The old bull apparently realized at last that he was in no danger from the human being who came to look at him at times, and he also was willing to call a truce.

Robert saw him often after that, and invariably hailed him with words of friendship, though at a respectful distance.

The old fellow would look up, shake his big head once or twice in a manner not at all hostile, and then go on peacefully with his grazing.

It pleased Robert to think that in the absence of his own kind he had a friend here, and--still at a respectful distance--he confided to him some of his opinions upon matters of importance.

He laughed at himself for doing so, but he was aware that he found in it a certain relief, and he continued the practice.
The dinghy became one of his most precious possessions.