After a while Alec managed to slow him down a bit. The Black continued around the field at a gallop. Then he slackened into a trot. Alec had never been happier. Home at last—and with a horse like this! All his very own! He buried his head in the Black’s mane and wiped his hand across his eyes, drying the tears the wind had brought to them.

They approached the barn. Alec saw Henry Dailey leaning against the door watching them. He rode up to him and dismounted, catching hold of the stallion’s halter. “Morning, Henry,” he said. He felt the Black’s coat. “Not even wet.… What a horse, Henry! We’ve been going around that field like the wind! Did you see us?”

Henry didn’t move from the door but Alec saw his small gray eyes going over the Black inch by inch. “Sure, I saw you,” he said. “Son, I’ve seen a lot of horses in my day and rode my share of ’em, but I never saw one give any better exhibition than that!”

Alec beamed with pride. “He is swell, Henry, isn’t he? I still can’t believe he’s mine!” The stallion’s long neck reached down to the ground and he buried his nose in the green grass.

“Let him loose, Alec. See how he likes it,” said Henry.

“Do you think it’s safe?”

“He’s all right now. You gave him a good run. Besides he has to get used to being left alone, anyway.”

“Guess you’re right, Henry.” Alec unsnapped the lead rope from the halter. The stallion raised his head and his nostrils quivered. Suddenly he wheeled and trotted swiftly down the field.

Alec and Henry watched him. “It’s the first freedom he’s had in a long time,” said Alec.

“And he’s sure enjoying it.” Henry looked after the Black admiringly.

The stallion stopped and turned his great head toward them. He whistled softly.

“Boy, I’d love to see him on a track!” Henry said thoughtfully.

“You mean race, Henry?” Alec asked.

“Yep.”

Alec turned to the Black, who was now loping down the field again in an easy, graceful canter, his head turning from side to side. “It’d take a long time before he’d be safe on any track though, Henry.”

“Well, we have plenty of time, haven’t we, Alec?”

“We?” Alec stared at the small husky man beside him. “You mean, Henry, that you and I could do it?”

Henry hadn’t moved—his eyes still followed the Black around the field. “Sure, we can,” he said quietly, and then his voice lowered so that Alec could hardly hear him. “Never liked this business of retiring, anyway,” he said. “Not too old—still have plenty of good years left in me! This life’s all right for the Missus—she’s got enough to do to keep her busy, but I need action. And here I have it shoved right into my lap!” His voice grew louder. “Alec,” he continued, “I know we can make a champion out of the Black.” His face was wrinkled with excitement, his eyelids narrowed until they were only slits in his lined face.