He knew Fess was the one being who couldn't lie to him.

Then he turned Fess and rode off into the night.

A single bar placed over the center of the field is a fess.

The children glanced at one another, trying to find the right way to break the news to Fess.

Fess said, "It is not as though they have never been apart from you."

"All the evidence does seem to point in that direction," Fess agreed.

He'd have to wait a little while for the truth; it took Fess's perceptions a few minutes to clear.

Because, said Fess's voice,he has heard the song say it.

Fess was silent, and Rod decided not to press the point.

"But in this case, we do not know exactly where the center is," Fess reminded him.

"But you do not believe it is his calling," Fess interpreted.

Rod took time for a quick glance back at Fess.

"He is old enough to care for himself," Fess protested.

"It would seem we have found the loser in a fight over a female," Fess said.

Separating the two is the red and white checked fess, as above.

He pulled on the reins, but Fess refused to turn.

"We might build a shelter," Fess suggested as they came back out.

Fess leaped out into the road, blocking them with his huge body.

You should, with a hundred feet to spare, Fess assured him.

"I should think he is sustained by the beliefs of the people all about him," Fess put in.

"The difference is merely a matter of scale," Fess pointed out.

Fess saw the white all around his eyes and knew the agony of soul for what it was.

"And in the process, learned that they can depend upon one another absolutely," Fess agreed.

Rod was on his feet and darting over to Fess.

It was out onto the highway then with Fess scrambling up behind them.