“Hello, Tony,” Alec called as he made his way toward him. Some of the neighbors, their robes pulled hastily about them, were coming up the driveway. Then the sound of a police siren reached Alec’s ears. “Gosh,” he said as a police car turned into the driveway. “Tony, you’re all right, aren’t you?” he asked.

“Sure, he’s all right,” answered Henry, grinning. “The Black just surprised him.”

Tony only nodded. He was still too scared to speak. A small crowd gathered around them. “What’s the matter here?” asked the policeman as he got out of his car.

“Nothing serious, officer,” Henry spoke up. “I own this barn and took in another horse tonight, unknown to Tony here. They both sorta surprised each other—that’s about all there is to it.”

“That right?” the officer asked Tony.

Tony found his voice. “Si,” he said, “that’s-a right. I ver’ busy make-a better the harness sore on my Nappy when I look-a up and see heem. He sure make-a me the surprise all right.”

The crowd laughed at Tony’s comments. “Well,” said the policeman, “guess everything’s all right around here, then. Who owns the horse?”

“I do, sir,” Alec answered.

“You’re rather young to own a horse that does such a big job of scaring people.” The officer smiled.

“I just brought him to New York yesterday,” Alec replied. “He’s still pretty nervous, but he’ll get over it.”

“He sounds like quite a horse. Would you mind letting me take a look at him?” the policeman asked.

“Be glad to,” Alec said.

The small crowd moved forward, pushing Tony in front of them. Alec stopped at the door of the barn. “Most of you will have to watch from here,” he said. “Too many people will get him excited again.”

The Black neighed softly as Henry, Alec, Tony and the policeman approached the stall. Napoleon stuck his head over the stall door and neighed at the sight of Tony, who hung back. The Black still pawed at the floor of his stall. Alec rubbed his nose.

“He’s a beauty,” the policeman said. “I’ve always had a weakness for horses ever since I spent two years on the mounted force. Don’t know as I’ve ever seen one like this, though.” He paused, then after watching the Black a few minutes, he continued, “Yep, looks like everything’s okay around here—and I have to get back to the station. So long.” He left, taking the crowd with him.

Tony stayed in the barn with Alec and Henry. Gingerly he moved toward Napoleon, keeping one watchful eye on the Black. The stallion pushed his head forward. He neighed. “He likes you and Napoleon,” Alec said.

Tony reached a hand to the Black’s muzzle, then jerked it away quickly as the stallion shook his head. Alec and Henry laughed. “Si,” said Tony, “I like-a heem, too, after a while!”

A short time later, Alec once again climbed the stairs to his bedroom. Luckily his parents were both sound sleepers—it was better that they didn’t know of the commotion the Black had made.