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.