"We can take the props from them," said Mr. Lowington.
"You must go a step farther than that; you must search the berths and lockers for cards, dice, or other gambling implements. Even then you will not have struck at the root of the evil."
"What is the root of the evil?" asked the principal.
"Money, sir!" replied the doctor, with unusual energy.
"That is said to be the root of all evil," added Mr. Lowington, with a smile.
"Among boys, money does more injury than we can comprehend. A college friend of mine was wholly spoiled by his allowance of money. His purse was always full, which made him the prey of dissolute persons. He always had the means of gratifying his appetites, and is now a sot, if he is living. He began to drink, gamble, and dissipate generally, before he entered college: he was expelled in a year. Without money, as a boy, he would have been saved from a score of temptations. Every boy on board this ship has a pocket full of sovereigns for his European expenses. They are all young nabobs, and if you ever let them go ashore, you will have your hands full, Mr. Lowington. They will drink beer and wine, visit bad places, gamble and carouse. While they have plenty of money, you can hardly prevent them from being a nuisance to you and to themselves."
"There is a great deal of force in what you say, Dr. Winstock."
"Money will be the root of all evil to these boys, most emphatically. Those who are disposed to gamble will do so while they have money."
"The inference to be drawn from your remarks is, that the students should not have pocket money."
"Most decidedly that is my opinion. If I had a son, I wouldn't allow him a penny of pocket money."