He had set a trap, but the vintner had not fallen into it.
"A fairy-story." The vintner nodded; he understood now.
Carmichael's glance once more rested on the vintner's hand.

He would lay another trap.
"What happened to her ?" "Oh," said Carmichael, "she spilled wine on a god one day, and they banished her." "It must have been a rare vintage." "I suppose you are familiar with all valleys.

Moselle ?" "Yes.

That is a fine country." The old man in tatters sat erect in his chair, but he did not turn his head.
"You have served ?" "A little.

If I could be an officer I should like the army." The vintner reached for his pipe which lay on the table.
"Try this," urged Carmichael, offering his pouch.
"This will be good tobacco, I know." The vintner filled his pipe.
Carmichael followed this gift with many questions about wines and vintages; and hidden in these questions were a dozen clever traps.