The Mystery Horse by Gertrude Chandler Warner Page B

please see it?”
    Mrs. Morgan smiled. “Maybe this afternoon,” she promised. “But right now, I think Danny and Sarah should help get you settled in the bunkhouse.”
    â€œI think that’s about it, Grandfather said, lifting a knapsack out of the backseat. Watch circled excitedly, sniffing the ground. “C’mon, boy,” Grandfather said. “You and I are going to head back home and leave everyone to their chores.” He hugged each of the children in turn. “Have fun, children.”
    â€œThank you, Grandfather,” Jessie and Violet chorused. Henry and Benny waved as Grandfather started up the station wagon. Watch was sitting proudly in the front seat next to him as they drove down the long winding road. Each of the children was thinking the same thing: How lucky we are to have such a wonderful grandfather!

CHAPTER 2
    Daisy
    â€œH ave you ever been on a farm before?” Danny Morgan asked.
    â€œNot really,” Violet said shyly. “But all of us love animals. That’s why our grandfather gave us this vacation.” She stopped to look at a baby goat, wearing a bell around its neck.
    â€œThat’s Jezebel,” Danny said. “She gets along with all the animals, especially the horses. We let her sleep right in the stables with them because it calms them down. You can play with her later, if you want.”
    â€œBut first we have to get you settled in the bunkhouse, and then we have to get back to our milking,” Sarah said briskly. “The cows don’t like to be kept waiting.” She led the way across the yard to the long flat building they had spotted from the car.
    â€œThis looks just like something out of a cowboy movie,” Benny said happily. The bunkhouse was made out of logs and had a narrow porch with wooden chairs.
    Sarah laughed. “It’s not fancy, but our guests seem to like it. The family in the room next to you brought four kids.” She opened a rough oak door with black hinges and everyone trooped inside. The room was small, but cozy, with two sets of bunk beds, two wooden dressers, and a brown-and-orange braided rug. There were Indian blankets on the beds, and Violet noticed several horse prints on the paneled walls. There was a tiny bathroom with a Mexican tile floor connected to the bedroom.
    â€œI love it,” Jessie said, testing one of the beds.
    â€œI get the top bunk,” Benny said, scrambling up the ladder.
    â€œJust don’t fall out of bed in the middle of the night and wake us up,” Henry teased him.
    â€œAfter a day at Sunny Oaks, nothing will wake you up,” Danny said with a laugh. “We keep our guests really busy, you know.”
    â€œJust come out when you’re ready and Dad will give you your chores for the day,” Sarah said. “We keep the list posted in the kitchen.”
    â€œDanny,” Violet said hesitantly, “do you think I could see one of the horses up close?”
    Danny beamed. “Sure. You can help me groom Oliver and clean his hooves.”
    After Danny and Sarah left, Benny bounced up and down a few times on his bed. This was going to be one of the best vacations ever!
    â€œYou kids look like you’re ready for some hard work,” Mr. Morgan said later that morning. He leaned against a pitchfork and mopped his face with a bandana. He was a tall man with a deep suntan, and he looked at the children carefully. “Now who wants to do what?”
    â€œThey’ve never been on a farm before, Dad,” Sarah said quickly. “Maybe we better pick the chores for them.”
    Mr. Morgan rubbed his hands together and squinted at the sun. “Well, let me see. I’d like to finish the plowing before it gets too hot,” he said. “Henry, would you like to ride in the tractor cab with me?”
    â€œYou bet!” Henry said eagerly.
    Benny’s face fell. Riding in a tractor didn’t sound like a chore. It