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 once.

He waited for an overt act; but Shuffles found the anaconda of authority tightening upon him.