No other bottle had so insinuating a shape, so graceful a neck, so smiling a mouth, and such an irresistible-looking cork. As far as their external appearance was concerned they were faultless, so also was the brilliant and seductive-looking sideboard.
The thought arose in Peace’s mind, “Where do these dangerous bottles come from. Are they manufactured for the exclusive use of the members of this highly respectable and aristocratic club, or does some wealthy member make them a present to the establishment for the use of the delectable members thereof?”
This last hypothesis does not seem to be the correct one.
The brands on them are unknown to fame. None but a sporting man could recognise the name of the maker.
Are they supplied by an adventurous gentleman of the Hebrew persuasion, who finds enough supporters in the villainous world to employ spirit importers, manufacturers, bottle makers, and label printers? The aforesaid gentleman of the Hebrew persuasion is, of course, constrained in his multifarious business transactions to lend money at sixty per cent. occasionally—only occasionally—and then it must be to good men and true.
“What will you take?” said the captain. “Shall we have a bottle of sparkling?”
“My friend does not much care for champagne. If I might suggest, he would like some brandy and seltzer.”
“Yes, I should,” remarked Peace.
“Then we’ll have a pint of sparkling between us,” said Draper.
A waiter came forward and attended upon the three gentlemen.