Themes

Honesty and family honour

The central theme is the moral code of the Garoghlanian tribe — "famous for honesty for something like eleven centuries." Even in extreme poverty, the family will not steal or take advantage of anyone. This inherited honour is so strong that Mourad, though he keeps the horse for a month, cannot bring himself to steal it in the true sense, and finally insists it be returned to its rightful owner. John Byro's decision to trust the family's reputation over the plain evidence of his own eyes is the story's finest tribute to that honour.

Childhood innocence and self-justification

The boys' love of horses is so pure and overpowering that they persuade themselves keeping the horse is not really stealing — "It wouldn't become stealing until we offered to sell the horse." This gentle self-deception captures the innocence of childhood, where a strong desire is dressed up in comforting logic without any real intention to do wrong.

The bond between man and animal

Mourad's "way with a horse," his "simple and honest" understanding with it, his gentleness with a hurt robin, and his silent bond with John Byro's dogs all show a deep, instinctive harmony between the boy and living creatures. Tellingly, the horse is returned "stronger than ever" and "better-tempered" — the boys' care has done it good.

Nostalgia and the joy of being alive …