This final act appeared to be turning out so small and selfish in comparison with that other patriotic enthusiasm which was now dragging to sacrifice such great masses of men!...
While he was thinking it all over, a phrase which he had somewhere heard--formed perhaps from the residuum of old readings--began to chant in his brain: "A life without ideals is not worth the trouble of living." Ferragut mutely assented.

It was true: in order to live, an ideal is necessary.

But where could he find it ?...
Suddenly, in his mind's eye, he saw Toni,--just as when he used to try to express his confused thoughts.

With all his credulity and simplicity, his captain now considered his humble mate his superior.

In his own way Toni had his ideal: he was concerned with something besides his own selfishness.