Question

Perrault was a French-Canadian, and swarthy; but Francois was a French-Canadian half-breed, and twice as swarthy. They were a new kind of men to Buck (of which he was destined to see many more), and while he developed no affection for them, he none the less grew honestly to respect them. He speedily learned that Perrault and Francois were fair men, calm and impartial in administering justice, and too wise in the way of dogs to be fooled by dogs.

—The Call of the Wild,
Jack London

What does this passage show about Buck’s new owners?

They are kind men and treat the dogs well.
They are respected for their fairness.
They are fast learners, like their dogs.
They are different from all other men.

Answer 1

They are respected for their fairness.

The passage says Buck “grew honestly to respect them” because “they were fair men, calm and impartial in administering justice, and too wise in the way of dogs to be fooled by dogs,” which emphasizes their fairness and wisdom rather than mere kindness or being merely different.