“Walk him around a few minutes, Alec,” Henry shouted.

Alec took the Black by the lead rope and started down the field. The stallion stepped lightly along, every once in a while throwing his hind legs in the air. Ten minutes later Alec led him back to Henry. “He isn’t so bad now,” he said.

“Hop on him then, and let’s see what happens.”

“Okay,” answered Alec, moving toward the left side of the stallion.

Henry gave the boy a boost and he landed in the saddle. A fraction of a second later he found himself flying through the air. The ground rushed up at him. Alec managed to draw his feet up under him and break his fall. He lay still a moment, his body aching. Henry rushed over and knelt down beside him. “Hurt, son?” he asked anxiously.

“Guess not, Henry. Just a little jarred.”

Henry ran his fingers over Alec’s legs. “Try getting to your feet,” he said. Alec pulled himself up. He was unsteady for a moment, and then his head began to clear. He saw the Black a few feet away. The stallion looked at him and then came forward. He pushed his nose into Alec’s side pocket. “Seems just like old times on the island,” Alec said. He turned to Henry. “Why does he throw me just because he has a saddle on his back?”

“Guess it’s just one of those things, Alec. You never know how a horse like this is going to act,” Henry answered. “He isn’t used to the saddle yet, and I don’t think he really knew you were on his back; all he could feel was that extra weight. Now this time talk to him like you always have before, let him know you’re getting on—guess we sort of sneaked up on him then. Let him feel your arms and legs.”

“Okay, Henry.” Alec once again went to the Black’s left side.

“Sure you feel all right?” Henry asked. “Want to wait a few minutes?”

“No,” replied Alec. He looked at the stallion and held the halter with his two hands. “Now listen, fella, take it easy!” The stallion shook his head, almost taking Alec off his feet.

Alec kept talking into the Black’s ear, and his hand ran up and down the stallion’s neck. Then he was in the saddle! The Black reared, but this time Alec was prepared. Up he went with the stallion high into the air, both hands grasping the Black’s mane. The stallion came down and bolted across the field. Alec leaned forward and kept talking to him. The stallion’s speed didn’t slacken, and Alec thought he was in for another ride like the one on the island. Suddenly he found that he was able to guide the stallion—he had control of him. He turned him away from the fence and up the field again. They swept past Henry, and Alec shouted, “Okay!” The stallion didn’t have room enough to run as fast as he wanted to, and after a short while, Alec managed to slow him down and bring him to a stop near Henry.