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Page 7
"I think you were very unfortunate in the method you adopted, Mr.
Lowington," replied the principal of the Academy. "It has reacted upon
yourself."
"Shall this boy steal my fruit and burn my buildings with impunity?"
added Mr. Lowington, with considerable warmth.
"Certainly not."
"I applied to you for redress, Mr. Baird."
"I told you I would talk with the boy."
"Such a reprobate as that needs something more than talk."
"What would you do with him, sir?" demanded Mr. Baird, earnestly.
"I hardly know. I should certainly have expelled him; but that, while it
protects the Academy, does not benefit the boy."
"It would only harden the boy."
"Very likely; and his remaining will harden a dozen more by his
influence. Mr. Baird, I shall be obliged to take my nephew out of your
institution," added Mr. Lowington, seriously.
"Take him out?"
"I must, indeed."
"Why so?" asked Mr. Baird, who was touched in a very tender place.
"Because I am not willing to keep him under the influence of such an
example as this Shuffles sets for his companions. As the matter now
stands, the young rascal has more influence in the Academy than you
have. You cannot manage him, and you dare not expel him. The boy knows
this, and he will not leave his advantage unused."
"I hope you won't take Harry out of the school," said Mr. Baird.
"I must."
"Others may do the same."
"I cannot help it; with my view of the matter, they can hardly do
otherwise."
"But you see, sir, what the effect of this step must be."
"Mr. Baird, I must be frank with you. You have declined to expel
Shuffles, while you know that his influence is bad. You asked me what
you should do? and I told you. Now, you prefer to retain Shuffles, but
you must lose others. Permit me to say that you should do your duty
without regard to consequences."
"I cannot afford to lose my scholars."
"Your position is a difficult one. I grant, Mr. Baird; but without
discipline you can do nothing for yourself or the boys."
Mr. Lowington went home, Harry was taken from the Academy, and a dozen
parents and guardians followed the example of the advocate for
discipline. Mr. Baird was in despair. The institution was falling to
pieces for the want of discipline. The principal had not the nerve to
enforce order, even with the limited means within his reach. He went to
see Mr. Lowington and begged him to assist in stemming the tide which
was setting against the Brockway Academy. The retired naval officer
became deeply interested in the subject of school discipline in general,
especially in its connection with the education of rich men's sons given
to insubordination. He pitied poor Mr. Baird in his perplexities, for he
was a good man and an excellent teacher.
In the mean time Shuffles grew worse instead of better. Finding that he
could have his own way, that the principal was no match for him, his
influence for evil was stronger than Mr. Baird's for good. The worthy
schoolmaster had finally resolved to expel his troublesome student,
when Mr. Lowington one day surprised him by offering to buy out the
Academy at a price far exceeding its value. He gladly accepted the offer
as the best solution of the problem, and the naval officer became
principal of the Brockway Academy.
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