Beefsteak and Onions

Have a steak well hacked; over this sprinkle pepper, salt, and a little flour. Into a very hot spider drop one teaspoonful of lard; when melted, lay in steak; pour over this two tablespoons boiling water, and cover steak with four good-sized onions, sliced very thin. Cover quickly and cook five minutes; then turn all over together, and cook five minutes longer. Care should be taken that the onions do not turn. Take up on hot platter; place onions on top of meat, and serve immediately.