A Thin Wisp of Smoke

By Eric Pullin

Henry, a retired racehorse, knows something is amiss when he takes his usual canter through the countryside, near the farm where he lives.
A mine, long closed, seems to be active again. Henry decides to investigate, and finds himself entangled in a ring of bad men, with very bad plans for a lot of local animals, including Henry’s good friend, Shadow, the sheepdog. If he doesn’t act quickly, he might be taken far away from his family and friends, and Shadow might meet an even worse fate!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Inknbeans Press
• Release date: Nov 24, 2013
• ISBN: 9781310213038

Book preview

What are people saying about

Eric Pullin’s books?

The Why Series

This is a cute story that answers the question of where do the stars come from? It is full of rhyming words that make the story flow quickly and make the story so much more fun. The illustrations are bright and colorful and definitely draw the reader's eye. Heather Brewer

…and makes even me giggle in the end!

Naomi Meyers

My three grand kids love it and I would recommend it to others. Kay Hunt

Digweed, the Cat

This charming story is perfect for kids of all ages. I highly recommend this book to all cat lovers. Also to those who are not too crazy about the furry, purring creatures - you'll still enjoy the tale. Lady Wings

It's very easy to fall in love with this courageous little cat.

Debby Butler

Henry the Horse

A Thin Wisp of Smoke

by

Eric Pullin

Smashwords Edition

Published by

Ted E Beans

(a li’l division of Inknbeans Press)

© November 2013

Cover by Gemma Pullinger

Copyright © 2012 Eric Pullin

Copyright © 2013 Eric Pullin and

Ted E Beans

All rights reserved

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior permission in writing of the publisher, nor be otherwise circulated in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published.

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Chapter 1

A chill breeze blew through Blackberry Farm. Spring was coming but the hard winter seemed determined to have a final say. Snow still topped the faraway hills and the surrounding fields shimmered white with frost in the watery early morning sun.

Henry stood quietly as Gayle undid his girth and gently slipped the saddle from his back.

Every morning, Gayle would ride Henry, for exercise, before going to school. It was a time that Henry looked forward to. They were a team. They would walk and trot and canter and gallop. Gayle rode so well that Henry hardly knew that she was on his back. Gayle would talk to him as they travelled. Sometimes she would pretend to be a racing jockey and Henry would remember his glory days on the racetrack for, in his youth, Henry had been a champion.

Faster Henry faster. Come on, boy – we’re winning!

Henry would feel her heels nudging into his flanks, urging him onwards. He would flatten his ears and stretch his neck just as he had done so many years ago. He could almost hear the roar of the crowd.

We did it Henry - we won - you're the champion again! and Henry would feel Gayle's hand patting his neck and tugging at his ear in congratulation.

Outside the cowshed at the other end of the farmyard, Henry could see Gayle's father loading milk churns on to the trailer ready to start his delivery run around the town.

Don't take too long grooming him this morning. Gayle's father called. It’s nearly time for school. I'll make sure he's O.K. before I do the deliveries.

For many years it had been Henry's job to pull the milk cart, but now his working days were over and a rather tired and rusty tractor did the pulling. Henry was just a family pet who had the run of the fields and the farmyard. He loved his freedom - he loved his life - he loved his family. Henry was contented.

What do you call a Frenchman who's been shot from a canon? Gayle shouted to her father.

"I don't know. - What do you call a Frenchman who's been shot from a canon?"

Napoleon Blownapart!

That's the worst joke I've heard all day! Go to school - and try to learn something useful.

Yes, Daddykins. - I'm on my way, Daddykins. I love you, Daddykins.

Gayle gave Henry one last hug around his neck. "You