Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1853-07-27
Cbuitf 4,itRratllrt.
From the American Union.
S1oo OR THE ANONYMOUS LETTER;
TALE OF CAMBRIDGE.
ny WARREN T. ASHTON
CHAPTER III.-ruE ANONYMOUS LETTER.
Dr WARREN T. ASHTON.

It was particularly unfortunate that Giles
Morton did not happen to be the possessor
of one hundred dollars at this interesting pc :
riod Of his existence 1t would have saved
him the trouble Of applying TO his govern
or for the sum not however, that the wor-
thy patriarch was over scrupulous about such
indulgences, for he was liberal, both in his
views aud with his purse, even to fault.
But somehow Giles had an underlined
dread Of being asked what he designed to do
with the money. He did not intend to say
anything about his proposed matrimonial re-
lations until after he had graduated and be-
ing senior, he was not destined to feed
great while on anticipation.
And then there was another circumstance
which particularly annoyed him just now
Lis father had for several weeks been nur-
sing suspicion that Giles was getting lit
tie dissipated-that he gambled now and
then, and induged in other fashionable vices
The old gentleman set his life by Giles,
and the suspicion was terrible. He began
10 thiEk he had oyer-indulgcd the boy, and
treated himself to great many Selfreproach-
es, in view Of his weakness.
Now as we hate mystery even in a news
paper story, we have not the least objection
to clearing up the young mans character be-
fore we proceed any further. The youth was
bold, free, and dashing but he was entirely
innocent of anything like dissipation.
But at the same time the old gentleman
was justified in lis suspicious, for he had
actually seen his son enter noted gaming
house but Giles had gone to save a friend.
Mr.. Morton was angry, and in fit Of i'll
nature soundly rated his son for the act
Giles was high strung, but he calmly stated
the motive that had actuated him. The faith
or was incredulous- refused to believe the
statement, aud Giles too independent to vim
dicate himself any further remained silent.
The impression was confirmed, and Mr.. Nor
ton wcpt in secret over the supposed pro-
figacy of the young man.
But few weeks partially healed the
wound, and the affectionate familiarity of
the parties was fully restored Unfortunate
ly for Giles he had incurred the hatred of a
william, who, with some sinister purpose in
view, seemed disposed to destroy the harmo-
NY which existed between the father and
son.
If there is anything in the world more par
tcularly mean aud dcspicablc than another,
it is an anonymous letter. Not even the
tendcrcst friend can be entirely proof against
the influence of the cowardly weapon. A
suspicion, If nothing mere, is kindled by il
"a suspicion, that may poison even the hear
ofiunocence itself, and sunder the bands O
the purest friendship.
Mr. Morton was seated in his private Of
fee. Among the letters that were handed
him from the post office, was a dirty enyel
ope, in which was inclosed a blank check
On the back of it was written charge g
gainst Giles, which appalled, the heart of th
devoted father 1t ran as follows:
Mr.. MoRToN-Sm Your son Gle
is in the daily habit of visiting the daughto
of poor woman in Cambridge. His pul
pose is base and wicked
-Tha -meroh hant- Ayapnad iha nanar and ual
ped for breath. He was good man, an
probably nothing seemed so vile and gross
as the crime with which tho writer of the pa
per charged his only son. 1t was in diret
confirmation of the terrible suspicious he ha
entertained, and though the miserable charg
was not sustained by even the name of tn
writer, his unhappy frame of mind prompte
him to believe it.
lie wrung his hands in agony. Giles, h
soU-his hcir-upon whom he had lavishc
all the wealth of bis patcrnal affection
Giles was villain
For an hour he wept in bitterness of spi
it over the fal! his noble boy The though
that the dirty scroll was the work of an en-
my, never occurred to him.
In the midst of his affiiction, Giles ente
ed the office to obtain the hundred dolla
Mr.. Morton looked at him his men W
not that of villain he did not blush
the presence of bis father.
Mr.. Morton spoke not his soul was
full for words.
Father, | want hundred dollars Il
morning said Giles, speaking in an ea'
confident tone, which, with his present fe
ings, quite amazed his father.
For what 2 asked Mr.. Morton, coldl,
must beg your indulgence on Il
point, father. do not wish to tell nc
but | assure you it is for good purpos c
one that you will cordially approve
Indeed T
You must trust me, this time, and
soon as the circumstances will permit, | W
Mr.. Morton paused to reflect. The thou;
that this money was designed to aid in
compishing his son nefarious purpose,
once presented itself But there was an
of sincerity in the young mans manner t
tended to disarm his suspicion.
will give him the money, and wa
him l will follow him to Cambridge,
discover the truth Of this charge, aud uu
the impulse Of the thought, he wrote a ch
for tho amount
But second thought caused him to
linquish the purpose 1t would be unwol
in him TO constitute himself a spy over
sons action he would be free and cal
with him.
II was not an easy subject to appro
and Mr. Morton was painfully embarra
Giles waited patiently to receive the che
but to bis astonishment, his father cru
it.up ard thrust it into bis pocket.