“Yes. How did you manage it, Mr. Howard?”
“By letting him see that I was his friend.”
“There’s a good deal in that,” said Phineas, thoughtfully. “But Peter’s a hard case. I didn’t think you could manage him.”
“There is a good side to every one, if you can only find it.”
“You won’t have any more trouble now, Mr. Howard. Peter has been the ringleader in all school disturbances, and now that you have won him over all will go smoothly.”
Phineas Morton’s prediction was verified. For the remainder of the day, and for weeks to come, Peter exhibited an astonishing change. He studied well, and began to improve rapidly in his studies. He was a boy of good capacity, but had been perversely unwilling to exert himself hitherto. Walter encouraged him in every way, and strove to make him ambitious. He carried out his promise, and taught Peter what he knew of boxing, sending to a neighboring large town for boxing gloves. Peter learned rapidly, but Walter also profited by the practice he obtained, and kept a slight superiority over his pupil.
So matters stood when Walter gained some information that led to important results.
CHAPTER XXVIII
A FORTUNE AT STAKE.
After his victory over Peter, Walter had no further trouble. Peter had always been at the bottom of all opposition to the different teachers who from time to time had been employed, and he had been instrumental in getting rid of more than one. Now he was converted into a friend and supporter of the administration, through Walter’s pluck and judicious management, and things went on smoothly. It was the general testimony that not for years had such an interest been manifested in study by the pupils, or the discipline been more gentle, yet effectual, in securing order. Our young hero won golden opinions from all.