Zeras. She backed out obediently and stood quietly as Mr. Clegg heaved the door back up and secured it. Linda patted Zeras on the neck.

"Can I have a ride?" Shara asked.

"No!" said Linda, "It's my pony!"

"After you, I mean? You can have a ride first! I just want to sit on her for a minute, when you've had a good ride."

"No," said Linda, "Its my pony. I don't have to let you have rides, ever!"

"Oh go on, Linda," said Dad, "It won't hurt. It's not as if she's going to wear the pony out!"

"I just don't want her using my pony," said Linda, " I paid for it with my money, and I don't want anyone else to ride it."

"Some of that money was given to you," Dad reminded her.

"I earned it," said Linda.

Shara's face fell. She walked away and stood by the gate. She was close to tears.

"Kids are like that," said Mr. Clegg, trying to sooth the matter, "Its the novelty of the thing. She'll come right in a few days." He winked at Dad.

Dad didn't wink back. He didn't like it when people winked at him.

Linda gave Mr. Clegg a sour look and led Zeras away.

"Well," said Mr. Clegg, with his hands on his round hips, "That's about all for now. Just give us a ring if you have any problems. I suppose your daughter knows about caring for ponies?"

"She's got loads of books!" said Dad, "I think she knows what she's doing."

"Right then," said Mr. Clegg. He got back into the truck and drove away. Shara shut the gate and watched as he went slowly down the road. There was a strong smell of oil in the air and you could hardly see the truck for exhaust.

Linda tied Zeras up and started to put the saddle on. She ignored Shara as she worked, and managed to stand with her back to her as much as possible, just to let her know she wasn't welcome. Shara said nothing, but her fingers longed to hold the pony's bridle, or stroke the