Outward Bound | Page 5

Lowington
took his leave, determined to apply to another tribunal for the
correction of the evil. That night the peach thieves were arrested, and
put in the lock-up. The next day they were tried, found guilty, and
sentenced to pay a fine and costs, which Mr. Baird promptly paid.
Within a week Mr. Lowington's stable was burned to the ground.
Shuffles was seen near the building just before the fire broke out; but it
could not be proved that he was the incendiary, though no one doubted
the fact. He was arrested, but discharged on the examination.
"You see how it is, Mr. Lowington," said the principal of the Academy,

as the two gentlemen met after the examination. "It would have been
better for you if you had not prosecuted the boy for stealing the
peaches."
"I don't think so," replied Mr. Lowington. "I must do my duty, without
regard to consequences; and you will pardon me if I say you ought to
do the same."
"If I expel the boy he would burn the house over my head."
"Then you think he burned my stable?"
"I don't know; it cannot be proved that he did."
"I have no doubt of the fact. I have no ill will against the boy. I only
desire to protect myself and my neighbors from his depredations."
"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.
Mr. Lowington did not expel the refractory pupil at