The Kimball graphic. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1905, 1890-12-19

cooD cRlNDsToNE SOUP
. War story In Which Two Union oNicera
Ffgure-After the viclsburg Surrender.

lE --~~ -
The day after the surrender of Vicks-
burg Colonel Eldridge and myself were
assigned quarters for the night in an
isolated house ON the road between
| Vicksburg and Haines' Bluff. We had
been skirmishing all day over the
rough Mississippi roads and were hun
CRY and tired. We at once laid siege
to the enenly's kitchen, where we were
confronted by the indignant family.
The personnel consisted Of a corpulent
old lady, two pretty daughters and Il
wrinklcl aunty. When they realized
that we had come for supper and lodg-
ing they retired excitedly to a r
of the kitchen, where they held a
council of war.
Look here!' said the colonel, some
what sharply, we are hungry. Quit
your Whispering and get us something
to eat.n
The mother stepped boldly from the
rank, aud confronting the colonel. an
nounced the melancholy fact that there
were no edibles about tho premises.
Give us anything" replied the FAM
ished colonel. 1--WE are not fastid-
| ious."
We'll, you see. sah," replied the
lady, impressively. first there were
our own soldiers; then came the Yam
KEGS yesterday, and between the two
they ate us out of house and home"
This is serious" said the colonel to
me in an undertone, and then aloud,
go out into the shed and bring me
an armful of wood"
Wondering what his scheme could
| IN I want MT into 41a ,ta,.l ,n ,,,
turned with u dozen large faggots.
The colonel heaped them upon tho ex-
piring embers on the hearth in one
corner Of the kitchen, where they soon
blazed up brightly. Then taking a
kettle to the pump, he filled it with
water aud set it on the fire to boil.
What are you going to do?n asked
the old lady.
MAKE soup!" was the colonel's la
comic reply. There was a small grind
stone Oh the dresser. This the col
onel laid In the kettle.
The enemy was beginning to mani
fest some interest in our culinary
operations.
What kind OBJ soup am dat gwine
to bepn asked the colored servant,
with a grin.
"Grindstone soup!" snapped the col
onel. He seized a ladle. and, lifting
the lid off the kettle, dipped out some
of the water and tasted it with great
gravity.
"H'm!" he cried, addressing ME,
mot yet strong anoughP Will you
please get another armful of wood?"
/ did as requested, to the consterna-
ton of the enemy, which saw its
meager stock of fuel burn away. After
a pause the colonel again raised the
lid to taste the mess.
'.Ah!" he said, smacking his lips
with satisfaction, that's something
iikel May l trouble you for a little
salt and pepperP"
Amid great tittering on the part OF
the Indies the condiments were brought.
That's q queer way OF making
soup!" cried one of the girls, with a
smothered gigglc.
Yes; its economical. Haye you a
little flour handyp"
After a moments hesitation the flour
was brought.
"And o q couple Of onions,
please"
There are no onions, sahr cried
the ihdy OF the house.
Then bring in some more wood,
George; the stone is not soft yet"
was just stnrting to tho door when
the commander stopped me.
Coming to think. | believe there
J are some onions left" she said meekly.
mildred. go and see.n
Mildred. the older daughter, disap.
peared aud returned after n while with
three fine onions. The colonel cut
them into bits. and with BETTING So
lelnnity stirred them into the soup.
could scarcely refrain from laughing.
And now, ma'am, a slice of good
fat bacon If you please" said the col.
onel.
This was too much for the enemy.
The old lady advanced. There was
lire in her eye.
you can't get another thing from
ual" she shouted. You Yankees
think You arc smart. There amt any
bacon in the house. and If there were
you wouldn't get It'll"
y Very WE'LL" replied the colonel
calmly. He gave me a look and l
brought in the rest of the wood.
Here's your pork" said the young
est daughter. angrily.
The day vas won. Ten minutes
afterward there stood on the table as
good and thick n soup Dis any OF us
ever tasted. The flavor of the grind
stone could not be Observation-Disclosures
thia Times.