In Chapter 25, Palmer has a wonderful day in which he is relaxed and happy. The day dissolves into emotional distress. What happens to make Palmer nervous and upset? What two parts of Palmer's personality come into conflict?

The day is going well until, on the way home from school, Nipper flies over to Palmer and lands on his head. Palmer is forced to pretend he hates pigeons, shakes the bird away from himself, and tells the gang he would whack the pigeon were he to see it again. Once again, Palmer's softer side comes in conflict with his preteen boy side; he is a kind and gentle boy who has befriended boys who are often unkind and even cruel.