In the event of any vacancy in the office of clerk the Governor shall have full power to fill it by appointment as provided in Section 4-11-20. Until such vacancy be filled by appointment or election the judge of probate of the county shall take charge of the office and all of the papers therein, discharge the duties and receive the fees thereof, and be subject to all its liabilities as provided by law.
S.C. Code § 14-17-30