Final Answer:
Mourad is carving his initials on the side of the rock when Aram comes running.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the story "The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse" by William Saroyan, this scene occurs when Aram finds Mourad near the rock on his family's land. At this moment, Mourad is engaged in a rather defiant act of carving his initials on the rock, symbolizing his desire to leave a lasting mark and assert his presence. The act of carving initials is often associated with a sense of ownership or personalization, and in this context, it reflects Mourad's rebellious spirit.
As Aram approaches, the narrative unfolds to reveal Mourad's reluctance to disclose the truth about the stolen horse. The act of carving serves as a backdrop to the unfolding drama and adds depth to Mourad's character, showcasing his complexity and inner conflicts. The scene is pivotal in understanding Mourad's motivations and sets the stage for the moral dilemma faced by the two characters later in the story. The juxtaposition of Mourad's seemingly innocuous activity with the underlying tension contributes to the narrative's richness and captures the essence of the characters' relationships.