Grindley knew that he had a better intellect than Maxwell; and yet he allowed Maxwell to snub him, and he toadied Maxwell in return.

It was not on the score of riding that Maxwell claimed and held his superiority, for Grindley did not want pluck, and every one knew that Maxwell had lived freely and that his nerves were not what they had been.

I think it had come from the outward look of the men, from the form of each, from the gait and visage which in one was good and in the other insignificant.

The nature of such dominion of man over man is very singular, but this is certain that when once obtained in manhood it may be easily held.
Among boys at school the same thing is even more conspicuous, because boys have less of conscience than men, are more addicted to tyranny, and when weak are less prone to feel the misery and disgrace of succumbing.

Who has been through a large school and does not remember the Maxwells and Grindleys,--the tyrants and the slaves,--those who domineered and those who submitted?
Nor was it, even then, personal strength, nor always superior courage, that gave the power of command.