How the beans were cooked.
When we were removed to the stockade, after the flag of truce disappeared, I was asked how I expected to cook these beans.
That soon became evident.
I dug a hole or flue in the sand under one of our tents.
To secure fuel was the next stept.
That was not difficult.
As I walked near the pine poles forming the stockade, I picked up the bark which lay around.
By carrying in frequently a small quantity at a time and concealing it under my coat or in my pockets, a supply soon accumulated.
The beans were put to soak overnight in an old
coffee-pot that we had managed to get in some way. In the morning, when it was foggy and when I thought a little smoke coming from our tent would not be noticed, I built a fire in the hole prepared for it and put on the beans in the
coffee-pot.
Having soaked them the night before, little time was required to cook them.
In the meantime, I lay close to the dirt floor of the tent so that as little smoke as possible might get into my eyes.
This plan was followed every day as long as the beans lasted.
Every man in our mess greatly enjoyed the new dish.
