With a glance of inquiry at the abbot, I took out my pocket corkscrew, and drew the cork of the gin-bottle, which had never been opened.

I signed for a cup.

They brought me one, reverently.

I poured out a little gin, to which I added some soda-water, and drank first of it myself, to show them it was not poison.

After that, I handed it to the chief Lama, who sipped at it, sipped again, and emptied the cup at the third trial.