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.
"You were very kind to think of us," rejoined the earl, avoiding a reply to his question.
"No, we shall not need any more. I think you said it would make us sleep sound?"
"I think you are right. I can hardly keep my eyes open," and the earl yawned ostentatiously.
"Yes," he said, "I am sure you will have a good night's sleep. I will remember to call you at seven. I won't stay any longer, for you must wish to retire."
"Now," said the earl, when the coast was clear, "we must decide what to do."
"We will lie on the bed, but it will be better not to undress. We must be prepared for any contingency."
"Shall I move the bureau against the door?"
"No. We will try to keep awake for an hour. My opinion is that our friend will make us a visit within that time."
Though the two travelers had not removed their clothes, they covered themselves up with the quilt, in order to deceive anyone entering the room. Then they lay and waited.
It was perhaps ten minutes less than the hour when they heard the door softly opened. In the half light they saw Red Ralph enter. He had removed his shoes, and was walking in his stocking feet.
The earl had hung his coat from a nail just behind the door.
Ralph saw it, and at once began to search the pockets. He only glanced carelessly at the bed, for he felt sure that the potion had done its work, and that both his guests were asleep.
In the side pocket he found the wallet. He uttered an ejaculation of satisfaction, and quickly transferred it to his own pocket.
He could not very well examine it in the darkness. But he could tell from the feeling that it was well filled, and naturally concluded that the contents represented a large sum of money.
Having got what he wanted, he withdrew as quietly as he came, carefully shutting the door behind him.
When he had gone, Scott broke the silence.
"What will he do when he discovers that the wallet is stuffed with waste paper?"
"Probably he will be angry, and feel that he has been defrauded."
"Do you think he will make us another visit?"
"If he does, and complains of the deception, it will involve a confession that he is a thief. I confess I don't know what to anticipate."