The earl took the paper, and carefully tore it into strips about the size of a bank bill. Then he removed the bank bills from his wallet, put them in an inside pocket in his vest, and replaced them with strips of newspaper.
"It is a good plan to oppose roguery with artifice," he said. "Possibly this will help to circumvent the enemy."
Scarcely had he done this when Ralph's step was heard on the staircase, and a moment afterward there was a knock at the door.
"Open it, Scott."
There stood Ralph, smiling craftily.
"Have you drunk the whisky, gentlemen?" he asked. "Would you like to have me fill the pitcher again?"
"We shall not need any more, thank you," said the earl. "Perhaps you will kindly take the pitcher?"
Ralph looked into the pitcher, and his face indicated satisfaction. From the little that remained he felt assured that both his guests had drunk liberally.
"I hope you liked it," he said.