The second was a small package also, bearing a value mark, while the third was a money envelope addressed in a graceful feminine hand which caused Mark to exclaim:
“This is from my dear, good mother.”
He broke the seal, and within found a letter and one hundred dollars.
The letter he hastily read. It was as follows:
“Cliff Castle, Thursday.
“My Own Dear Son: I have had you in my mind ever since your last letter informing me of your triumphs in the sports allowed at the academy, and your determination to win the first honors of your class, though, as you state, young Clemmons, of B——, may be a dangerous rival.
“I fear that you will study too hard and make yourself ill, for well I know your determined nature to stop at no obstacle. My anxiety is such that I wish you to telegraph me of your health the moment you receive this, for I express my letter from B——, and have arranged to have your message sent to me as soon as it arrives. I shall be in suspense until I hear from you. I send herewith one hundred dollars, knowing that you will have use for money, now that your first year is about ending, and I can readily spare it, as your venture with your schooner has turned out most substantially, as I hinted in a former letter.
“Captain Crane is as honest as the day is long, and has paid me from the earnings of the schooner during the past year twelve hundred dollars as my share, and as the expenses of Peggy and myself are so modest, one-third the sum supplies our wants. Then, too, I have not had to touch the amount in bank, which you sent to me from the cruise to Norfolk, so, you see you can afford to use the money I send you. I have subscribed for a New York daily and anxiously read in it all naval news, so you see you are ever in my mind, my dear son. I suppose you will go upon a cruise for the summer, and I hope it will greatly benefit you after your year of hard study, also giving you a chance to see something of the world.
“Next year I shall try and pay you a visit. My health is excellent and Peggy is positively getting fat. Captain Crane and his boys always ask about you. I had no idea how many warm friends you had in B—— until I came here to-day. I am writing this letter at the hotel, and Miss Virgene, who is a lovely girl, asks me to send her best wishes and regards.”
There was a little more about home affairs and then Mark sprang to his feet.