She had all the elements of good and evil on board.

One fourth of the students were doubtless high-minded, moral young men, having fixed principles, and being willing to make great sacrifices rather than do wrong.

As good behavior, as well as proficiency in the studies, was an element of success in the ship, a large proportion of the positively good boys were in the after cabin.
Another fourth of the students were reckless and unprincipled, with no respect for authority, except so far as it was purchased by fear of punishment or hope of reward.

Occasionally one of this class worked his way into the cabin by superior natural ability, and a spasmodic attempt to better his condition on board.
The rest of the ship's company belonged to the indefinite, undecided class, floating more or less distant from the positive elements of good or evil.

They were not bad boys, for, with proper influences, they could be, and were, kept from evil ways.