Quit the bluff game; it’s playing with fire. Call in the boys who are
behind in their work and settle up the matter of studies without any
reference to playing. Talk very little about what you are going to do in
checking up deficiencies. Do a few of these things and let the talk come
the other way. Hold out natural inducements to good work and spare the
threats for rare occasions. “Barking dogs seldom bite,” is an old saying
that applies to those fearsome teachers who forecast a terrible
punishment and then let the matter pass without further attention. Each
occurrence of a situation such as this is a loosened spoke in your wheel
of fortune. Don’t put yourself in the hands of a conspiracy by playing a
loose game in discipline.