Pony Story

Linda looked hopefully at Dad.

"What do you think?" she asked.

"Well I don't know much about ponies," said Dad, "The main thing is how safe she is. I don't want a repeat of what happened to Shara. Is this pony property broken in?"

"Quiet as a lamb," said Mr. Clegg, "I'll saddle it up and your girl can have a ride around if you like?"

"OK," said Dad.

Mr. Clegg went to a crooked old shed and came back with a saddle and bridle. He slipped them on to Zeras and held the bridle while Linda climbed on. She walked the pony round the pen for a minute and came back.

"Really good!" she said.

"OK," said Dad, "I think we'll take this one."

"Fine," said Mr. Clegg, "I'll get the papers ready. When do you want it delivered?"

"Any time today would suit me, but tomorrow would be fine."

'Today? I can do that," said Mr. Clegg, "No trouble."

He pulled the saddle off and walked away with it. Linda stroked Zeras' nose and patted her soft neck. The pony twitched its ears nervously.

"What's that funny smell?" Shara asked.

"What smell?" said Dad.

"I don't know," said Shara, "Its like shampoo or something?"

Mr. Clegg was coming back now. He'd pulled some sheets of paper from his grubby overalls and was flattening them out on his knee.

"I can't smell anything?" said Linda.

"That's 'cos you've just had a cold," said Shara, "Your nose is still blocked up."

"No it isn't," said Linda.

"That's enough girls," said Dad.

"What's the problem?" asked Mr. Clegg.