"You look worried."

"I'm not, well, yes, I suppose I am. I'm just sad about Linda's pony"

Shara went to the phone and took it into the next room. She shut the door on the cord so no one could hear her. Her heart was beating very fast as she dialed.

"Hi, can I speak to Peter Thomdon?"

"Speaking."

"This is Shara Nicholson. I have to tell you something."

"Yep. I'm all ears."

"You know Clegg Stud Farm, where they keep the horses and ponies . . . well I was there about half an hour ago and I saw the pony that was stolen last night only it was a different colour and I'm scared Mr. Clegg might do something to it because I was looking at it close up and I don't know if...!"

"Hey, slow down! Say all that again, slowly."

Shara explained in detail what had happened and Peter thanked her and said he would be right round, which he was, in fifteen minutes. He met Shara at the door.

"Excuse me, Mrs Nicholson, I wonder if you'd mind if I had another talk to your daughter."

"Certainly," said Shara's mother, smiling happily but also rather curious.

"I would like to take her to the Clegg Stud Farm too, with your permission?"

"If it helps to get the pony back, go right ahead."

"Thank you."

Shara felt incredibly important sitting in the front seat of the police car as Peter drove back down the road she had just hiked along. He asked her if she was sure it was the same pony. She said yes, she was sure. He suggested that there might be some other ponies around with similar marks on them and Shara said it was possible but this scratch was so distinctive it didn't seem likely. Peter was satisfied and said no more until he arrived at the Farm.

Bill Clegg was carrying a bale of hay across the yard as the police car pulled up. He looked pale and a little frightened, but he covered his expression with a big,