WASHINGTON -- Chief Justice William Rehnquist was hospitalized briefly with a fever Thursday. It was the second emergency treatment for the 80-year-old ailing justice in two months.

Rehnquist was treated at and released from Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington, Va. That's the same hospital where he spent two nights for observation and tests in July also after running a fever.

Supreme Court spokesman Ed Turner said Rehnquist was evaluated and allowed to go home.

The chief justice has thyroid cancer, and his latest health problems will almost certainly renew questions about whether he's well enough to remain on the court.

Rehnquist has refused to disclose specific details about his illness, but in July issued a statement pledging to remain on the job.

There was a lot of speculation earlier in the summer that Rehnquist might retire.

On the last day of the most recent Supreme Court session, Rehnquist struggled to talk. He breathed heavily as he thanked court employees for their work over the past year, then adjourned the term.