all black."

"And when the horse float went away, did you see the number plate?"

"No."

"Was- there a number plate?"

"I can't remember. No, I don't think so."

"Could you identify the car? Do you know what model it was?"

"No, I didn't see it. The horse float was in front, and there were no lights, not even red ones, at the back. It was very quiet, sort of muffled."

'Thank you Shara, you were very brave to go out and look, but I think you could have woken your father first."

"I thought of that," said Shara, "But I didn't want to get in trouble. I didn't know if there was anything outside. Anything wrong I mean."

"Quite right. Very sensible."

Peter settled back in the couch and crossed his legs. Shara's Mum placed a cup of coffee beside him and put a plate of biscuits on the small table.

"I'd just like to have a few more details," said Peter, "Names and so on." He yawned again and covered his mouth.

"Excuse me," he said, "A policeman's lot is not a happy one."

"That's from a musical," said Shara smiling.

"You're a bright one," said Peter, "Now, full names please?"

He wrote everything he wanted in his book and shut it. Then he had his drink and two biscuits. Shara half expected him to fall asleep any moment, but he didn't.

As he got to the front door he said: "This isn't the first time this has happened. We'll catch whoever it is one day. That's the thing about some criminals, they keep doing the same thing until one day they make a mistake. Then we nab them."

"You mean other ponies have been stolen?" asked Shara.

"That's right. Five so far."