"Our friend is unusually attentive," said the earl, with a glance at the pitcher.
"Yes; perhaps we have misjudged him."
"Perhaps, but I am not sure. Scott, will you hold the candle?"
He took the pitcher and peered into it attentively, rather to Scott's surprise. Then he poured out a small quantity, and tasted it.
"I hope you will excuse me from drinking, Mr. Grant," said Scott. "I promised my father I would never drink whisky."
"Even if you did indulge, I should not advise you to drink any of this."
"Why not? Is it of poor quality?"
"I am quite confident that it is drugged. It has a peculiar taste, and I detect minute particles of some foreign substance which has been mixed with it."
"Poison?" asked Scott, looking startled.