The Black Stallion

know I'm not goin' to make you cocky by telling you this because you love horses and you're sincere in your desire to make them your lifework—just like I have. There's a lot more to learn, and I can teach you all that. But I never could have given you the hands you got; you were born with those."
    Tom said nothing when Jimmy had finished. It wasn't necessary to tell Jimmy how he felt. Within a few days he'd be alone with his colt again. How well he remembered his anxiety and lack of confidence at Uncle Wilmer's when the colt had come! There was no doubt in his mind now but that he could do exactly what Jimmy wanted him to do during the next few months. And it was a good and wonderful feeling. He and Bonfire had grown up.

Tom Messenger, Trainer
12
    Jimmy and George left for the fairs with high hopes for a successful season.
    "If Jimmy only sticks to his diet," George told Tom, "he'll feel well; then maybe we'll have the fun we used to have at the fairs."
    They put Symbol in the old van, Sadie, and left for Indiana, Pennsylvania.
    For Tom, it was good having Bonfire all to himself again. He worked with him as though he alone was the trainer of this blood bay colt and was getting him ready to race the following season, to drive and share with him his first competition. Temporarily he forgot Jimmy Creech, professional trainer and driver.
    Yet instinctively he followed Jimmy's instructions, walking to the side of the two-wheeled cart while Bonfire pranced around the track, eager to go but responsive and obedient to the lines. Often Tom thought of the joy it would be just to sit behind him a few minutes, to have those supple hind-quarters working so smoothly between his outstretched legs. But always he resisted the temptation, well remembering that Jimmy didn't want him to do it. He let the colt get his exercise in the paddock and while working him on the longe. And for many hours each day, he stood beside him while Bonfire grazed in the infield of the track.
    There were times, too, when Tom added his own training lessons to those Jimmy had given him. He walked Bonfire up and down the wooden loading ramp, getting him used to entering and leaving a van, which would be so much a part of his racing life. And he walked him in and out of other sheds, now empty except for those of Miss Elsie, because Bonfire must get used to strange stalls and barns. And the colt followed, having full confidence in the hands which led him. Tom took him too to Miss Elsie's two-year-old colts, allowing Bonfire to nuzzle, neigh, and snort angrily occasionally at the other horses. Getting used to strange colts both in the stable and on the track was very necessary.
    And whenever Tom brought the colt in from pulling the cart about the track, he would work over him the very same way as he would have done had Bonfire had a strenuous workout or race. Removing the harness and bridle, he would wipe him clean and rub him down, although there was no sweat or dirt on the colt's smooth red coat. Then he would throw a cooling blanket over him and walk him. It would all be a part of Bonfire's life, and it was important that he accept it now so that later Jimmy would only have to concentrate on bringing out the colt's speed and building stamina.
    Tom wrote Uncle Wilmer regularly, telling him of Bonfire's progress and asking about the Queen. His uncle wrote back, telling him, "The mare never looked better, all right, and she's the best there is. Too bad Jimmy didn't have the money to breed her again. I'd sure like to see her have another colt. Maybe next year, huh? Maybe Jimmy will make some money this season. Where's he at now? I seen in
Hoof Beats
that he took a third at the Indiana Fair, but nothing since then. Is he coming to the Reading Fair this year? Hope so. Sure like to see him, all right, so would your aunt. We miss you, Tom, but know how busy you must be with the colt and all. You send more pictures of him…"
    Tom took more pictures of the colt and then sat down to write Uncle Wilmer. "I don't think Jimmy and George will make the Reading Fair this year. Jimmy's figuring on cutting the season short so he can get back here by late August… that's if things go well for him. He wants to work Bonfire. But next season I'm hoping we'll all be at Reading, and you'll see our wonderful colt go!"
    Tom stopped writing at this point to look out the tack-room window. After a while he went on with his letter. "I don't know where Jimmy is right now. He wrote me