Then all in a
flash he remembered Fentress and the meeting at Boggs', something
of how the evening had been spent, and a spasm of regret shook
him.
"I had other things to think of. This must never happen again!"
he told himself remorsefully.
He was wide-awake now. Doubtless Pegloe had put him to bed.
Well, that had been thoughtful of Pegloe--he would not forget
him--the City Tavern should continue to enjoy his patronage. It
would be something for Pegloe to boast of that judge Slocum Price
Turberville always made his place headquarters when in Raleigh.
Feeling that he had already conferred wealth and distinction on
the fortunate Pegloe the judge thrust his fat legs over the side
of his bed and stood erect. Stooping he reached for his clothes.
He confidently expected to find them on the floor, but his hand
merely swept an uncarpeted waste. The judge was profoundly
astonished.
"Maybe I've got 'em on, I don't recall taking them off!" he
thought hopefully. He moved uncertainly in the direction of the
window where the light showed him his own bare extremities. He
reverted to his original idea that his clothes were scattered
about the floor.
He was beginning to experience a great sense of haste, it was two
miles to Boggs' and Fentress would be there at sun-up. Finally
he abandoned his quest of the missing garments and turned to the
door. To say that he was amazed when he found it locked would
have most inadequately described his emotions.
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