My idea is that by the mere action of pouring out the wine takes up some of the poison, which I deem to be very strong, and thus becomes fatal as it enters the glass.' 'But surely the servant in attendance would wipe the mouth of the bottle ?' 'Very carelessly, perhaps.

And moreover he would be extremely unlikely to wipe off all the stuff; some of it has been ingeniously placed just on the inside edge of the rim.

Besides, suppose he forgot to wipe the bottle ?' 'Prince Eugen is always served at dinner by Hans.

It is an honour which the faithful old fellow reserves for himself.' 'But suppose Hans--' Racksole stopped.
'Hans an accomplice! My dear Racksole, the suggestion is wildly impossible.' That night Prince Aribert dined with his august nephew in the superb dining-room of the Royal apartments.

Hans served, the dishes being brought to the door by other servants.