[Sidenote: 'Right-about wheel!'] The Colonel was not, however, always so successful as a speaker. An amusing incident is told of him when in command at Maryhill Barracks which shows that an eloquent man may not always have command of his tongue. One morning on parade he purposed giving the men an address, and from the demeanour of their colonel the men anticipated something eloquent. The genial Andrew, however, had only got the length of 'Men of the gallant 42nd,' when his tongue seemed to cleave to the roof of his mouth. Thrice did he make the attempt, and thrice did he fail to make progress, until, exasperated with himself, he suddenly exclaimed, to the astonishment of the regiment--'Men of the gallant 42nd, right-about wheel!' But while the Colonel was strong in politics and diligent in the discharge of barrack duties, he did not forget his old ancestral home at Niddrie. It was never his lot to make anything like a permanent residence at Niddrie House, but so long as he was stationed either at Maryhill or afterwards in Edinburgh Castle he embraced every opportunity of making short visits home; and when home he never failed to interest himself in the welfare of all in the neighbourhood. In the spring of 1893, being then in command in Edinburgh Castle, he had more frequent opportunities of being among 'his ain folk,' and taking a more active interest in their welfare than was formerly possible. It is with almost a smile we read of his being at home at that time, and attending a meeting mostly composed of miners and labourers in the Niddrie School, to present prizes to the members of the local Bowling Club, in whose success he took a lively interest. A social meeting held after this ceremony was heartily enjoyed by all present, the Colonel entering freely into the spirit of the occasion, making himself the gayest of {134} the gay and 'everybody's body,' among men, women, and children. As one has well said, 'he had a magnetism about him which not only made him the friend of all, but made all his friends.' It will be long before the people of Niddrie and New Craighall villages forget his kindness to them. One and all while he lived regarded him with pride, affection, and gratitude. Nor is this to be wondered at, for he held their loyalty and friendship by simple and unaffected acts of kindness and helpfulness, never making them feel that his friendship was an act of condescension, but rather the outcome of a warm heart and a generous nature. Their acknowledgment of his services when occasion arose was always spontaneous and sincere.