Bud rubbed his face against the colt's nose and said: "Put in your best licks, old fellow." And the colt whinnied.

How a horse must want to speak! For Bud was right.

Men are gods to horses, and they serve their deities with a faithfulness that shames us.
Then Ralph sprang into the saddle, and the roan, as if wishing to show Bud his willingness, broke into a swinging gallop, and was soon lost to the sight of his master in the darkness and the snow.

When Bud could no more hear the sound of the roan's footsteps he returned to the house, to lie awake picturing to himself the journey of Ralph with Shocky and the roan colt.

It was a great comfort to Bud that the roan, which was almost a part of himself, represented him in this ride.