"But must the neighborhood suffer from his depredations?"
"I will talk with the boy; I will keep him in his room for a week."
"I'm afraid the boy needs severer measures. If this were the first, or even the third time, I would, not say so much."
"The boy needs strict discipline. If I were still in the navy, and had him aboard my ship, I could make a man of him."
"Something must be done, Mr. Baird. My garden shall not be robbed with impunity."
But the owner of the stolen fruit was by this time satisfied that nothing would be done. The principal of the Brockway Academy had not force nor influence enough to control such a boy as Shuffles. Mr. Lowington took his leave, determined to apply to another tribunal for the correction of the evil. That night the peach thieves were arrested, and put in the lock-up. The next day they were tried, found guilty, and sentenced to pay a fine and costs, which Mr. Baird promptly paid. Within a week Mr. Lowington's stable was burned to the ground. Shuffles was seen near the building just before the fire broke out; but it could not be proved that he was the incendiary, though no one doubted the fact. He was arrested, but discharged on the examination.
"You see how it is, Mr. Lowington," said the principal of the Academy, as the two gentlemen met after the examination. "It would have been better for you if you had not prosecuted the boy for stealing the peaches."
"I don't think so," replied Mr. Lowington. "I must do my duty, without regard to consequences; and you will pardon me if I say you ought to do the same."
"If I expel the boy he would burn the house over my head."
"I don't know; it cannot be proved that he did."
"I have no doubt of the fact. I have no ill will against the boy. I only desire to protect myself and my neighbors from his depredations."
"I think you were very unfortunate in the method you adopted, Mr. Lowington," replied the principal of the Academy. "It has reacted upon yourself."
"Shall this boy steal my fruit and burn my buildings with impunity?" added Mr. Lowington, with considerable warmth.
"I applied to you for redress, Mr. Baird."
"Such a reprobate as that needs something more than talk."
"What would you do with him, sir?" demanded Mr. Baird, earnestly.