“It will give me satisfaction to know exactly how he expresses himself in speaking of me.”
Ezekiel Snowdon opened his desk, and took out a letter postmarked New York.
“There is the letter,” he said, handing it to Bernard with a malicious smile. “Out of regard for your feelings I had not intended to show it to you, but since you desire it, I feel that I shall not be responsible for any wound your pride may receive.” Bernard did not answer this speech, but taking the letter tendered him, opened and hastily read it. This was the letter:
“Ezekiel Snowdon, Esq.:
“Dear Sir—I am in receipt of your letter, complaining of my ward, Bernard Brooks. You say you find him disrespectful and insubordinate, and upon this ground you ask me to increase the price I pay for his education. I am quite aware that he is a bad lot. You will do me the justice to remember that in placing him under your charge I did not seek to extenuate the boy’s faults. I told you that he was obstinate, independent, and headstrong. You told me that you had had great success in managing refractory boys, and were willing to undertake him. Under these circumstances I cannot feel that I am called upon to increase the remuneration agreed upon between us in the first place. Should you find him impudent, I shall not object to your inflicting upon him such punishment—even castigation—as in your opinion he may require. More money, however, I cannot pay you, as it draws heavily upon my resources to pay the amount already agreed upon.
“Yours respectfully,
“Cornelius McCracken.”
“Now I hope you are satisfied,” said Mr. Snowdon, as he received the letter back.
“I am satisfied that you have not misrepresented Mr. McCracken.”
“You see he gives me complete authority over you.”