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

“I shall at all times be happy to do everything in my power to render myself agreeable to you. Pray tell me, where are they all gone?” “To their camp, to be sure.” “What--regiments, horses, and all?” “Yes, the vessels alongside this morning have not only discharged their cargoes, but are, I believe, out of the harbour and anchored in the bay. We shall have two more in, which must be discharged to-morrow.” “This silence is almost inconceivable after so much noise and bustle.” “It is,” said the admiral. “I don’t understand those Sardinians, they speak so fast and loud; but they are fine fellows for all that, and no mistake.” The words were hardly out of his mouth, when two Sardinians attached to the commissariat came towards us, and inquired whether we understood French or Italian. I informed them that I spoke French. “Then, pray, sir, can you tell us where to find ce diable d’amiral Anglais?” “What do they say?” asked Admiral Boxer, addressing me. “Nothing particular,” I replied. “Gentlemen,” said I, turning to the Sardinians, “what could the admiral do for you? It is very probable that I shall have the pleasure of seeing him this evening.” The one who had as yet scarcely spoken exclaimed--“A truce to the pleasure! I wish I could get hold of him, I would tell him my mind in a few words.” “Pray be calm, gentlemen.” All this time Admiral Boxer kept asking--“What do they say? They are speaking about me, I know they are. Tell them they are a fine set of fellows, and I will do anything for them, but they must be out by to-morrow night.” “Very well; but first let me inquire what the row is all about.” “Do so.” “Now, gentlemen, what is it you want? for here is a person who can do as much for you as the admiral himself, and perhaps more.” “Ah, pray ask him, then.” “But you have not yet told me what you require.” “Eh bien!” they said, both speaking at once, “pray, my friend, ask this gentleman to tell