Shuffles was powerful for good or evil, as he chose, and Mr.Lowington regretted that he had fallen from his high position, fearing that the self-respect which had sustained him as an officer would desert him as a seaman, and permit him to fall into excesses.
Shuffles was more dissatisfied and discontented than he had ever been before.

He had desired to make the tour of Europe with his father, and he was sorely disappointed when denied this privilege; for with the family he would be free from restraint, and free from hard study.

When he lost his rank as an officer, he became desperate and reckless.

To live in the steerage and do seaman's duty for three months, after he had enjoyed the luxuries of authority, and of a state-room in the after cabin, were intolerable.

After the cabin offices had been distributed, he told Monroe that he intended to run away that night; but he had found no opportunity to do so; and it was unfortunate for his shipmates that he did not.
"This isn't bad--is it, Shuffles ?" said Wilton, as the ship slowly ploughed her way through the billows.
"I think it is.