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

officers who say they have had a grey pony like yours in the stables of their regiment these last few days. Didn’t you say so, gentlemen?” “Yes, Monsieur Soyer!” said one, “but you must look sharp, for they are going to sell it to-morrow, if no one claims it.” “Many thanks for the warning. I will ride over directly. Pray, what is the number of the regiment?” “The 93rd--fourth division--near the Woronzoff-road. I am almost sure it is yours.” “Well, my son,” said Mrs. Seacole, “didn’t I tell you that it would be found?” “Really, Mrs. Seacole, I don’t know what I shall give you for the trouble you have taken in this affair. At all events, here is something on account,”--saluting her upon her deeply-shaded forehead, at which every one present laughed and joked. “Gentlemen,” said I, “I knew you would be surprised; though it is very natural for a son to kiss his mother. At any rate, you cannot say that, upon this occasion, I have shown my love and taste for the fair sex.” A hearty laugh concluded this innocent bit of fun. My guardsman, Thomas, who had continued his journey, had by this time nearly reached his destination. After a sharp gallop I caught him, and just in time to rescue the piece of beef he had carried safely so far. I found him drinking brandy with several of the French Imperial Guard, at their canteen; and he was exhibiting the choice piece, which I had wrapped up so carefully in a cloth and packed in a basket. It was the admiration of all who formed the merry group. They said to him, “Anglais roast-beef--bono Johnny.” This was all their conversation upon the subject previous to its capture, which I have no doubt would have been the case had I not made my appearance. Seeing the imminent danger in which the choice morsel was placed, and aware that nothing but a _ruse de guerre_ could rescue it from the hands of the enemy-- “Thomas,” said I, in French, “how dare you stop drinking in this way,