At the time when his garden was invaded by the vandal students from the Brockway Academy, he was still thinking what he could do to save himself from the inglorious life of ease he was leading, and, at the same time, serve his country and his race.
Shuffles had robbed his garden of some of his choicest fruit; had struck his nephew a severe blow on the head, and threatened to inflict still greater chastisement upon him in the future.

Mr.Lowington was justly indignant; and his own peace and the peace of the neighborhood demanded that the author of the mischief should be punished, especially as he was an old transgressor.

It was absolutely necessary that something should be done, and the retired naval officer was in the right frame of mind to do it.

Just then, when he was wrought up to the highest pitch of indignation, his anger vanished.

Shuffles at sixteen was the counterpart of himself at fifteen.
This was certainly no reason why the hand of justice should be stayed.
Mr.Lowington did not intend to stay it, though the thought of his own juvenile depravity modified his view, and appeased his wrath.