"The sherry wine ?" he said, in tones of deep feeling, holding the decanter up to the light.

"Hoo do I know but what it may be corkit?
I maun taste and try.

It's on my conscience, as an honest man, to taste and try." He forthwith relieved his conscience--copiously.

There was a vacant space, of no inconsiderable dimensions, left in the decanter.

Mr.Bishopriggs gravely filled it up from the water-bottle.