"Never mind, Doctor, he will be more polished next time you call here, depend upon it." And the Doctor departed.
Although Mr Bonnycastle was severe, he was very judicious.

Mischief of all kinds was visited but by slender punishment, such as being kept in at play hours, etc; and he seldom interfered with the boys for fighting, although he checked decided oppression.

The great "sine qua non" with him was attention to their studies.

He soon discovered the capabilities of his pupils, and he forced them accordingly; but the idle boy, the bird who "could sing and wouldn't sing," received no mercy.

The consequence was, that he turned out the cleverest boys, and his conduct was so uniform and unvarying in its tenor, that if he was feared when they were under his control, he was invariably liked by those whom he had instructed, and they continued his friends in after-life.
Mr Bonnycastle at once perceived that it was no use coaxing our hero, and that fear was the only attribute by which he could be controlled.
So, as soon as Dr Middleton had quitted the room, he addressed him in a commanding tone, "Now, boy, what is your name ?" Jack started; he looked up at his master, perceived his eye fixed upon him, and a countenance not to be played with.