But this time, the servant was
nowhere to be found. The doctor struck a light and looked for
clothes; they too, were gone.--It was twelve o'clock, and the
doctor's clothes, hat, boots, and even his watch, were nowhere to
be found. Here was a pretty dilemma for a doctor to be in. It was
some time before the physician could fit himself out so as to mike
the visit. At last, however, he started with one of the
farm-horses, for Sam had taken the doctor's best saddle-horse. The
doctor felt sure that the, negro had robbed him, and was on his
way to Canada; but in this he was mistaken. Sam had gone to the
city to attend a ball, and had decked himself out in his master's
best suit. The physician returned before morning, and again
retired to bed but with little hope of sleep, for his thoughts
were with his servant and horse. At six o'clock, in walked Sam
with his master's clothes, and the boots neatly blacked. The
watch was placed on the shelf, and the hat in its place. Sam had
not met any of the servants, and was therefore entirely ignorant
of what had occurred during his absence.
"What have you been about, sir, and where was you last night when I
was called?" said the doctor.
"I don't know, sir. I 'spose I was asleep," replied Sam.
But the doctor was not to be so easily satisfied, after having been
put to so much trouble in hunting up another suit without the aid
of Sam. After breakfast, Sam was taken into the barn, tied up, and
severely flogged with the cat, which brought from him the truth
concerning his absence the previous night.
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