The Mystery Horse Read Online Free PDF Page B

partner. “Well, now what do we do, Ryan?”
    Ryan tried the padlocked door again. The aging wood creaked a little, but the lock held. “There must be some way in here,” he muttered. He walked back to Henry. “That just leaves you. I bet you could figure out a way to get in the stable. Maybe you even have a key.”
    Henry didn’t flinch. “Why are you here?” His voice was strong, but his heart was beating fast.
    â€œOh, we should have explained that,” Hank said. “We’re here . . . ” He paused and glanced at Ryan.
    â€œWe’re here to take one of the horses to the veterinarian. The big one with the star . . . he’s got a bad foot.”
    â€œThe veterinarian?” Mr. Morgan hadn’t said anything about a horse going to the vet’s, and Henry was more suspicious than ever.
    â€œWell, you’ll have to come back tomorrow,” Henry said firmly.
    â€œNow that’s not such a good idea,” Ryan said thoughtfully. “The poor horse must be suffering. He really should be treated right away.”
    Violet glanced at the horse trailer behind the car. It was burgundy-colored and there was no name on it. “What’s the name of the veterinarian?”
    Hank scratched his head. “Well, that’s easy. It’s Doc, uh, Doc . . .”
    â€œDoc Henderson,” Ryan said smoothly. “Maybe you’ve heard of him.”
    Violet shook her head. She was suspicious, too. What did the men want with Wind Dancer?
    Jessie turned as Benny scampered over to them. He looked at the shiny horse trailer. “Neat!” he exclaimed. “Is there a horse inside?”
    â€œNot yet,” Hank said. “I don’t suppose you know how to get into the stables, do you?”
    Benny looked at the padlocked door and shook his head. “No, you’ll have to wait until the Morgans get home. They should be here any minute.”
    Violet wanted to hug him. That was exactly the right thing to say!
    Hank gave a worried look to his partner. “Maybe we should come back another time,” he said, backing toward the car.
    â€œI think we’ll have to,” Ryan replied. He had his car keys in his hand and seemed eager to be on his way.
    â€œThat would be a good idea,” Henry said firmly.
    He stared at Henry for a long minute. “We’ll be back.” He was scowling and his voice was cold.
    The moment the car rumbled back down the drive, Violet turned to Henry. “What was that all about?” she asked. “Do you think they were here to kidnap Wind Dancer?”
    â€œSomething’s going on,” Henry told her. “We have to let the Morgans know right away. Wind Dancer could be in real danger.”
    As soon as the Morgans pickup truck pulled up in the driveway, all four Aldens hurried over. Mr. and Mrs. Morgan were busily unloading some bags of grain from the truck.
    â€œWell, it looks like we have a welcoming committee,” Mrs. Morgan said, smiling.
    â€œWe have something really important to talk to you about,” Henry told her. “In private.”
    Mr. Morgan looked serious. “Come inside the house, children.” He waited until everyone was settled in the den. “Now what’s this all about?”
    â€œWe know about Wind Dancer,” Jessie blurted out.
    â€œYou call him Star, but we know who he really is!” Violet chimed in.
    â€œSome men were here today to steal him!” Benny said, his eyes wide. “But we stopped them just in time.”
    Mrs. Morgan put her hand to her mouth. “Oh, no!” she cried.
    â€œSlow down,” Mr. Morgan said. “Now, Henry, start at the beginning and tell me exactly what happened.”
    Henry told him about the men trying the padlocked door, and he gave a good description of the car and the horse trailer. When he finished Mr. Morgan shook his head.
    â€œI guess I should have been honest with you last