Read Online The Black Stallion and the Girl by Walter Farley - Free Book Online Page B

given him all the freedom any son could have asked. How else could he have shaped his life with the Black?
    What had happened to them?
    What had happened to Henry?
    Alec entered the barn, wondering if possibly his parents and Henry were more
fearful
than angered by what Pam represented—a passion for life that went beyond obtaining material possessions, all the things they had worked so hard to get.
    Right or wrong, Pam was asking questions which all of them, including himself, least wanted to hear, for such questions challenged their goals, their ideals and their conscience!
    Alec went to her apartment, only to find the lights out. Quickly he descended the stairs and left the barn, knowing she was somewhere around, for her car was still there.
    Night had fallen and he waited for his eyes to become adjusted to the darkness before climbing thefence and walking across the field. There was no moon and the night was lit only by the stars.
    He was almost to the edge of the woods when he heard the notes of a flute echoing in the stillness. He paused in his tracks, knowing Pam was there, somewhere ahead of him.
    He had decided to tell her everything, how everyone felt about her. Then she could decide whether or not she wanted to stay. If she did, he wouldn’t let her go, for his feelings had changed after spending the day with her.
    He moved forward again, his steps unconsciously keeping time to the sounds of the flute. There was a smooth, steady rhythm to the beat that was beautiful in its simplicity.
    He came to an abrupt stop when he saw her, for she was dancing to her music. While he watched, she leaped high on bare feet and hard, muscular legs, spun in the air and came down to fall back a pace. Then she sprang forward again, bent a knee, bounded on one leg while spinning in great whirlwinds that sent her long hair flying like great golden wings. Every inch of spine, every joint moved and flowed as she danced her own dance to her own music. Hers was a body abandoned to utter freedom. It was more than dancing, Alec decided; it was a furious and magnificent soaring flight, performed more by the mythical god Pan than by Pam.
    Finally, she collapsed to the ground, exhausted and breathing heavily. Yet even then she had an air of grace, a marvelous flair, such as comes from nature alone.
    He moved forward but her eyes were closed and she did not see him. He felt that he was invading her privacy, and regretted that he had not called to her instead of stealing quietly upon her.
    She was wearing a white cotton dress, sprinkled with colored blossoms. Tiny diamond earrings shone softly in the lobes of her ears. She had her arms over her head and her slender, supple body and long straight legs were stretched out in the complete relaxation of an exhausted animal.
    “Hello,” he said. “I would think you’d be too tired for all that.”
    She opened her eyes, startled to find him there.
    “I didn’t know I had an audience,” she said with some embarrassment. “I was dancing because I’m so happy. What a fabulous, fantastic day, Alec.”
    “It was fun,” Alec said. “I don’t think I’ve ever been happier after a day’s work.”
    “Me too,” she said, reaching for his hand. He took it and sat down on the grass beside her.
    Night hawks flew overhead and their gazes followed the outline of winged bodies against the sky.
    “I wish I were one of them,” she said. “Wings would be good for me.”
    “Why?” he asked. “You soar well enough without them.”
    “It’s just that I want to see and hear everything.”
    “How come you’re so restless?”
    “I don’t know,” she said. “I guess I just like to go from place to place. What’s the good of coming to a halt when I’ve so much to do?”
    “But isn’t it kind of a rushing thing?” Alec asked.
    “I suppose so,” she admitted. “But if I stay anywhere very long, it gets to be a planning thing and somehow it’s wrong for me. I’m sure of that but I don’t