoch Station, Glasgow, for Wigtonshire in the month of August, and found ourselves in Creetown on the Solway, on a Saturday night, when we gave a concert. My last song on the programme was “The Bobby.” The precentor of the Parish Church at the close of the concert asked me to conduct the psalmody on the Sunday, and I consented.

The congregation naturally gazed in surprise at me when I stood up in the desk, and, sounding the pitchfork, I took my key “Doh-te-la.” […] On leaving the church I overheard one of my Saturday night patrons say to a friend―“We were in charge of ‘The Bobby’ to day.” I was always a “doublehanded man,” or, as the old saying goes―”a handy man.”