The judge shook the jug, it gave forth an empty sound, and he sighed again; he attempted to peer into it, closing one watery eye as he tilted it toward the light.
“I wonder no Yankee has ever thought to invent a jug with a glass bottom,” he observed.
“What for?” asked Mahaffy.
“You astonish me, Solomon,” exclaimed the judge. “Coming as you do from that section which invented the wooden nutmeg, and an eight-day clock that has been known to run as much as four or five hours at a stretch. I am aware the Yankees are an ingenious people; I wonder none of 'em ever thought of a jug with a glass bottom, so that when a body holds it up to the light he can see at a glance whether it is empty or not. 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.”