Soyer's Culinary Campaign: Being Historical Reminiscences of the Late War.: With The Plain Art of Cookery for Military and Civil Institutions

which, when its principle has been fully explained, I have no doubt you will, with Lord Raglan, approve.” “Monsieur Soyer, I have no doubt that, as regards cooking, you are a very clever man; but if you could manage to cook a dinner out of nothing, you would be more clever still.” “Not having tried the experiment, I really cannot say whether I could do so or not; but I will try, and then report progress to your Excellency.” A hearty laugh from all present terminated this _petite plaisanterie_. This brought to my mind the story of a very promising schoolboy, who, when asked by a learned man whether he could speak Latin, replied, “I cannot tell, sir.” “Why can’t you tell, my boy?” “Because I never tried, sir,” was the answer. “At all events,” I continued, addressing Omer Pacha, “you will perceive that if I cannot make something out of nothing, I am able to do a great deal with a little, which in war-time is a very important matter.” “Very true; but pray show me the interior of this little model.” Having shown and explained the apparatus, Omer Pacha admitted its practicability, and, after giving me a few hints on the Turkish system of camp cookery, retired, followed by his staff, wishing me every success. Lord Raglan met Omer Pacha in the passage, and they exchanged a few words, which I could hear bore reference to the subject we had discussed. I was leaving, when Lord Raglan re-entered. “So you are going, Monsieur Soyer?” “Yes, my Lord. I fear my visit has been too long.” “No, not at all--this is rather a quiet day, and before you go I wish you would be kind enough to look at my kitchen.” “I shall be most happy to do so.” “Do you know my cook?--his name is Armand--he is not a _cordon bleu_, but he is a good man, and does his best with what he can get.” “The French proverb _à la guerre comme à la guerre_ is very applicable to the circumstances--nay, rather too much so to permit