Do you reckon Pegloe has
sufficient confidence to fill the jug again for us?"
But Mahaffy's expression indicated no great confidence in Mr.
Pegloe's confidence.
"Credit," began the judge, "is proverbially shy; still it may
sometimes be increased, like the muscles of the body and the
mental faculties, by judicious use. I've always regarded Pegloe
as a cheap mind. I hope I have done him an injustice." He put
on his hat, and tucking the jug under his arm, went from the
house.
Ten or fifteen minutes elapsed. Mahaffy considered this a good
sign, it didn't take long to say no, he reflected. Another ten
or fifteen elapsed. Mahaffy lost heart. Then there came a hasty
step beyond the door, it was thrown violently open, and the judge
precipitated himself into the room. A glance showed Mahaffy that
he was laboring under intense excitement.
"Solomon, I bring shocking news. God knows what the next few
hours may reveal!" cried the judge, mopping his brow. "Miss
Malroy has disappeared from Belle Plain, and Hannibal has gone
with her!"
"Where have they gone?" asked Mahaffy, and his long jaw dropped.
"Would to God I had an answer ready for that question, Solomon!"
answered the judge, with a melancholy shake of the head. He
gazed down on his friend with an air of large tolerance. "I am
going to Belle Plain, but you are too drunk. Sleep it off,
Solomon, and join me when your brain is clear and your legs
steady."
Mahaffy jerked out an oath, and lifting himself off his chair,
stood erect.
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