big cities where we can get supplies, within driving reach, and our
grocers will have nothing to sell once their stock is exhausted. We're
living in the hope that the mobilization will last three weeks. That
will you do if it lasts longer? It never hurts to have a supply on
hand!"

"All my salt, sugar and gasoline has been put aside for the army. I was
ordered to do that this morning--but come around to the back door and
I'll see what I can do for you," said my amiable grocery-woman.

"That's pleasant," thought I. "No gasoline--no motor--no electricity!
Privation is beginning early. But why grumble! We'll go to bed with
the chickens and won't miss it!"

Madame Leger and I made out a long list of groceries and household
necessities, and she set to work weighing and packing, and finally began
piling the bundles into the trap drawn up close to her side door.

Our dear old Cesar must have been surprised by the load he had to carry
home, but Elizabeth and I decided that a "bird in the hand is worth two
in the bush," and one never could tell what astonishing "order"
to-morrow might bring forth.

How H. laughed when he saw us driving up the avenue.

"I didn't think you'd take me so literally," said he. "Why, war isn't
even declared, and here we are preparing for a siege!"

"Never mind," I returned, "you must remember that there are twelve
persons to feed, and we'll soon get away with all I've got here."