The Mystery Horse Read Online Free

ton.”
    â€œWow.” Benny was awed.
    Then Jessie told about feeding a baby lamb with a bottle. Violet’s mind went back to the horse in the locked stall. Somehow, she had to find out which horse was in there—and why.
    After dinner and a Monopoly game at the main house that evening, Violet decided to walk by the stables on the way to the bunk-house.
    â€œYou’re not going to see anything in the dark,” Henry told her. “Everything’s closed up by now.”
    â€œI just want to take a quick look,” Violet insisted. “You can go on, if you want.”
    When they reached the stables, they spotted a single light on, way in the back.
    â€œThat’s where the stall is,” Violet said quickly. “The one with the padlock on it.” She turned to Henry. “I’m going to go in there.” She carefully slid open the stable doors and stepped inside. Henry, Jessie, and Benny were right behind her. They walked softly over a thick carpeting of hay.
    Suddenly Mrs. Morgan appeared from the depths of the barn.
    â€œWhat are you kids doing in here?” she demanded.
    â€œWe’re just—we came to see the horses,” Violet stammered. She peered over Mrs. Morgan’s shoulder and noticed that the door to the last stall was open and light was streaming onto the stable floor. There was a scuffling noise, and suddenly Mr. Morgan emerged from the stall, leading a beautiful, chestnut-colored horse. The horse was tall and slender, and it pranced gracefully with its head held high.
    Mr. Morgan stopped dead in his tracks and glanced nervously at his wife. “What are they doing here?”
    â€œThey came to take a look at the horses,” she said. Her words came out in a rush, and Violet knew that something was wrong.

    â€œWell, this isn’t a good time,” Mr. Morgan said slowly. “You’d best come back in the daytime, when they’re all out in the pasture.”
    â€œBut this horse never goes to the pasture,” Violet said. She was surprised that she had the courage to speak up because she was usually very shy. “He never goes anywhere, does he? You keep him locked in the stall.
    Mr. and Mrs. Morgan exchanged a long look. “That’s because he’s very high-strung,” Mr. Morgan said slowly. “He gets nervous when he’s around other horses, so we keep him by himself as much as possible.”
    â€œWhat’s his name?” Henry asked.
    â€œHis name?” Mrs. Morgan repeated. She glanced at the horse, who was tossing his mane from side to side. He had gentle brown eyes and a white star on his forehead. “Star. His name is Star.”
    â€œWow! I’d sure like to ride him!” Benny said.
    â€œI’m afraid this horse isn’t for riding, son,” Mr. Morgan said gently. “I’ll make sure Danny gives you a ride on Oliver tomorrow.” He glanced at his wife. “And now I think you had all better get on back to the bunk-house. Before you know it, the sun will be up and it’ll be time for chores.”
    An hour later, back at the bunkhouse, Violet was too restless to sleep. She kept thinking about Star. She poked Jessie, who was sleeping in the top bunk.
    â€œDo you think the Morgans were telling the truth about that horse?” she whispered.
    Jessie yawned. “I don’t know. Why would they lie to us?” She propped her chin in her hand and stared down at her sister.
    â€œI don’t know,” Violet said thoughtfully. “But something just doesn’t make sense. Star didn’t seem high-strung at all, and it seems mean to keep him cooped up like that.”
    Jessie shrugged. “The Morgans would never be mean to an animal.”
    â€œThat’s true,” Violet admitted. She had seen how much they liked the farm animals and how carefully they tended them.
    â€œSo if they’re keeping him by himself, it must be for his own good.”