He could raise havoc on the track, and that wouldn’t do the sport any good either. There are some mighty valuable horses in the International, Alec, an’ I wouldn’t want to be responsible for any damage done.”

“And I wouldn’t either, Henry,” Alec said. “But maybe he won’t act up at all. Maybe he’ll do everything I ask of him.” Alec’s face became eager and excited as he added, “And if he runs, Henry, he’ll show everyone that there’s not another horse in the world like him!”

Henry closely scrutinized Alec’s face. “So that’s it, too. You think he can beat Satan as well as the others.”

“I do, Henry. I really do.”

“And it’s in you to find out, just as I thought it was.”

“What do you think, Henry? Could Satan beat him?” The Black pushed his muzzle toward Alec’s pocket, seeking a carrot.

“It’s not fair to ask me that, Alec,” Henry said, after a long silence. “You know how I feel about Satan.”

“You mean you’re closer to him than to the Black.”

“Guess you can call it that. I’ve done something with Satan. He has the Black’s speed and he’ll turn it off an’ on for anyone on his back. It’s a combination hard to beat … for any horse,” he added, turning to the stallion.

“Henry,” Alec began slowly, “let’s take the Black to the International track for training. If between now and the day of the race he gives me any trouble, you just say the word, and we’ll withdraw him.”

“You’ll let me decide then, Alec? You promise that if I think he’s going to create a lot of trouble you won’t race him? Is that our agreement?”

“That’s it, Henry. Whatever you say goes.”

“Okay, Alec,” Henry said, extending his hand, which the boy clasped. “We’ll do it. We’ll take him to the track tomorrow and start working him. None of the other horses will be there yet, and Satan won’t be shipped from Chicago until next week. So we’ll have the place to ourselves for a while, which is good. I’ll stick with you all along, but remember our agreement. If I say he’s out of the race, he’s out.”

Nodding, Alec turned to his horse. “You’re going to the races, Black. You’re going to have one last crack at all of them … and you’ll give them something to remember you by, long after you’re at the farm.”

The stallion neighed, and Alec flung his arms around the sleek neck.

INTERNATIONAL TRACK
10

It was dark the next morning when the van went down the driveway, with Henry driving and Alec beside him. In the back was the Black, his legs well bandaged to prevent injury during the long trip ahead. He was halter-tied close to the small open window of the driver’s cab, and Alec was able to reach through it and touch his horse.

Long before it became light they had driven through New York City’s empty streets; and they were well on their way to Albany when the first streaks of dawn creased the sky.

“How much longer, Henry?” Alec asked.

“We won’t be there till around noon,” Henry replied, without taking his eyes from the road. “No hurry. Have to take it slow with him.”

“I know. I was just wondering when we’d be there.” Reaching through the window, Alec fed the Black a carrot, then once more settled back in the corner of his seat.

After a long while Henry said, “The International track is about forty-five miles north of Albany. It’s a new one, y’know. They’ve only just finished it.”

“How come they’re holding the Cup race there, Henry? Why not at Belmont or one of the other tracks close to a big city?”

“Because the International was their idea. And what better send-off could you give a new track than to sponsor such a race? I guess the track’s board of directors figured it that way. And the International Cup race is just before their first regular meeting, so the people coming to the International will most likely stay on for the meeting.” Henry switched off the van’s headlights, for now it was light enough to see the road.

It was ten o’clock when they drove through Albany’s heavy traffic and found their way out of the city, continuing to the north.