And he did so well in his final exams.” Then she added proudly, “One of his friends told me today that Alec got the highest marks in his graduating class.”

“Yes, it’s great, Belle. But it’s still not like Alec to study hard. Of course, we both know the reason was that he wanted to take his mind off the Black. Wonder what he’ll do now, though, with school over for the summer?”

Mrs. Ramsay looked up from her sewing. “Do you think we could afford to get him a horse to replace the Black? It could be his graduation present.”

“Guess we could afford it all right, Belle. Don’t know as it’ll do any good, though. No horse could ever replace the Black as far as Alec’s concerned.” Mr. Ramsay sat down in his chair again and put his legs back on the footstool. “Might ask him tonight how he feels about getting another horse,” he continued. “After all there’s a long summer ahead and in his present frame of mind he’ll want to be kept busy.”

It was after dark when Alec returned. He greeted his parents and then sat down.

After a few minutes’ silence, Mr. Ramsay said, “You certainly did well in your exams, son. We’re mighty proud of you.”

“Thanks, Dad.”

Alec’s father filled his pipe, then lighted it carefully before he spoke again. “Anything special you’d like as a graduation present, Alec?”

“No, Dad, thanks.…”

“Your mother and I thought you might like a horse—.” He stopped. He had been going to add “to take the place of the Black” but thought better of it.

Alec didn’t answer for a minute, and when he did speak his voice was low, so low that it was hardly audible. “I don’t think so, Dad … thanks … not now, anyway.” He rose to his feet. “I think I’ll go up to my room, if you don’t mind, there’s a book …” He walked quickly inside the house.

The following day Alec visited the old barn for the first time since the Black’s departure. Nearing it, he heard Tony’s voice. “That’sa good-a horse, Napoleon. Tomorrow you feel-a beeg again.” Alec glanced at his watch. It was early in the afternoon for Tony and Napoleon to have completed their rounds.

When he entered the barn he saw Tony alone with Napoleon. The little Italian huckster had the old gray horse’s head between his hands and was looking at him worriedly. “Anything the matter, Tony?” Alec asked after a moment’s hesitation.

“ ’Allo, Aleec. It’sa da Nappy, he no feel so good.”

Walking over to them, Alec ran his hand across the horse’s back. “He’s getting old, Tony. Have you seen a vet?”

“No. Napoleon, he no need a vet. He still wan young feller. Know what’sa da matta with him? He misses da big Black, that’s all.”

“Yeah, Tony … guess that’s it.