Soak the goose in cold salted water for 1 hour. wash in cold water, wipe with paper towel. Sprinkle inside with salt, ground onion and pepper, place apples in cavity. Rub outside of goose with margarine and salt, place bacon across breasts. Place goose on rack in pan. Roast at 350ºF. for 20 - 25 minutes per pound, basting every 20 minutes with fat from pan. Pour off fat occasionally. Remove bacon the last 30 minutes of cooking, apples may be removed if desired. Just before serving, barely warm Cognac or brandy, pour over goose and ignite. 8 servings