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

was impossible for me to return to camp that evening, the captain and Mr. Crockford offered me a bed on board. I of course jumped at the offer. About one o’clock we were drinking a parting glass, when a boat was heard approaching the vessel, and a voice called out-- “_Alar_ ahoy! Is Monsieur Soyer still on board?” “Yes,” was the answer. In a few seconds, a gentleman, whom I recognised as my friend Captain Brown of the _Ottowa_, stepped on board. “Hallo, captain!” I exclaimed, “what ever has brought you on board at this time of night?” “I will tell you. They have sent for you from head-quarters, and you have been sought in all directions. Captain Ponsonby has been looking everywhere for you. A grand déjeûner is to be given to-morrow in honour of General Lüders’ visit. I happened to hear of it where I dined and knowing the _Alar_ had returned with you on board, I have come to inform you that your aid is required. By the bye, you were suspended a long time this morning between wind and water: I made so sure you could not hold on much longer, that I had one of my sailors ready to jump over and pick you up.” “Thanks, captain, for two eminent services in one day. I cannot, however, go to head-quarters till morning, as I have no pony at Balaklava.” “All right,” said he. “Call upon Major Ross in the morning; he will let you have all you require.” “At daybreak I will be there.” “Mind, the lunch is to be ready at two o’clock.” “I shall not be able to assist much, as there will hardly be time to turn round. However, good-night, captain, and a thousand thanks.” “I’m off in a few hours for Constantinople,” he called out from his boat, “and shall be back in a week. Good-bye.” The sentinels, as usual, cried--“All’s well.” I must say, I did not think it was all well with me. “What can I do,” said I to myself, “for an event of historical importance?” Neither Mr.