[pg 3]
CHAPTER I.
SPUD TAMSON ENLISTS.
The Glesca Mileeshy was a noble force, recruited from the Weary Willies and Never-works of the famous town of Glasgow. It was also a regiment with traditions, for in the dim and distant past it had been founded by 1000 heroic scallywags from out of the city jails. These men were dressed in tartan breeks and red coats, given a gun and kit, shipped straight to the Peninsula, and on landing there were told to fight or starve.
"We'll fecht," was their unanimous reply, and fight they did. Inured to hardships, they quickly adapted themselves to the tented field, and early displayed a thirst
[pg 4] "Ay—I waant tae jine the Mileeshy."
"Which Militia?"
"The Glesca Mileeshy, of coorse."
"Very well, come with me, and I'll get you a Field-Marshal's baton," said the sergeant with glee, for this recruiter was feeling thirsty and much in need of his half-crown fee. He led Spud into the recruiting office, and told him to strip.
"When did you have a bath last?"
"Last Glesca Fair," answered Spud, quite unashamed of his nigger-like skin.