Steve was talking now, calling to his horse. He had nearly reached the packs when the stallion stopped his grazing again and turned his small, wedge-shaped head toward the boy. No fire burned in the large, glazed eyes and only his blown-out nostrils disclosed any of his former hatred for the figure who continued to track him. But after a short time his nostrils stilled and he went back to his grazing.

He knows me, Steve thought excitedly. He knows that I don’t mean him any harm, and that’s half the battle. If I could only follow through now by staying with him while he’s so tired. If only I hadn’t given my word to Pitch!

Steve’s eyes left the stallion and rested on the packs. In his own would be the first-aid kit. He could cleanse Flame’s wounds and prevent any possible infection. He wanted to take care of him so much!

But you promised Pitch, he reminded himself again. You told him you wouldn’t run after Flame, that you wouldn’t go to him.

But what if Flame comes to me? he thought. What if I stand still and call him and he comes? I won’t be breaking my word then.

You’re being silly, he told himself. He wouldn’t come to you, even now after all you’ve done for him.

Why wouldn’t he? Steve’s other self argued. He hasn’t run away, has he? He’s standing there, not even moving, while I walk over closer to him. He knows I mean no harm. He knows I’ve helped him. He would have moved away by now if he didn’t.

Steve turned to look at Pitch when he reached the packs. His friend was still standing in the same spot as though he had frozen in his tracks.

If only he had come with me, Steve thought, I could have asked him. I don’t want to turn back now. I want to stay here, close by my horse.

And all the time Steve continued talking, calling to the red stallion. Even though he thought of Pitch, wondering whether his friend had moved closer or not, he talked to his horse. And it seemed to him the stallion listened, for Flame paused more often in his grazing to turn to him.

Steve could hear Pitch calling, but he didn’t take his eyes off Flame. If Pitch would only come over, he could reason with him, ask him to release him from his promise. If ever there was a time to win the confidence of Flame, this was it! The horse was too tired, too beaten to move away. Flame would respond willingly to all the kindness he could offer him, Steve was certain.

But Pitch stayed and Steve could only remain still, talking to the stallion, hoping he would come to him.