"It was the beginning," says London, of a new life for White Fang, and it was the "ending of the old life and the reign of hate." Whereas White Fang had shown allegiance and loyalty to Gray Beaver, White Fang now feels growing within him a liking for Scott, and soon an affection for him, and finally a deep love for the man. As the days pass, White Fang's affection for Weedon Scott grows, and London tells us that "it was necessary that he [White Fang] should have some god. The lordship of man was a need of his nature." Ultimately, then, White Fang comes to tolerate even Matt, who is given the task of feeding him. But all of White Fang's loyalty and love is reserved for Weedon Scott alone. For example, when Matt tries to harness White Fang, he is unable to do so, yet White Fang allows Weedon Scott to place him in the harness, and White Fang becomes the leader of a dog team which both respects and admires him.
It is a custom of White Fang's to wait up for Scott to return to the cabin every night, and once, when Scott has to go away on a long journey, White Fang refuses to eat or even move from the cabin. He finally is on the point of dying when Weedon Scott returns, but within two and a half days, White Fang regains his strength and health. One night, not long afterward, Weedon Scott and Matt hear White Fang attack something outside, and upon investigating, they discover that White Fang has pinned down a man. It is Beauty Smith who has come back with a club and a chain, hoping to be able to steal White Fang.
In Part Four, then, London shows the wild, fierce, savage, and ferocious wolf being transformed by the healing power of love, represented by Weedon Scott. London seems to imply that any animal's psychology can be soothed if the animal is treated properly. The closing scene of this section, with the reappearance of the savage and cruel Beauty Smith, seems to imply that savage treatment evokes savagery and hatred, whereas love and compassionate treatment evoke loyalty and devotion.
