But it was finally the horses that caught Jeremy's heart.

Half of them at least were without riders, and the empty ones went round pathetically, envying the more successful ones and dancing to the music as though with an effort.

One especially moved Jeremy's sympathy.

He was a fine horse, rather fresher than the others, with a coal-black mane and great black bulging eyes; his saddle was of gold and his trappings of red.

As he went round he seemed to catch Jeremy's eye and to beg him to come to him.