The Christmas Pony by Melody Carlson Page A

light bulb?” She giggled as she tried to imagine a light bulb in the henhouse.
    â€œYou could turn it on just before the sun sets. Leave it on for an hour or so. Maybe the chickens would think it was still daytime and reward you with some eggs.”
    â€œDo you really think that would work?”
    â€œIt might be worth a try.” He pointed to the barn. “I noticed there’s electricity running from the house to the barn.”
    â€œMama had the electric put in so she could do her laundry out there.”
    â€œWell, it wouldn’t be hard to run a cord from the barn to the chicken coop and get a light set up. I could give it a try if you think it’s a good idea.”
    She nodded eagerly. “It’s a swell idea.”
    â€œWould your mother mind if I poked around to find what I need for the light?”
    â€œI think Mama would be real happy if we started getting eggs again.”
    â€œAbout that car,” he said as they walked back to the house. “Does it run at all?”
    â€œNo, it’s been broken down for a long, long time. Mr. Brewster offered to buy it once, but Mama said no. Now she’d gladly sell it, but he can’t afford to buy it anymore. And no one else wants a car that doesn’t run.” She stopped walking and set the chicken bucket down. “I’m glad because sometimes I like to sit in it and I pretend like I’m driving.” She flopped down on her back, and George’s eyes nearly popped out.
    â€œWhat’s wrong?” He bent over and stared. “Are you okay?”
    â€œI’m making a snow angel,” she explained as she flapped her arms and legs.
    With a quizzical expression, he pulled out his pipe and watched her.
    â€œSee?” She stood, proudly pointing to the angelic image in the snow.
    â€œVery nice.” He lit his pipe and smiled.
    She went over to where the snow angel head was and drew in a halo. “There. Perfect.”
    â€œDo you think your mother would mind if I took a look at the old car?” He let out a puff of sweet-smelling smoke. “My dad used to have a car almost exactly like it, and if I’m lucky, I might be able to get it running again.”
    â€œReally?” She brushed the snow off her coat sleeves.
    â€œIt’s a possibility.”
    â€œI sure wish it could run again.” She sighed. “I remember how I used to ride to town in it with my daddy . . . back when I was a little girl.”
    His pipe slowly moved up and down like he was thinking hard.
    â€œMaybe we shouldn’t tell Mama about it, though.” She glanced over to the house. “Just so we don’t get her hopes up. You know, in case you can’t fix it.”
    He removed his pipe, placing a forefinger over his lips. “I won’t tell if you won’t tell.”
    She nodded. “It’s a deal.”

    As they were finishing lunch, George announced that he planned to walk to town to check on the progress of his car’s repairs. “Let me know if there’s anything I can bring home for anyone.”
    â€œNo, thank you,” Mama primly told him. “Lucy did the shopping for us on Saturday.”
    â€œBut you might let George drop off your laundry parcels,” Grandma suggested to Mama. “That would save you a—”
    â€œOh, that’s all right,” Mama said. “I don’t mind the walk.”
    â€œI’d be pleased to deliver your parcels for you,” George told her.
    â€œBut I wouldn’t want to bother you with—”
    â€œIt’s no bother,” he assured her. “Just write down the addresses for me, and I’ll gladly drop them off. I plan to leave around two.”
    Mama started to protest again, but this time Veronica interrupted. “Why don’t you just use the telephone, George?” she suggested. “Simply call the garage and check on your automobile. Save yourself a senseless