Read Online Alice-Miranda Shows the Way by Jacqueline Harvey - Free Book Online Page B

halt and thrust his head up towards the door.
    What happened next was completely unexpected.
    Rockstar stopped his whinnying and so did Bony. The black stallion sniffed his small visitor. Bonaparte sniffed him back. Then Rockstar started rubbing his chin against Bony’s nose.
    â€˜What’s this then?’ Dick Wigglesworth asked.
    Alice-Miranda had rejoined the group and they all watched as Bonaparte and Rockstar engaged in some kind of equine conversation. There were neighs and whinnies and snorts and grunts.
    â€˜That’s the strangest thing I’ve ever seen,’ Dick whispered. ‘He’s never been one to get on with the other horses but he’s completely taken by that fella of yours.’
    Wally reached around and grabbed Bony’s reins. ‘Right, I think we’d better get you back outside and this time I’ll put you in the holding yard.’
    As Wally attempted to wheel Bonaparte around, the solid pony stood his ground and Rockstar reached out and nipped at the young lad’s hair.
    â€˜Oi! You little monster,’ he snapped, glaring at Bony.
    â€˜It wasn’t him,’ Millie said. ‘It was him.’ She pointed at Rockstar, who was grinding his teeth.
    Wally made a second attempt at moving Bonaparte but the pony locked his knees and refused to budge. Alice-Miranda reached out and gave him a pat on the neck.
    â€˜Come along, Bonaparte, you can’t stay here. Rockstar needs to rest,’ she whispered in his ear before taking the reins from Wally.
    In his stall, the champion began to paw at the ground.
    â€˜Mr Wigglesworth, do you think we could try something?’ Wally asked.
    â€˜What are you thinking, lad?’
    â€˜I wondered if we might take them outside together,’ Wally said.
    â€˜Oh no,’ Dick replied. ‘That doesn’t sound like a good idea at all.’
    â€˜I reckon Miss Pepper would be well pleased if we could at least get him out of the stables. And she’d be over the moon if we could get him to run,’ a lanky lad called Freddy piped up.
    â€˜So now you’re an expert, are you, Freddy?’ Dick challenged.
    In his stall, Rockstar reared up. He looked as though he meant to break through the door.
    â€˜No, sir, but I think there’s a good chance he could injure himself in there,’ Freddy replied.
    Dick Wigglesworth eyed the stallion. ‘Steady on there, son,’ he cooed.
    â€˜He’s going to hurt himself, Mr Wigglesworth,’ said Wally. His face was pale; he hated the thought of something happening to the horse.
    â€˜All right. Since you fellas know everything. Freddy, get his gear, will you?’ Dick Wigglesworth instructed.
    The boy looked at him and was motionless for a few seconds.
    â€˜Today, son, if it’s not too much of a bother,’ Dick huffed.
    Freddy rushed off towards the tack room.
    â€˜But who’s going to ride him?’ Alice-Miranda asked, looking around the stables.
    Freddy appeared, holding a bridle and tinysaddle, which he handed to Dick.
    â€˜Okay then, Wally, show us what you’re made of.’ The old man passed the bridle to Wally, who looked as if he’d swallowed a whale.
    â€˜I . . . I’m not going in there,’ Wally quavered. ‘You know him better than anyone.’
    â€˜You told me you wanted to work with racehorses. So here’s your chance,’ said Dick.
    â€˜Would you like me to bring Bonaparte in there with you while you get Rockstar ready?’ Alice-Miranda asked Wally.
    â€˜What? And have two maniacs in together?’ Wally gulped.
    Dick Wigglesworth winked at her. ‘Now you’re thinking, young lady.’
    â€˜You shouldn’t go in there, Miss Alice-Miranda,’ Wally protested. ‘It’s not safe.’
    â€˜But you’re going in there,’ Alice-Miranda reasoned.
    Wally’s frown deepened. ‘Exactly.’
    Dick Wigglesworth opened the stall door