Samuel smiled down at Lily and asked, “Well, what’re you goin’ to name ‘er?” Lily thought a moment and then announced, “Her name is Dannsair. Her mama’s Irish Lassie, so I think she should have an Irish name and that’s the best one for her.” Samuel frowned, “What does Dannsair mean?” Lily laughed at his puzzled look, “It doesn’t mean anything bad. It’s Gaelic for “dancer”.” Samuel nodded in understanding and then looked at the little filly. Just at that moment, she kicked up her heels and pranced right out to the paddock. Lily laughed and Samuel grinned, “I guess that’s what her name should be. She likes it. Dannsair; the little Irish filly.”

As the days went by, Dannsair proved to live up to her name. She never walked far without prancing and she always was kicking up her heels and whinnying. All the little foals around her would join her and soon they’d break out into a run. The mares stood watching for some time and soon got bored. Most mares did. They soon were grazing peacefully.

            The stallions, on the other hand, and especially Black Knight, would gallop along near the fence close to them. Black Knight was always encouraging the little foals to challenge each other to race. Dannsair was nearly always the first to do so and always won.

            One day, Lily decided to see just how fast the little filly could run beside her father. So, she put Dannsair into Black Knight’s pasture with the tall stallion. He tossed his mane and snorted when he saw the little intruder, but he wasn’t hostile. The filly stood completely still for a moment watching the magnificent stallion coming near her, but then she galloped toward him. Soon, Black Knight challenged the little one to a race. They started at the north end of the pasture. Black Knight was ahead for some time, but the little filly gained speed until she was right beside him as they turned at the south side of the pasture.

They charged back up to the north and Black Knight stretched out. Dannsiar stayed right behind him all the way back to their starting place. Lily was amazed at the speed of the little filly and wondered what she would be like when she got older.

            Maybe Dannsair would be another Black Knight.

The

End

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            Lily was very happy to have so many horses. She’d always wanted horses ever since she could remember and now that dream was fulfilled. Her mother lived with them in her own house on the other side of their land. She’d wanted it that way because she wanted her children to have their privacy. But, she was very glad to have them over whenever they wanted to come. Jedidiah lived in his own house on the West side with his dog, Harry. The two were quite happy together and Jedidiah was especially glad because he no longer had to go very far from his house to work. All he had to do was keep the horses well cared for; with Lily and Samuel’s help, of course.

            Every week, Lily and Samuel would go to town and get the supplies they needed. Luckily, they didn’t need to buy feed because Mrs. Starr had land on the other side of the road from the stables where they grew all the feed they needed. Oats and hay was harvested and fed to their horses all year round. Lily and Samuel never had to worry for feed.

In addition to all the horses and crops, Lily also had a little garden of her own. She grew vegetables and flowers in it and had good harvests from it. If Lily needed something for a salad, she knew just where to get it; the garden. It was rather convenient to have a garden. All the times that Lily made salad, instead of going to buy their vegetables at the market, they just picked it from the garden.

            Now, Lily and Samuel weren’t health nuts. They did have a microwave and a lot of other “unhealthy” things, but they were happy and healthy anyway. They went to the doctor only when they were terribly sick and they kept medicine from the store in their cabinets just in case, but they didn’t rely completely on them.

For years, Lily had dreamed of owning her own house with a garden and many horses, but she’d never thought she’d actually get that wish granted. But, after Black Knight had won the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes and she’d married Samuel, her dream became a reality. It was a wonderful dream come true and Lily thanked God every day for it.

Mrs. Starr also had dreamed of the things that she now had for many years. She had always wanted a little two-story cottage with a little flower garden in the back for her to tend to. She’d dreamed that she’d always live near her daughter and could visit often (though not all the time). Her house was everything she’d wanted and more. She even owned her own pond with fish in it. It was so clear and clean that she could easily watch the fish swimming about in it. She was so happy and thankful that there was nothing that kept her from singing and smiling.

One night, Lily said to Samuel, as they sat on their front porch, “God has surely blessed us. I have everything I have always wanted. Even the home of my dreams.”

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            Lily and Samuel walked to the grandstand to their seats near the front so they could watch the action. Lily could hardly wait for the race to begin! She looked around at the crowds of people sitting in the grandstand. So many and all were there to watch the race that she’d been longing and dreaming of all her life. Samuel was tapping his foot nervously on the metal step and gripping his water bottle so hard that his knuckles turned white and the bottle threatened to burst. Lily smiled and then looked out at the race track. A mile and a half to be run. It really wasn’t very far, but she felt like it was a thousand miles. Lily knew that most horses took a minute to cross the distance, but she felt, at that moment, that it would take forever. She’d waited so long for this!

            Finally, Alan guided Black Knight into the starting gate. All the other horses were acting up, but Black Knight was patient for he knew what to expect. He’d been trained in the gate so well that he was used to the closeness of it. Alan felt nervous and he was glad that Black Knight was so calm. Conquistador reared several times and wouldn’t stay in the gate. Victoria’s Ebony was bucking and nearly unseating the jockey. Then the grooms and starters brought the horses under control and led them into the gate.

            “Three, two, one…” The gate burst open and the bell rang. Lily stood up to see the horses. Everyone around her was screaming and whistling. Black Knight was third from the back. He knew that this was only the beginning. Alan sat down and let Black Knight do what he knew was right for the race. The horses passed the finish wire for the first time. Jet Black was in the lead by a good five lengths. Victoria’s Ebony was next with Conquistador pressing close to her side. Samuel sat back with a satisfied sigh and said, “Watch Ebony and Conquistador. They’re sprinters. They won’t last very long.” Lily wasn’t so sure. They certainly looked fast and she thought, how can they be so fast and just be sprinters?

The racers passed the half mile post and Black Knight picked up speed. He stretched his legs out far as he ran with his tail and mane flashing in the wind. Lily held her breath as, one by one, he passed each horse. Samuel stood up and watched. He started squeezing the water bottle again. Black Knight passed the race favorite, Mr. Speed, and charged up behind Conquistador and Victoria’s Ebony. The crowds of people grew so quiet that you could hear a pin drop. The only sound you could hear was the pounding of the horses’ hooves and the creaking of the saddles.

            At the mile post, Conquistador stumbled and fell. His rider was thrown and the other race horses galloped by. Victoria’s Ebony was slowing down and Black Knight was speeding up. He raced up the track and closed in behind Jet Black. Then, he was beside him. Lily pinched her lips shut and watched breathlessly. Suddenly, she heard a loud, “POP!” She turned and saw that the lady in front of Samuel was soaked. Luckily, it was  a hot day and the lady just smiled, “Thanks” she said. Samuel smiled and quickly looked back at the track. Black Knight and Jet Black were neck and neck.

Once again, Black Knight was in Arabia on the desert racing against the very same opponent. The only difference now was that the jockey wasn’t trying to kill Black Knight’s jockey. His former jockey was the prince of princes and the opposing jockey wanted that place. But, now, Black Knight had a mere former miner on his back. Everyone knew that now.

           Black Knight felt the hot sun beat down on his back and felt the hot sand beneath his hooves. He heard the creaking of the leather saddles and the sound of the horses’ breath coming out in quick spurts. Jet Black glanced sideways and saw Black Knight, his former enemy. He stretched forward and threw himself forward. He was determined to beat Black Knight. But, it was not to be. Black Knight had saved his strength for a long time, but Jet Black hadn’t. So, Black Knight soon passed his opponent and beat him by sixteen lengths; winning in 52 seconds.

Black Knight was the conqueror of the race once again!

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            Lily hopped onto her horse and watched as they led the horse onto the track and helped the groom on the horse’s back. The young lady saw Lily watching and frowned. Lily trotted away from the group because Black Knight was growing restless. He’d been like that ever since they arrived at the barn. He seemed to be anxious to run the race already and he was excited. Samuel often laughed the eagerness that horse had and Alan took it as a sign that Black Knight would be ready to run on Derby Day.

            The groom galloped past Black Knight to show off; probably at the owner’s orders. Lily only shrugged and continued to trot Black Knight though he was chomping on the bit. He tried to yank it out of Lily’s hands and started prancing, but Lily kept a firm hold on him. Finally, when the other horse was farther down the track, Lily galloped Black Knight. He stretched out into a run long before Lily could stop him from it and soon they passed the other horse and left them in their dust. It made Lily so excited that she whooped as they went by. She closed her eyes and imagined herself back on the island where she’d first taken a ride on Black Knight’s back. She could feel the spray of the ocean water on her face and she could hear the seagulls calling overhead.

            Lily urged Black Knight onward at full speed until they reached the group of people who had come with the other horse. Then they stopped abruptly. Lily looked directly at the owner of the other horse. The young lady was furious that Lily had dared to challenge her darling horse on the track when it wasn’t race day. Lily smiled a greeting and nodded, but the young lady only sniffed. Then Lily said, “Hello, I’m Lily Starr and this is Black Knight.” The lady frowned, “My name is Victoria Tudor. That beautiful champion over there is Ebony. His racing name is Victoria’s Ebony. Under who’s authority did you challenge my mare?” Lily started, “Your mare?” Victoria sniffed again, “Yes, my mare. You didn’t answer my question.” Lily frowned, “I didn’t challenge your horse. Black Knight is racy and doesn’t like to be held back so I let him go.”

“And does that horse’s owner know that you were going to do that?”

“Yes. Of course, she always knows what’s best for her horse and she lets me do whatever I want.”

“Ha! I doubt that.”

“Why?”

“No real owner does that.”

“Well, this one does.”

“And who, pray tell, is that horse’s owner?”

“Myself.”

 “I should have known you would say that.”

Lily laughed and then galloped off again.

Lily went back to the barn half an hour later with Black Knight and found Princess Sara waiting for them. She greeted her warmly and put Black Knight in his stall and told Sara about the rude lady. Sara laughed when Lily told her of the conversation she’d had and how the lady discovered that Lily was the owner. Sara then told her, “Well, that doesn’t surprise me. Victoria hates opposition and she is desperate to win that race. I guess she was probably hoping that this race is going to be easy. And proof of that hope is the fact that she brought a mare to race in the Kentucky Derby; a race that only one mare has won in all horseracing history. Victoria thinks that her last name entitles her to bossing everyone else around. She will probably not be a good person to be around when the race is over. Victoria is a very sore loser and a very dramatic young lady and I don’t pity her one bit. She’s had her way since she was born and it was only chance that gave her the win that made her come here. It’ll be hard for her when the race is lost by her horse.” Lily agreed.

            Victoria acted like she was royalty and she knew that the young lady was a spoiled one. The young lady had been raised with the belief that she was related to the royal house of Tudor and that belief had grounded a demanding attitude in her. All her twenty years in life Victoria had demanded all of life’s pleasures and had received whatever she wanted. Now, the young lady would get opposition and it wouldn’t be pretty.

For the next few days, Lily avoided Victoria. Not because she was afraid or because she thought of her in any bad way, but Lily had no desire to be on the wrong end of her anger. Nobody did and nobody visited her stable for that same reason. Only family members of Victoria went to see Victoria’s Ebony. Lily stayed far from her, but she didn’t mind being on the track when Ebony was out there. It caused Black Knight to be more competitive.

            Soon, there were ten horses at a time racing on the exercise track every morning and Lily loved it. So did Black Knight. Lily and Black Knight galloped around the track at full speed many times passing the horses. The only horse who kept ahead of Black Knight was Jet Black.

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            All four of them were traveling through Louisville at that moment. The city well known for being the home of Churchill Downs. Every horse lover from all over the United States had dreamed of going there since the day that the first race was run there; and that included Lily. It should have been a time that she was terribly excited, but, instead, she was terribly nervous. Black Knight didn’t seem to care about any of the nervousness in the air. He was used to that air from the time he started his first race. Black Knight was calm and actually slept until they reached the gates of Churchill Downs. People were swarming the place! Lily hadn’t thought that there could be so many people coming to watch a race. But, then again, this was the race of a lifetime. It was the goal of every jockey and horse owner in the U.S. to get a place in the list of racers. Not very many were lucky enough to achieve that goal.

 Lily got out at the gate and went in to the office while Leslie waited in the incredibly long line. She ran up the steps and through the door. To her disappointment, there was an equally long line inside! Suddenly, a lady shouted her name. Lily looked in the direction of the voice and saw the lady who was waving and shouting her name. Lily hardly knew her and wasn’t about to leave the line, so the lady, understanding the reason Lily wouldn’t come, walked over to her. “Dear Lily,” she said sweetly, “you needn’t stand in this long line. I’ve already signed you in! I did this because I knew you would come and here you are!” Lily gasped and stared at her in disbelief and the lady went on, “Oh dear, where are my manners?! You must be wondering who on earth I am. Actually, I’m not much older than you though I am indeed of higher rank in life than you are. But, now, here I stand speaking in riddles. I’m Princess Sara from England, but you can call me Sara and I won’t think it disrespectful at all. I will consider it a compliment from a friend.” Lily gasped again and Sara laughed, “My, you are in need of air! You gasp far too much, dear!” Then, taking Lily by the arm, she led her out and, as they walked out the door, snapped her fingers. Two men came from around the corner and stood at attention in front of her. Sara said in a commanding, yet cheerful voice, “Direct Lily’s van over there to barn number six.” Both men saluted and hurried off to do as she bid them.

In barn number six and stall number eleven stood, within an hour’s time, Black Knight. Lily and Leslie stood brushing him out and talking lovingly and praising to the stallion as they did so. Samuel and Alan stood watching and talking to Sara. The young lady was full of laughter and joy as she talked to them and never said a wrong word. Lily loved to hear her talk.

            The next morning, before the sun came up, Lily led Black Knight out to walk in the open air. As they walked, Lily looked around at the open barn doors all around her. She was walking along quite calmly down the track when, suddenly, a shrill call was heard that sent chills down Lily’s back. Black Knight reared and answered the call with his own and pawed the ground. Lily saw the other stallion; a tall, muscular chestnut, and knew that she’d better keep a good hold on her horse. Then she saw the stallion lunge forward and knock over the groom that was leading him! He galloped forward with all his speed. Black Knight lowered his head and flattened his ears against his head. Lily released his lead rope; she knew then that Black Knight would break her wrist if she tried to hold him back. The two stallions crashed together with a grand force!  Lily saw the other stallion’s groom running toward them shouting something. Lily waited until he came up to her and then he said, “That horse is something else! I didn’t know he’d be so challenging to care for or I’d never have offered to take care of ‘im. My name’s Donald Craig and that’s Conquistador.”

Lily nodded, “My name’s Lily Starr and that’s Black Knight.”

“You the horse’s groom?”

“And I’m it’s owner.”

“I see. Who’s the jockey?”

“Alan Kent.”

 Finally, after what seemed like hours, though it was only a few minutes, Lily got Black Knight to stop fighting and get away from Conquistador. By that time, Conquistador’s owner had seen the fight and had come out to break it up. The owner was a Spanish man of extreme temper and he wasn’t very friendly either. He shouted at his groom to get the two horses apart and then shouted at Lily, “Get that horse away from my stallion! If Conquistador gets hurt, you will pay!” Lily frowned and took Black Knight away while the other stallion screamed challenge after challenge at the retreating stallion.

            Lily walked Black Knight around the track and then hopped on his back for a ride. He galloped around the track for a while and then she led him back to the barn to rest from the fight and run. Samuel was angry when she got there and Alan was worried that Black Knight was hurt. But, Lily had got over her anger toward the Spanish, Mr. Cortez, so she only laughed and helped clean Black Knight up and bandage his legs. The stallion wasn’t hurt bad, he just needed to have special treatment so he wouldn’t end up disqualified on race day.

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Alan sat on Black Knight’s back, holding tight to the stallion’s mane. He’d never been in this kind of race before. He’d always raced the mine boys by the seashore. Never had he been to a real racetrack. Suddenly he heard the starter say, “Boys, hold on!” and he dug his hands deep into the stallion’s mane and held on tight. The gates burst open and the crowd screamed. The horses charged from the gate in one great speeding line. Black Knight started remembering how he’d raced so long ago and began to slow a little behind a horse on the inside. Alan, not knowing exactly how to race in the big race, urged Black Knight to go past the horses, but he wouldn’t move out from behind Light Fleet. Directly to the right of them was Victory’s Heart and directly behind them was the Thoroughbred favorite, Swift and Deadly.  Alan continued to urge Black Knight until they passed the eighth of a mile post and the crowd continued screaming. Alan stopped urging Black Knight and sat down to ride.

            Black Knight continued racing behind Light Fleet while Swift and Deadly began pulling up beside him and then past Light Fleet and far out in front of all the horses by three lengths. They kept these positions past the half mile post and then Light Fleet began to pick up speed. Black Knight began to push past him on the inside since Light Fleet had strayed from the inside enough for Black Knight to squeeze through. Victory’s Heart charged forward with extreme speed and began to catch up with Swift and Deadly. Black Knight began pushing forward slowly, yet surely. Victory’s Heart began to falter and Swift and Deadly completely stopped dead. He was only a sprinter, a horse whose speed never lasted long.

            A horse that was last in line began flying forward in such blinding speed that he passed all the horses until he reached Black Knight. There he was neck and neck with the sweaty horse. That horse’s jockey was beating on him with his whip and urging the horse on with such force and cruelty that it made Alan want to knock him off his horse to free it from that. But, soon, the horse, Sunset Danger, lunged forward once more for the last time. He galloped a little way and, as soon as he reached Victory’s Heart, he stumbled and fell. As Black Knight raced past, Sunset Danger breathed his last and his jockey became a cripple for life.

            Victory’s Heart kept going in front of Black Knight, but it was evident that she wouldn’t be much of a threat to him once Black Knight went faster. Another horse, Jet Black, arose from the back of the line and caught up with Black Knight. He galloped with grace and speed that matched Black Knight’s. Black Knight knew the horse and it’s rider from when he lived in Arabia. That horse had been his worst enemy in Arabia and had nearly killed him on the way to the finish line. It was that stallion’s habit to try and eliminate the one who was in his way by killing him. He’d done it in the past when he was almost a year. He’d raced in Arabia against the finest and had beaten them using his habit. Black Knight knew he was in danger, but he stayed calm.

            Then, the horses passed the mile post and neared the finish line. Black Knight bolted then and Alan whooped. Black Knight galloped with all his might and felt as though he were back in Arabia running against the finest horses. Suddenly he lunged forward again as, in his mind, he saw the finish line in Arabia. His gentle master urged him once more and then he heard the crowds cheer.

            Black Knight had just won the Saratoga Springs race!

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            Alan put out his hand to the stallion. Black Knight smelled it with quivering nostrils. Again, Alan spoke in a low voice and Black Knight came closer and closer until he was right beside him. Then, Alan pet him for a while to give the horse confidence and then, slowly, he slipped onto the stallion’s back. At first, Black Knight stood with his head held high and his ears turned forward. But, suddenly his ears swept back flat against his head and he bolted. Black Knight bucked and reared, and jumped and kicked, and thrashed and bared his teeth, but, when he finally realized that this man was not to be unseated, he stopped. Alan patted Black Knight’s neck and began trotting him and then galloping around the pasture. Soon, Alan began to urge Black Knight forward.

In Black Knight’s mind, he was reminded of another great race far away in Arabia. He remembered the hot sand being thrown into the air by his flashing hooves and the gentle coaxing of his master on his back. The horses next to him flashing past, not forward, but behind him. He saw the tall hill that almost cost him his life as he galloped up that steep, slippery climb to the top. He could feel the hot sun’s rays as it beat mercilessly down upon his sweaty back. Then, he saw the finish line ahead! He lunged for it and won.

            Black Knight was a smart horse. He knew that he was being trained for racing for this is how his gentle master had once trained him. A few rounds in the pasture at breakneck speed and then a few special hand signals on Black Knight’s back to tell him when to turn and when to go faster. Alan was just like his gentle master in many ways and that relaxed the otherwise wild horse.

            After a while, Alan brought Black Knight to a stop and then dismounted. He shooed Black Knight with his hands as a signal that he was done and the stallion galloped off. Lily and Samuel were delighted with the sight of Alan being able to handle the magnificent stallion. “Well,” exclaimed Alan, “I won’t have too much trouble with him. He’s been trained before. I have a very great feeling that he’s been raced too.”

            For months afterwards, Lily watched in awe as her beautiful stallion was raced around the pasture at extreme speed. Slowly that horse was getting faster and faster each day and Lily knew it. She could see that it would soon be necessary for her to find a race track for him to practice on. And her chance came that summer. Leslie had signed Black Knight up for the Saratoga Springs race so; they soon were transferred to the racetrack stables. Sheilah went with them.

            Lily, Samuel, and Alan were excited about the race yet a little nervous about the outcome of it. Black Knight could sense there nervousness, but kept calm. He’d already been to one big race with a lot of other horses and riders with whips of all sizes. He was accustomed to the noise because he’d once lived in the palace of the Rajah where there was nearly always something big happening that included a lot of noise. Though he was still a very young horse, he already had enough experience to keep him calm and steady.

Finally, the announcer called, “All riders for the race please mount immediately. The race will begin in ten minutes.” Alan, dressed in the new green and white silks, hopped onto Black Knight’s back and calmly walked him to the starting post. Once they were in the gate, Black Knight stood waiting eagerly for the gate to open. He remembered the time that he had stood behind white gates like these. His master’s son accidentally opened it too fast and Black Knight bolted. The boy chased him all over the place and Black Knight soon made it into a game. He soon had released all the horses by pulling each gate open as he ran by…

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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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The Letter

Lily’s mother homeschooled her since they had so much to do. Lily enjoyed being able to do her school without interruptions in her room and never complained about doing it either. But, that day was destined to be different.

            Lily was sitting at her desk in her room doing her school when she was suddenly interrupted. The door flew open and in came Samuel, “You’ve received a letter from the Churchill Downs Racetrack!” Lily swept the letter from his hand, tore it open and read:

Dear Lily,

    We received your letter and read it some time ago. By the information that you enclosed, we didn’t see much chance in finding anything about this horse, but we were wrong. We are happy to announce that we did indeed find what you wanted.

Black Knight’s information is as follows:

Abdullah Sahar

Sire: Abdul Shakar owned by Sheik Ashkali  

Dam: Sahar Ashtah owned by Sheik Raandah

·        Black Knight was born in the spring in Sheik Lahore’s stable/tent as Abdullah Sahar.

·        Dam died when Abdullah Sahar was only three months.

·        Abdullah Sahar sold to Raja Shahal when colt was four months old.

·        Raja Shahal sold the colt two weeks later to traveling merchant.

·        Merchant drowns on the sea and papers are sent to America.

·        Lily Starr is now in full ownership of Abdullah Sahar (now one and a half years old) by order of Raja Shahal the Younger.

So, we are glad to say that you may enter the Kentucky Derby in six months. Luckily, this is the end of the month, so you have all of early next year to train Black Knight (Abdullah Sahar). Good luck!

             The Staff at Churchill Downs

Lily squealed, handed the letter to Samuel, and ran to Leslie’s to tell her of their luck. Now, Black Knight could earn enough money to fill those empty stalls!

After hearing about their good fortune, Leslie joined Lily in her jubilance and soon they were making plans. First, with Leslie’s help, Black Knight would be entered in a preparatory race, that would be the Saratoga Race Course in New York, then, the Kentucky Derby and, if Black Knight wins that, then on to more races. Lily and Leslie were so excited they could hardly wait, but Lily knew that they were taking big chances to make it to the Derby.

As soon as she returned to her house, Lily wrote to Churchill Downs for the entrance papers. Then, she wrote to every other race track she could think of for their entrance papers as well. Lily and Leslie were determined that Black Knight could make it if he really wanted to. Now, the only thing left was, where would they find a jockey?

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  Fire!

One hot night late in the summer, Lily was laying on her bed reading. She was supposed to be sleeping, but she was so intrigued by the story she was reading that she just couldn’t put it down. Suddenly she heard the sound of Black Knight screaming. At first, she thought it was just her imagination making sound effects for the book she was reading, but then she kept hearing it. Lily stopped reading and walked to the window. The stable roof was in flames! She ran down the stairs shouting, “Fire, fire!” Her mom and Samuel soon joined her and together they began filling buckets with water to put the fire out. Lily heard Black Knight scream again and, without stopping at Samuel’s shouts, raced inside.

            Samuel and Mrs. Starr kept throwing water on the fire and kept an eye on the door, watching for Lily. They heard a motor behind them and, when they turned, they saw Leslie and five men jump out of Leslie’s truck. Immediately they began helping to put out the fire. Suddenly, Lily, Black Knight, Sheilah and Old Jake appeared in the doorway and they were running out of there as fast as they could. No sooner had they made it out when the whole roof came crashing down and the whole barn collapsed in flames. There was nothing left to do, but watch it burn to ashes.

 After a while, one of the men turned and said to Lily, “I saw someone leaving your stable about five minutes before the fire started on the roof.” Lily frowned, “What kind of someone?” The man tilted his head in deep thought, then, “Well, if I remember correctly, it was a man with a jacket on. Yes, that’s it! He had a jacket on and I thought ‘How strange, to be wearing a jacket in this weather.’ The man was tall and very thin, but that’s all I could see.” Lily sighed, “Well, at least he didn’t steal Black Knight or something like that.” Samuel shook his head, “What I want to know is why he would burn down the barn in the first place?” Lily shrugged. She could not understand it herself. The only explanation she could offer was that maybe the man knew something that she didn’t. 

For the rest of the month, they were all busy cleaning up the mess and building a new barn. Jedidiah didn’t enjoy the fact that he could have lost his mule that night and vowed to find the man and “give him a licking he’d never forget, no suh, never.” Lily thought constantly about it and tried to think of the reason behind the mysterious stranger’s visit to the barn to burn it down.

            Now, they were standing in front of the huge, double doors of the new barn with a feeling that they did something worthwhile and great.

Leslie smiled and turned to Lily, “Well, that wasn’t so bad. And it was worth all the money and labor. Now all you need is some more horses to fill those extra stalls.” Lily agreed and Samuel said, “I agree, but it took all the money we had to build the barn, so it’ll be a while. Sure n’ I’d love to have more horses, but that’s not possible yet.” Leslie smiled mischievously and Lily knew there was something up. As if in answer to Lily’s thought, Leslie suggested, “Why don’t you race for the money?” Lily gasped and Samuel frowned, “That’s impossible. We don’t have Black Knight’s papers and I don’t think he has any. You know as well as I do that a horse can’t race without them.” Leslie frowned, “I forgot about that. But, you can race him in the small races that don’t have that rule.” Samuel shook his head and Lily shrugged. But Lily thought, The track staff haven’t wrote back yet. Maybe we still have hope.

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  The Pit

The following evening, Lily and Samuel sat on the front porch drinking milk and eating chocolate chip cookies. They sat in silence until Samuel, turning to Lily, broke it, “I want to thank you for all you’re doing for me. I know that you probably had to get help from Leslie because I haven’t told you anything, but it’s enough that you did this for me. I am glad that you did. You don’t know how important Sheilah is to me.” Lily smiled, “You’re very welcome. It was a joy to do everything for you.” Samuel nodded, “But,” Lily said seriously, “why don’t you tell me?” He looked up at the sky and sat in silence for some time. “Well,” he said waveringly, “I guess I must tell you now. I know that by my behavior you are probably curious to know my story.” Lily nodded eagerly, “Yes, I am curious. I’ve been wondering ever since you first came here.” Samuel smiled and then drank another long drink of milk.

Then, he began,

“When I was but a lad; about eight to be exact, my ma got sick with the consumption. I had two little sisters and a little brother. My pa was a heavy drinker so he rarely brought any money home for us. Soon, it was time to pay the rent, but we hadn’t any money. Pa sent me to the mine manager’s office to ask for another month of grace. I didn’t want to, but I did and the man granted it with one condition; we had to pay the rent by next month or else we were going to be thrown out. So, that put a little fear on my whole family and my ma got worse. Pa still went to the pub, so we still didn’t get the money for the first week. Finally, ma told me, ‘Samuel, I don’t want to do this, but I must do something or we’ll starve and be put out of the house. I want you to go to Mr. Smith [the manager] and get yourself a job. If you must, tell him of our trouble. Make sure to include that I am sick.’ So, I did. The next morning at nine, I went down into the dark pit. After that, my pa took sick with Black Lung and ma died. So, I never left the pit.

When I was fifteen, my younger brother, who was now twelve, I started an uprising among the workers. We caused such a riot in the mine that the manager told us we were to be docked of a third of our pay for the rest of the month. We went about our work grumbling all that month, but, the next month, two boys, who were jealous of me, plotted another uprising. This time they were going to get all the other boys riled up and they were going to get them to overthrow Mr. Smith. Well, Mr. Smith heard about the plot and immediately nailed me as the culprit. It wasn’t long before I was out of a job and blacklisted; that means that I wasn’t allowed to work in any of the mines owned by Mr. Smith’s boss, Mr. Lane.” Lily interrupted here, “Lane?!” Samuel nodded, “Yes, Lane. Mr. Lane is still the owner of all those mines in Ireland even though he’s your neighbor.” Lily gasped and Samuel went on, “Anyway, I soon realized that there was no place that wasn’t owned by Mr. Lane, so I asked Mr. Smith where I should work in order to pay for my sisters’ rent. He told me that he was going to send me to America to work as a stablehand. He didn’t say anything about who I was working for, only where I was going. I told my sisters and before long, I was on my way. I met with a young Scotch pit boy and we became fast friends. He was on his way to Canada to work in mines there because he’d been blacklisted in Scotland, just like I had in Ireland. We stuck together through every adventure. But, one day, the smallpox broke out and took the lives of most of the passengers, crew and it almost took the captain. He survived, but my friend, Johnny, did not. He and Leslie are the only ones who have already heard my story.

            But, to get back to my story. You can imagine my shock when I arrived at Mr. Lane’s house and saw him. I had seen the man before, but I was not so shocked as then. He knew exactly who I was, but, instead of him punishing me directly, he put his daughter in charge of me. Now, Leslie is a beauty so, I thought that a sweet manner would come with that, but after I told her my story, she changed it and called me a “dirty Irish pit boy”. She would whip me for the littlest things and did many other cruel things to me. That’s why I wanted to run. Well, one day, I was standing out by the barn when I saw you working on the roof. I hadn’t seen anyone working on that roof for a while and I knew that it needed it. I suddenly thought that this could be my chance to escape from the Lane family cruelty, so I drove over. You know the rest.” Lily sighed, “Well, at least you are safer here than in the mine. And at least you are with us instead of the Lane’s.” Samuel nodded. Lily thought a moment and then said, “Samuel, I thought you said you’d only tell those you loved or trusted your story. Why did you tell me?” Samuel looked at her, “Well… you fit in the latter category.” Lily smiled and then they went inside. Now, Lily understood all about his wanting to escape Leslie. She also understood that Leslie was probably trying to pay him back for all the cruelty and wrong doings that her family had done to him. Lily was glad that she was a part of keeping his sisters under a roof.

            Samuel was relieved that he had told her his story and felt as though a load had fallen from his back by telling her. Now, he thought, I can rest in peace knowing that she will understand why I do what I do.

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  Sheilah

At 5 the next morning, Lily boarded the train and started for Virginia. Within two days, she was in Hampton and, after securing a hotel room at a place that had a stable, she went to the docks and waited for a certain ship to arrive. Finally, she heard the man at the front desk calling her name, “Lily Starr, the ship you’re waiting for is here.” She walked out to wait for her special cargo to be unloaded. At last, a short, grey Dartmoor pony walked down the gangplank and onto the dock. It had a tag hanging on a leather string that was tied about its neck that read “Lily Starr”. She walked up to the little pony and threw her arms about it. Lily had waited for a long time for this special pony.

            The next morning she started back for her home. She reached it safely and so did the pony. Lily took the little pony to down the road and started walking down the path that lead towards her home. Presently, she heard the sound of a motor and the pony began prancing and bucking. It had never heard that before. Lily calmed her and then looked up to see Leslie smiling at her. She stopped and helped Lily load the pony into the horse van. Then, they drove home. Lily was so excited! This pony was something special to her and she couldn’t wait to get her home.

            Presently, she heard Samuel’s truck coming and she ran to the door of the stable. He stopped and handed the groceries to Mrs. Starr, who took them in and put them away. Then, Samuel took his load to the barn. Lily stayed back so he wouldn’t notice her yet. But, when he’d finished and was heading over to Prairie Fire’s stall to say hi, Lily made her presence known. “Lily,” he exclaimed, “this is quite the surprise! I thought ye were still in Virginia!” Lily smiled and shook her head, “No, I didn’t. I had to come home. Now, close your eyes and no peeking.” Samuel closed his eyes and she led him to the pony’s stall, “Now, put your hand out.” He did and Lily put his hand on the little pony’s head, “You can open your eyes now.” Samuel opened his eyes and gasped, “What? How? Where did…Oh my!” The pony looked at him and then he said, “Ah, my little Sheilah. My beautiful pony.” Then he whistled quietly yet clearly to the pony. Sheilah immediately responded. Her ears went forward and she suddenly whinnied to him. Samuel, now beholding his beloved pony with tears in his eyes, put his arms about her neck and breathed in the scent of her coat, “Just like I remembered it. The smell of coal strong in your lovely coat. Well, you’ll never have to go into that mine again. I promise! Soon we’ll have you washed and just like new again.”

Lily watched the scene with tears streaming down her cheeks. It was a glad reunion for the long separated pair. She knew nothing of his past except that this pony was of great importance to him because that was what Leslie told her. Leslie had become friendlier and less rude and now she was helping Lily to give Samuel a little taste of his homeland. Already, Lily had learned to make Irish stew and Colcannon Potatoes. She had learned to make his coffee the way he liked and she had ordered things from Ireland and had them delivered to Samuel. Lily had, at Leslie’s direction, bought a tin lunch box and a tin canteen like the ones he’d once used in the mine. She’d also bought him a sweater woven in Ireland and a cap like the one he’d used in the mine. All those she had bought were accepted by Samuel with great joy, much to Lily’s happiness. Now, Samuel was ecstatic about his pony and Lily was about to walk away when Samuel said, “Lily, can you take a picture of us before I give ‘er a bath?” Lily nodded happily and then ran off to get her camera. She was back in a moment with her camera as well as Samuel’s mining equipment and a little package that had come with the horse. Samuel opened it to find his old miner’s clothes which he put on and, taking the pony’s halter, posed for a picture. Lily immediately went to her dark room to develop it and soon brought it out for Samuel to see. It was a very good pose and Samuel immediately had her put it up on the wall of his room while he put his pony in its stall. He patted her once more and then started for the house.

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  Trouble in the Meadow

No sooner had Prairie Fire been released when he let out a shrill scream that sent chills down Lily’s back. His scream was answered by Black Knight who reared struck out his forelegs in Prairie Fire’s direction. Prairie Fire and Black Knight charged forward with their heads down and leveled. The ground beneath them shook as they pounded towards each other. Lily covered her eyes, but only for a moment before Samuel shouted, “Look at them, Lily!” She looked and saw both stallions rear and strike at each other. Their ears were flattened against their heads and their tails were swishing madly. Prairie Fire tried to bite Black Knight, but the stallion swerved into the red and knocked him over. Black Knight reared and came down hard on the other again and again until he heard Lily’s voice calling him. He galloped with all speed to her and stopped just inches away from the fence where she stood.

            Lily patted his sweaty coat and spoke softly to him as she opened the gate to let him out. Samuel watched Prairie Fire stand shakily to his feet and slowly begin walking toward them. Then, the stallion picked up speed quickly and pounded towards them. Luckily, Samuel had seen the change in the stallion’s pace, so he slammed the gate shut behind Black Knight before the other could get at him.

            Then, one day, Samuel was in a hurry and he was half asleep. He put both stallions out in the pasture, got into his truck and drove away. Lily was in the kitchen eating breakfast without any thought of the horses because she too was half asleep. Then, her mother shouted from her room upstairs, “Lily! Get out to the pasture, quick! Fire and Black Knight are fighting again!” Lily became fully awake then and she ran outside just in time to see two other stallions from Leslie’s pasture join the fighting.  

            Lily called to her stallion, but he wouldn’t listen and kept fighting. She whistled and called his name a dozen times, but he still would not come. Lily became very upset and ran back to the house to call Leslie. Leslie answered and, when she heard what had occurred, she hung up in a hurry, ran out the door and drove in her horse van to Lily’s house. The two girls ran out to the pasture and ran to the corner where they would be nearest the stallions. They both began calling their horses’ names until the fight came to an abrupt stop at the sound of their mistresses’ voices. Black Knight was the first one to respond and soon Prairie Fire followed.

            That evening, Lily told Jedidiah all about it and he laughed when he heard about the extra fighters. He told her that was what stallions do and not to worry. Lily felt calmed until Samuel came home. Then, she angrily told him the story then asked, “Why did you put them in the pasture at the same time? What were you thinking?” Samuel looked down at his shoes and studied them, “Well, I was half asleep and I didn’t know exactly what I was doin’.” Lily frowned and Samuel looked at her pleadingly, “Please, forgive me. I promise not to do that again. Please, don’t fire me!” Lily’s face softened into a sweet smile, “Of course I forgive you. I was just upset because Black Knight and Fire could have been killed by those older stallions. I’m sorry that I got so angry.” Samuel smiled and said, “Aww, that’s ok, lass. I just got yer temper fired up. Now, let’s go tend to the stallions.” Lily agreed, “I’m heading out for Hampton, Virginia tomorrow morning. So, we’d better get done quickly so I can pack and go to bed early.” Samuel nodded and they went about the chores until they were done and then Lily went upstairs and packed. Then she went to bed.

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  Prairie Fire

The days following that dreadful visit from Leslie were rather dull and quiet. The hot summer sun beat down mercilessly upon them and dried most of the grass. There had been very little rain that month and the weather forecasters were all saying the same thing, “Sunny for the rest of the week.” Lily grew tired of the boring life that summer brought to her and sought for something that would create a little more fun. Finally, one evening, she switched on the television set. When the screen came on, she immediately was at attention. There in front of her eyes was a long line of horses in a race! She watched the race all the way to the finish and then she listened to the name of the winner. It was a beautiful colt named Black Gold. She sat in awe as she watched the beautiful horse walk into the Winner’s Circle and then, when the show was over, she went to her room and wrote a letter to the news press asking for the address to the Churchill Downs staff. The reply came swiftly and she immediately wrote to them.

To Whom It May Concern:

     I have a horse that, I think, has a lot of potential for the Derby. What do I have to do to enter him? He’s a three year old Arabian stallion by the name of Black Knight.

If he’s not eligible for the Derby, then, could you help me find a race that he could enter?

I’d be much obliged if you could reply very soon.

Thank you very much.

                        Sincerely,

                        Lily Starr

 For the next few days, Lily rode Black Knight often to keep him in shape and ready to run. She checked the mail every day to see if the reply had come yet, but was always disappointed. But, one day, she checked in with a little hope and, sure enough, there was the reply on the bottom of the stack. She tore it open quickly and then read:

Dear Lily,

     If your horse is papered and is a purebred, then, yes, it’s eligible. A horse may not race without papers. We may help you with finding out information if you don’t already have it. Also, we have enclosed a list of races and their addresses for you.

We hope that we have been of help to you. Thank you for taking the time to write.

              Sincerely,

          The Staff at the Churchill Downs  Racetrack

Lily was overjoyed and she ran to the house to write down all she knew about the horse. She didn’t have papers and she knew that it would be hard to find, but she would try, at least. So, after she wrote what she knew, she sent the information in.

A few days later, Samuel came back from spending a week in Lexington. He arrived in a horse van with his truck hooked up with chains behind it. Lily ran out to meet him and to see what he had in the van. Samuel met her with a grave look on his face, “I hope you don’t get angry with me, but I’ve brought somebody else’s horse here.” Lily’s eyes widened, “What do you mean? Please, explain.” He nodded, “I offered to board this horse for a man from Louisville. He lives in an apartment, but he really wanted this horse, so I offered to board him here.” Lily frowned, “Him?” Samuel nodded, “It’s a stallion by the name of Prairie Fire.” Lily looked at the horse and said, “Well, he’s a fine horse that’s for sure. I can see one reason they named him that. He’s red and his eyes are sparkling.” Samuel nodded and led the horse out.

            Prairie Fire was an attractive, glossy, reddish Thoroughbred who stood 15 hands tall. Lily loved the way his coat looked and the way he stood, but his eyes were far too bright and sparkling. They seemed to show that he was definitely trouble.

            They led him to the stable where Samuel fed him and then led him out to the pasture to see how fast he could run.

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  Leslie Lane

One day, Samuel and Lily were cleaning out Black Knight and Old Jake’s stalls when they heard the clip-clopping of a horse’s hooves on the driveway. Samuel put down his rake and went to see who it was. He came back in a hurry with a very dark frown on his face. Lily looked at him, “What’s wrong, Samuel?” He glanced at her and then grabbed his rake again, “That girl is here.” Lily gasped and then put the rake away. She filled the stall with new hay and then left the stable. Samuel stayed in the stable brusquely cleaning out Old Jake’s stall. He didn’t want to get near that girl for anything. Lily couldn’t understand the reason why, but she put it down as being wary of the girl because of her rude and annoying manner.

            In the house, after Lily had washed her hands and changed her clothes, she went to the kitchen where she heard her mother talking with the girl. The girl looked up at her from where she was sitting and so did Lily’s mother. Lily glared at the girl and asked, “What do you want?” The girl sat up very straight and answered haughtily, “I am here to see if you would allow me to take back Samuel to my farm for a great amount of money.” Lily gasped, “This is America, girl, not England or India! You have to ask him if he wants to work for you.” The girl frowned, “I know that you think it’s as easy as that, but it’s not. I had made a pact with him that as long as I lived at my father’s house, I would be his employer and he would be the head of the stables. He’s not kept his end of that. He left my farm and, obviously, never came back. Samuel is a bad sort and he’s Irish.” Lily glared fiercely at her, “Well, no wonder he didn’t come back. You’re so rude that nobody would want to work for you. As for him being Irish, I don’t see anything wrong with that. And I don’t believe that he’s bad. You’re just saying that.” The girl sniffed and continued, “I don’t suppose he’s told you his history. I am the only person in this world, besides his family and old friends, who knows the full story.” Lily looked at her doubtfully. Samuel had said that he only told the people he trusted or loved about his past. “He wouldn’t have told you. You’re too rude for that.” The girl smiled smugly, “And how do you know he didn’t?” Lily frowned, “Because he said he only tells those he trusts…” The girl interrupted, “Or someone he loves. I’ve heard that many times before from him.” Lily nodded and the girl continued, “I was one of those trusted ones. He never loved me and likely he never will. I caused that, of course, but, anyway, he did tell me all about his past. So, if he hasn’t already told you it’s because you are not one of either category and he probably is only working for you to escape me and his past as well as for the money. He probably thinks he will get you to trust him enough until he can easily swipe something from you without you knowing. For instance, that black horse. He loves horses and ponies, so anything he can do to have his very own is what he will do; even horse thieving. As I said before, he’s a very bad sort.” Lily shook her head in disbelief. She didn’t believe anything this girl was saying. It certainly didn’t sound like Samuel. The girl stood, “Well, don’t say I didn’t warn you. Now, I must go. Good day and I hope that you will come to your senses in time.”

            Lily watched her go and then asked her mother, “What was that girl saying to you?” Mrs. Starr answered, “She told me that her name is Leslie Lane and that she wanted to take Sam from us for a large sum of money. Just like she told you. But, I wouldn’t agree to it. She told me exactly what she just got through telling you. I don’t like her and I certainly don’t trust her. We better watch out in case she tries something.”  Lily agreed. There was no telling what a girl like Leslie could do to them. She feared that it might have an impact on her horse. Would Leslie try to harm Black Knight? Is what she said true? Lily didn’t know the answers, but she knew that, within the next few months, she would know.

Lily went out to the barn a few minutes later and found Samuel sitting on the top rail of the pasture fence on the other side of the barn. Lily knew he was thinking because that’s what he did every time he thought. She climbed the fence and sat down beside him. He glanced at her then, turning his face back toward the pasture, he asked, “What did she want? Did she want me to go back?” Lily nodded, “Yes, Samuel, she did. I told her that she would have to ask you.” He looked at her knowing that there was more because he sensed it, “What else did she say?” Lily frowned, “She said you were just working here to escape her and your past. She said that you just wanted the money and to boost our trust in you so it would make it easier to swipe what you wanted from us. Black Knight was the main one she referred and she said that you loved horses and ponies. Leslie told me that you told her your whole story.” He frowned, “Aye, that I did, but now I wish that I hadn’t. She’s used it against me at every chance since then. An’ it’s helped ‘er to have more of that feelin’ of superiority.” Lily nodded. Samuel jumped down from the fence and began walking around the pasture. Lily followed. They walked in silence for some time before they finally walked back to the house. Just before they walked inside, Samuel said, “I’m never goin’ back. Ever.”

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Runaway!

Lily lay in her bed with the alarm clock clanging in her ears. She didn’t feel like getting up and was feeling rather lazy at the moment. Finally, she turned off the clock, got up and went to change her clothes. When she finished, she ran down the stairs and headed out the door. On the steps she was met by Samuel who was running frantically toward her. Lily asked what was wrong and he answered her, “It’s Black Knight. He’s gone! I don’t know how, but he’s gone!” Both of them ran to the pasture and spotted the stallion just as he jumped a broken part of the fence. Lily called to him, but he was too far away so he kept galloping.

            Samuel and Lily drove down the road to the neighbor’s pasture and then stopped by the fence. Lily jumped out and called to Black Knight, for she saw him galloping close enough to hear her. He stopped and whirled around, saw her, and then went trotting up to the fence. Lily spoke softly to him and eased herself onto the stallion’s back. Black Knight tossed his head a little, but Lily patted him and made him walk. They were almost to the gate when she heard a mean sounding voice asking, “What do you think you’re doing in my pasture?” Lily turned and saw a thin girl standing on the front porch of her house with her hands on her hips. Lily turned Black Knight toward her and walked up to the house. The girl stood still as stone and said nothing more until Black Knight was standing directly in front of her. “Aren’t you that girl that lives up the hill?” Lily nodded and the girl scowled, “You wouldn’t happen to have a worker there by the name of, Samuel Curran, would you?” Lily looked at her and then turned her head at the sound of a motor behind her.

Samuel got out of his truck and said tersely, “Let Lily alone, brute. She’s got to get the horse home and your pasture is just fine, miss.” The girl sniffed, “I don’t believe my ears. You never would have talked that way to me if you were my employee. You’ve sure got braves since I last saw ya.” Samuel glared at her, “So, I’m not your employee anymore. I am employed by Mrs. Starr and her daughter, Lily. Now, we will leave so that we don’t annoy you further. Come on Lily.” Lily turned and galloped off. Samuel followed in his truck.

            Lily put Black Knight in his stall and gave him a good grooming. She couldn’t understand why her neighbor girl had to be so upset and rude. Something must have happened between her and Samuel. I am going to find out about it sooner or later. Lily thought about it for some time and then her thoughts were interrupted by Samuel’s voice saying, “I am sorry that I sounded so rude. I don’t mean to be that way, but she’s the most angering girl in Kentucky!” Lily nodded and looked into his face questioningly. He seemed to have read her thoughts for he said, “No, I can’t talk about it right now. Like I said on my first night here; I only tell those who I know for certain I can trust and those who I love.” Lily nodded in disappointment and continued putting the grooming supplies away while Samuel talked to Black Knight. Soon he said, “I’ll have to get out there an’ fix that fence if we want to keep Black Knight in the pasture.” Lily agreed so they both went out to fix the fence.

            The days after the escape of Black Knight were spent in silence and thought. Lily hardly spoke to anyone except to her mother and then that only a little. Her mother was worried at first, but then, after talking about it with Lily, she decided that there was nothing to worry about and that everything would be gotten over soon. And she was right. Within a month, Lily and Samuel were talking to each other like they used to and were teasing like always as well. Mrs. Starr was glad that they were finished being silent because she had just begun to feel as though they would always be silent. She now knew not to ask Samuel anything about his past or about the neighbor girl even though she was very curious and almost couldn’t stand it.

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            Lily and her mother traveled back to their house forty miles away. It seemed like forever since she had seen anything fully green and beautiful. All the green she’d seen for a long while was the coconut trees, seaweed and the little bitty sprigs of grass growing along the shore. None of that had been very beautiful. Not like the bluegrass of Kentucky. She looked at the white fences that were whirring by and saw many horses. Lily knew that this was horse country and was glad that her mother had decided to move there. At there old home in New York, Black Knight would have had to board somewhere, and Lily hadn’t the money for that. Here in Kentucky, Black Knight would be sleeping at there house in a barn of their own with a pasture to run in during the day. Lily was happy when she laid her head on her pillow that night. Even though she knew there would be much to fix on the old barn, it was enough to know that Black Knight was close by. Lily always felt safer and happier when he was close to her.

The next morning, Lily began making arrangements for Black Knight to stay in the barn. Lily began on the stall he was going to stay in. The wood door had warped and was moldy, there was very old hay on the ground, and the feed box was crusted with mud and rust. She went to the store and bought a new feed box, new lumber, and sixteen bales of hay. Lily then went back home and began working on the stall. As the sun began disappearing behind the mountains behind the stable, Lily led Black Knight into his new stall. He was a little nervous at first, but he soon relaxed and began eating from the new feed box. Lily smiled and then went inside to supper.

            The following morning, Lily turned Black Knight out to pasture and then tore all the old shingles off the barn roof. As she hammered the first few new shingles on, a muddy, loud truck drove up the driveway and parked in front of the barn. Lily looked down at the truck and watched it to see who would be visiting at this time of day. Her mom came out to see as well and asked the driver, “May I help you?” The driver, who was a young man, answered as he removed his cap, “Ma’am, I’m stayin’ in the house down the hill from here. My name’s Samuel Curran and I came to see if the person up there would like some help.” He motioned to the barn roof and Lily nodded to her mother when he turned his back to her. “Yes, Samuel, you can help. But, what would you require for payment?” Samuel thought a moment and then, “Well, ma’am. I’d be much obliged if you could allow me to at least sleep in the loft and eat oats. Do you mind?” Lily giggled a little and her mother said with a look of horror, “Absolutely not. I won’t pay you any such thing. But, rather, I will pay you better than that. You may sleep in the house and eat what we eat at our table.” Samuel beamed and bowed low, “Thank ye ma’am fer yer kindness. I’m much obliged and I agree to do whatever ye want me to do.” Lily smiled and turned back to her work. Presently, Samuel was up on the roof hammering away at the roof with her.

At supper that evening, Lily and Samuel sat across from each other. Lily’s mother was at the head of the table and, after asking the blessing over the food, she passed the food around. Lily finally asked, “Samuel, where are you from? You talk like you’re from someplace foreign.” Samuel smiled, “Well, lass. I bet ye can guess if ye really tried hard enough.” Lily looked puzzled for a while then guessed, “Ireland?” Samuel winked at her, “Aye that it is. Ireland’s me homeland and I’m right proud o’ that. Came over two years ago on a ship. ‘T were a long an’ tirin’ trip fer sure.” Lily nodded and then told of her trip. He looked at her gravely, “A good thing that horse helped ye when he did, or ye might ‘ave been lost on the sea. Or, worse, drowned like a little mouse.” Lily nodded again and then continued eating in silence for a while, and then her mother asked, “What were you doing at my neighbor’s house? Are they your relatives?” Samuel grimaced and shook his head, “No. An’ I wouldn’t claim them if they were. Awful place is that neighbor’s house.” Lily looked surprised, “What’s so awful about it?”

“One thing, they were workin’ me like as if I were a pit pony like the one I had at home. Two, they had too many cows to milk. Twenty to be exact. Third thing is, well, they’re lazy and fat.”

“Anything else?”

“As if it weren’t enough.”

“No, really.”

“Hhhh. I don’t really want to say it.”

“What is it? I’m dying to know!”

“Ok. They have a daughter.”

“And…”

“And she’s real pretty.”

“Yes?”

“Well, she’s pretty, but she knows that she is.”

“Oh. I see. That’s not very nice, but that helps make it awful?”

“Aye, she has a little nose and it’s always in the air. She hates people who aren’t from Kentucky like her.”

“Really?!”

“Aye, lass, an’ isn’t she the very little bit of dust that makes her papa angry at me all the time.”

“How?”

“By telling that I take naps at noon. Which I’ve not done in ten years.”

“Ten years? You’re being mysterious. I heard you mention a pit pony that you had.”

“I don’t want to talk about it right now. ‘T would be to hard for me. I only tell someone that I trust and love. Only one has ever heard my story an’ that’s my friend, Johnny, who died at sea on the way over. He was from Scotland and a pit boy himself. Now, I’ve said a lot and I’m tired. Might I go to bed now, Mrs. Starr?”

Lily’s mother nodded and he left the room. Lily sat in deep thought for sometime and then she too went to bed. I wonder what his story is and if I am ever going to hear it.

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Rescued and Searching

Lily and Black Knight explored the island every day and, soon, Lily knew every pool of water and every good fishing spot. Black Knight stayed by her side when Lily was awake, but, before she awoke each morning, he would gallop the beaches by himself and explore on his own. By the time Lily woke up, he was back by her side and ready to be with her for the rest of the day.

Sometimes, Lily and Black Knight had to hurry to their cave because it had begun to storm. Black Knight would lie down on the floor of the cave and let Lily lay her head on him for comfort. She felt safer when she did that and the stallion loved to have her close to him. Lily loved the stallion and she always enjoyed the rain. She would watch it falling outside their cave and wonder what new treasures she would find on the seashore afterwards. There was always something. Sometimes there were almost thirty seashells, or a few starfish, and even a pool of fish. Lily liked it most when there was a pool of fish because that made it easier to catch the little fish. She always took them all back to her cave and cooked up a little meal for lunch or dinner. Those were delicious meals!

            Black Knight always helped her when she was in need of more coconuts. Lily picked just enough to carry back to the cave and no more than that. She didn’t want them to spoil before she had a chance to taste them. Black Knight helped her eat them, too.

They were having so much fun living on that island that Lily almost forgot about wanting to be rescued. But, one day, everything changed.

            Lily ran back to her stallion, hopped on his back and galloped down the little bit of land that jutted out into the sea. The water there was very deep; deep enough for a ship to come safely to her. The little boat went back to the ship and then the ship began sailing toward Lily! After an hour, Lily and Black Knight were on the ship headed for New York.

When Lily arrived in New York, she dialed the number to her house so she could tell her mom that she was coming home. “Hello,” said an unfamiliar croaky woman’s voice, “who is this?”

Lily answered, “Um, I am calling to talk to my mom. Is she there?” 

“Who is this?”

“My name is Lily Starr.”

 “Well, your mother isn’t here.”

“Do you know where she is?”

“Miz Starr has moved to Kentucky. I don’t know her number.”

“Thank you.”

“Bye.”

“Good…”

“Click.”

Lily hung up the phone and thought for a moment, and then she decided to call her mom’s neighbor, Miss Alice. After talking to Miss Alice for a while, Lily finally got the number to her mom’s new house in Kentucky which she called and her mom answered in a puzzled voice.

“Hello?”

“Hi, mama, it’s Lily.”

“Lily?!”

“Yea, I’m way up here in New York.”

“I don’t live there anymore.”

“I just found that out. The lady who answered told me.”

“Sorry, baby. At least you found me now.”

“Yea.”

“How are you? Where’ve you been?”

“I’m fine. I’ve been on an island all this time.”

“Wow! That sounds like a real adventure.”

“It isn’t much of anything.”

“When are you coming out here?”

“Miss Alice is going to send me by train out to Louisville tonight.”

“Great!”

“Mom?”

“Yea, honey?”

“Did Dad ever get home?”

“No, darling, he didn’t.”

Lily cried for a while and then continued, “I better go now. I’ve got to head out to Miss Alice’s.”

“Bye, baby. See you in Louisville.”

“You going to meet me there? If you are, please bring a horse trailer.”

“Yes. I’ll head out as soon as I am off the phone,

 so I better let you go. I’ll make sure to bring that horse trailer.”

“Bye.”

“Goodbye, Lily.”

Lily hung up, sprang out of her chair, and ran to Miss Alice’s house. She passed her old house on the way and she stopped to look at it. How many memories had