Due to the injures suffered during the fire, Roberto's condition worsens to the point of going blind if he is not treated urgently. However, the family's financial situation prevents them from paying for the services of Baresi, the only doctor in the area. Romeo, aware of the situation, secretly signs a contract with Luini to go to work in Milan as a chimney sweep in exchange for the latter bringing the doctor to treat his father. The contract will be for six months, so Luini would be back to the village in spring. However, Anita hears that no children sold in Milan have returned.

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.

Spring has fallen and Romeo's contract with Maestro Rossi is over. It is time for Romeo to say goodbye to Milan and return home in Sonogno. Some of his friends have already left, while others still have to stay a while longer. Professor Casella offers to drive Romeo and the other boys halfway to their home towns along with Bianca. Before leaving, they visit Alfredo's grave one last time, where they meet the Wolf Pack.