“I bet it wasn’t real,” Lisa said. “I hope it wasn’t.” “Let’s ask Max,” suggested Carole. They walked to Max’s office. Max was sitting in his desk chair surrounded by a group of younger riders, who were sitting on the floor. They were all cleaning tack, and all had obviously been listening to Horse Talk. Max’s radio sat on the desk next to him. When The Saddle Club walked in, everyone in the office fell silent. “Max,” said Carole, “what if you woke up one morning and found a horse in your backyard?” Max started to smile, but when he saw Carole’s thoughtful expression he answered her seriously. “I heard your last caller,” he said. “I think you guys took the right approach answering her—I’m pretty sure that was supposed to be a joke.” He gestured toward the radio. “No offense, but I don’t think you should take any of those calls seriously. You guys handled yourselves well. You should be proud.” “We felt really sorry for you,” said May.
