Wichita eagle., 1888-02-08
A TRUFFLED FRENCHMAN.
"a few trnmes- doctNr2N

tne past nItcen years.
But you used to be exceedingly fond
of them when l knew you long ago,
doctor"
Very true, bat cannot bear the sight
CT them since I was 'truIfied' myself"
A look Of puzzled surprise appeared on
every face.
1T is a melancholy story resumed the
doctor sadly, "and IS / have nothing more
important TO talk aboSt meantime, [ may
as Well tell it TO you now"
After moments silence, during which
he seemed to recall deeply painful rccol-
lections, the doctor began.
''You know that was attached to the
navy for many years as a physician. |
was around the world several times, and
] have experienced all sorts of curious and
dramatic adventures.
But it was in 1872 that met with the
most tragic of them all embarked at
that time Oh board the new frigate the
Lessive charged TO make cruise in the
eoutkern seas. We had splendid voy-
age.
Not single patient was on board
Hence. having nothing TO occupy my time
the days dragged heavily on me. The mo-
notony was almost unbearable My only
diversions were at mess.
Il always made it point to remain at
table as long as possible, first TO kill time,
and second for the pleasure of the meal,
as our cook was man Of renl genius in
aIs department. He had n special taste
All the concoctiOn of Mushroom sauce, such
as never knew before or since. An ape
Tlent. spicy, delicious sauce.
''He was, besides, very proud of his
superior merit in this respect and treated
us to his sauces as often as possible
With the sauces that he made one could
cat hen that had died of old age and
think it was spring chicken
The doctor ceased speaking for an in
stapt and smacked his lips il memory of
these past delicacies.
II ended by becoming a very intimate
friend or this talented cook he con-
tinued. His name was Amedee, and he
had been favored with an education
greatly above his position. We often
talked over oar voyages, science and the
art Of cookery, and we agreed with one
another on a variety Of matters.
AT length IL happened that one fine
evening in August the Lessiye cast anchor
before a beautiful green island, not even
as yet explored, as it does not figure on
the maps. We had no sooner stopped
than Amedee. wishing TO give the captain
q little agreeable surprise by serving up
sore fresh fruits, told Inc that he was
going ashore in the little boat known as the
cabbage packet, and lie invited me to ac-
company him. I accepted with pleasure,
and, without giving notice 10 any one,
we entered tine boat and soon reached the
shore. An hour afterward we We're
prisoners among a tribe of savages,
hideously painted and tattoed, and while
they led us away we had TO witness the
agonizing sight of the Lessive weighing
anchor and proceeding on her way"
DR. Patesson here cmptied a glass OF
champagne to calm the emotions excited
By so painful a reminiscence.
eve were expecting every moment to
be masSacred," he went on, "but they
contented themselves with putting us IN
the guard OF huge sort Of devil savage,
armed with ponderous club.
This unwelcome attendant did not
leave us for an instant during the night,
and we could see him at times smack bis
chops and rub his stomach in way that
but too clearly signitied that he expected
to make toothsome meal of both Of us
But they did not roast us either the
next day or in the following few days.
We afterwards learned that this respite
was solely due to the fact that owing TO a
recent victory, the larder Of the tribe was
abundautly supplied with prisoners OF
war
lone morning Amedee suddenly ut
tered CRY of JOY. He had just spied at
the foot OF a big tree a large number OF
excellent mushrooms. He filed his
pockets with them, and that same even
ing. after having gathered all the herbs
that he required, be cooked an opossum
with the famous sauce.
1--WE actually cried with JOY as we est
them. Our jailer, after having tasted
them, uttered such a cry ofpleased sur
prise, that he king, or chief rushed to
our presence. in less than five minutes
he had devoured all that remained on the
plate.
''On the following day Amedee despite
his horror and repugnance, was forced TO
cook prisoners leg in the same manner.
"While he was engaged in preparing
this horrible dish | was sitting sadly at
the foot OF tree. was thinking that
my friend was certainly saved ana that
was as certainly lost.
''lt was only question OF short time
until / should be fricasseed by the hand
OF my friend Amedee and eaten in mush-
room sauce.
"While musing on this unpleasant idea
was mechanically digging the soil with
piece of stick which he'd in my hand.
An exclamation OF surprise burst from my
lips. | had just turned up truffle, an
immense, sweet scented truf,ie, as fine as
any Of those of Perigord.
~ called Amedee, and having shown
him my discovery, we set 20 wcr,l dig
cing the soil We found that trun!es
abouuded n on all sides. That same even
ing the king dipea so surnptuously that
he wanted 10 pass fish bone through
Amedee's nose as compliment TO bis
culinary skill. ..r M.l aEtt
During the following week the entire
tribe did not eat less thar Eve times day.
Anedee. however wore q melancholy air.
- Listen TO me, doctor, he said at the
end of the eighth day, Il have bad news
for you. The stock Of prisoners is nearly
out and the kings chief minister. who
has been appointed my scullion, has given
me TO understand that you must be cooked
and trutlied.
" In order TO gain time l made him
understand by gestures that il would be
best to fret saturate you with trufies IL
side, so that VIXEN killed and cooked You
would have u fine truti,y favor. got two
weeks time in which 10 prepare you, and
during that ume you will have the conso-
la.iou of stui!ing Iourselt with truSies