Trygve made the mistake of appealing to standards which Olaf did not
possess, and which he was incapable of appreciating. The men who were
his ideals have perhaps never reached the Sixth Reader, nor did the
lumber jacks among whom he had grown up yield loyalty to any power that
was not material. To be strong enough to “lick” any adversary was his
highest ideal, as well as that of the girls and boys in whose eyes he
wanted to appear a hero.
There is no need for kindness to content itself with weakness. A giant
will can act with the greatest sympathy. If Trygve strengthens his
attitude and plays the part of a full grown man, he can win the
allegiance of everybody in school.