“Next,” said Uncle Richard, “I have here a bottle marked A, containing so many grains of pure potash, dissolved in so many ounces of water—a strong alkaline solution in fact.”
More applause.
“In this next bottle,” continued Uncle Richard, “marked B, I have a strong solution of ammonia.”
“Another alkali?” said the Vicar.
“Exactly,” said Uncle Richard. “In this bottle, marked C, a solution of sugar-candy prepared with pure spirit. Can I have the pleasure of offering you a glass, Vicar?”
“Oh no, thanks,” was the reply. “I will not spoil the experiment by satisfying my desire for good things.”
“Will any other member of the audience?” said Uncle Richard merrily, looking round at Tom.
“I won’t, uncle, thankye,” said the lad. “You might have labelled the bottles wrongly.”
“Wise boy,” said the Vicar; “but, by the way, where’s the lump of beaten-out silver to be affixed to the glass?”
“Here it is,” said Uncle Richard, laying his hand upon the stopper of the fourth bottle, which held the same quantity of liquid as the others.