Then, one day, Lily was sitting at her desk doing her school. She happened to look out the window and saw Samuel galloping Black Knight around the pasture. Immediately the thought struck her. What if Samuel rode Black Knight? She instantly left for Leslie’s to tell her.

            When she heard of the brilliant plan, Leslie agreed very excitedly and immediately began planning the jockey colors. They would be emerald green and white silks since the jockey was from Ireland.

            But, there was one little detail forgotten. And that was asking Samuel if he would be the jockey. Lily forgot all about that in her rush to tell Leslie her plan and she had already gone and placed the order for the silks. Samuel happened to be at the post office while she was placing the order and wondered who it was that was the jockey. When Lily had finished and walked out, Samuel followed her and, when he’d caught up to her, asked, “Lily, who’s going to be the jockey?” That’s when Lily remembered that she hadn’t asked him to be the jockey. A little nervousness was in her voice when she said, “Well, Leslie and I thought that it would be nice if you would be the jockey. I know, I didn’t ask you first, but I think you’re a good rider and perfect for the job. Please say you will!” Samuel frowned and only said, “I’ll have to think on it” and walked away.

            For three whole weeks, Samuel kept Lily and Leslie in suspense. Finally, he came into Lily’s room where she sat doing school at her desk. “Lily,” he said seriously, “I need to talk to you.” She turned, “What is it?”

“I’ve been thinking about being a jockey.”

“Oh? And?”

“Well, I decided that I couldn’t do it.”

“Why? You’d be a perfect jockey!”

“Because I’m not the perfect jockey, that’s why.”

“Well, this would be a perfect chance for you to practice.”

“But, I’ve already made up my mind.”

“Oh, Samuel! I was so set on you being the jockey!”

“Don’t get too upset. You still have time to find a jockey.”

“But, you’re the only one who could get up on Black Knight’s back without him bucking you off. Nobody else, besides me, can do that.”

“Yes, there is.”

“Who?”

“Alan Kent”

“Who’s that?”

“The best rider in Ireland. He’s the manager’s nephew. He recently wrote to me from New York. He’s comin’ to see me, so maybe ye can ask ‘im to be that jockey.”

“Alright, but I don’t see how he’s going to be able to ride Black Knight.”

“You’ll see, Lily.”

           A month later, as Lily was helping her mother in the kitchen, a truck drove into the driveway. Lily looked out and saw a man hop out. Samuel raced up to him and they embraced, then the two walked into the house. “Lily,” said Samuel, “I’d like you to meet my friend, Alan Kent.” Lily smiled, “I’m pleased to meet you. My name’s Lily Starr.” Alan nodded to her and then Lily bade them sit down in the parlor while her mother poured some lemonade for them all.

            Not long after that, Lily and Samuel took Alan out to see the horses. They were both hoping that the man would ask to ride Black Knight so they could see how he would do. It wasn’t long until their wish was granted. The conversation between Alan and Lily went like this:

"Those are good lookin’ horses ye have here. Can ye tell me their names?”

“The tall red one is Prairie Fire…”

“A real beauty to be sure, but what’s the name o’ that tall black?”

“Oh, his name is Black Knight.”

“Black Knight. And what type of horse might ‘e be?”

“Pure Arabian.”

“Do ye have ‘is papers?”

“Yes, I do.”

“And ‘ave ye considered puttin’ ‘im in a race, Lily?”

“Yes, I actually was planning on it.”

“But?”

“But, we’re lacking a jockey. Samuel refused already and we don’t have the finances to pay for a good one, so we’re kind of in the ditch.”

“Well, why didn’t ye say so in the first place?! I’ll ride for ye!”

“Oh, good!”

“But, what’s the name o’ that wee pony? He looks familiar, but I can’t quite place ‘im. Sure ‘n’ he’s a strong lookin’ fellow.”

Here, Samuel took over the conversation with Alan.

“Ye don’t know what the name o’ the little pony is?”

“No, I don’t. Ye ‘ave to understand, I’m seein’ many ponies every day goin’ down into the mine, so I can’t remember the names of all of ‘em.”

“I’ll give ye a clue. The little girl went down into the mine durin’ a cave in, and ye thought she’d never come out.”

“Oh, I’m startin’ to get it. Another clue please.”

“She’s got an Irish name and ‘er mother was a little Dartmoor.”

“Oh, aye, I know who ‘t is now! Sheilah!”

“Aye, that she is!”

“Ach, an’ to think that I didn’t recognize ‘er meself!”

“Well, she does look different now. I cleaned ‘er up right well and she’s fattened out quite a bit.”

“She sure has. Now, back to that tall black. I’d like to ride ‘im if ye don’t mind.”

“Ye may, but best ye be careful. He’s nearly killed many a man.”

“Ah, that kind. Don’t worry, but thank ye for the warnin’.”

Alan walked out into the pasture and strode across to Black Knight.

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