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. Breathing deep, he fell back a step or two, and
then with all the vigor he could muster launched himself at the door.
But it resisted him. "It's bolted on the other side!" he muttered, the
full measure of Pegloe's perfidy revealing itself to his mind.

He was aghast. It was a plot to discredit him. Pegloe's hospitality had
been inspired by his enemy, for Pegloe was Fentress' tenant.

Again he attacked the door; he believed it might be possible to force it
from its hinges, but Pegloe had done his work too well for that, and at
last, spent and breathless, the judge dropped down on the edge of his
bed to consider the situation. He was without clothes and he was a
prisoner, yet his mind rose splendidly to meet the difficulties that
beset him. His greatest activities were reserved for what appeared to be
only a season of despair. He armed himself with a threelegged stool he
had found and turned once more to the door, but the stout planks stood
firm under his blows.

"Unless I get out of here in time I'm a ruined man!" thought the judge.
"After this Fentress will refuse to meet me!"

The window next engaged his attention. That, too, Pegloe had taken the
precaution to fasten, but a single savage blow of the stool shattered
glass and sash and left an empty space that f