The fire started by Luini devastates the only cornfield that Romeo's family has left. Romeo's family rush to the field to try to save the domestic animals, but Roberto injures his head while leaping out of the flames. After this tragic incident, Roberto's injury worsens and a rumor about Roberto intending to sell Romeo to the god of death spreads in the village. Then, after an argument with his father, Romeo runs away from home and hides in Anita's barn, where he hears that Roberto is not his real father. Meanwhile, Luini approaches Roberto and pressures him to sell his son.

In Milan, Romeo and Alfredo are sold as chimney sweeps to different bosses, having to separate, but not before swearing eternal friendship. Romeo is taken by Rossi, his buyer, to his house, where he will start a new life.

Romeo watches from the rooftop of a house that one of the Wolf Pack members is ambushed by another gang of boys, but then the rest of the pack appears and a fight breaks out, wich is won by the Pack boys. Anselmo, who was not present during the fight, is seen by Romeo while he devises a plan to gain recognition from the rest of the pack members.