Free Prince for a Princess by Eric Walters

Chapter One
    Christina walked hand in hand between her parents.
They swung her back and forth as they walked up
the gravel road. Christina was seven and a little old
to be swung. But she was small for her age, and it was
something they all loved to do.
    They stopped in front of a barn. It had been a long drive out to the country. Christina was excited to be on a farm.
    â€œNow, Christina,” her mother said, “before we go in, I want you to remember we’re only here to look .”
    â€œI know. Only to look,” Christina said, but she hoped for much more.
    â€œYour mother’s right. Just because we’re here doesn’t mean we’re going home with a dog,” her father added.
    â€œWe both know how much you want a dog,” her mother said.
    Christina nodded. “I do, I really do.” She paused. “But if not a dog, I’ll settle for a horse.”
    â€œI don’t think a horse would work in the city,” her father said.
    â€œA little sister would be almost as good as a dog.”
    â€œLet’s look at the dogs,” her father said.
    They walked into the barn. It was big and smelled fresh and clean. It was quiet inside except for some soft music. If this is a kennel, why isn’t there any barking? thought Christina.
    â€œHello!” her father called out.
    There was no answer. A little man appeared. He was wearing rubber boots and faded jeans. He waved and smiled as he came forward.
    â€œGood afternoon, we’re the Campbells. We phoned earlier about coming to see the dogs,” Christina’s father said.
    â€œHi, I’m Bert. I’m glad you could make it. But I’m hoping you’ll do more than just visit them. Maybe I could put you all to work? Come on!”
    Before they could answer, Burt turned around. They followed him through a second door. The big room was filled with cages. There were dozens and dozens of cages on either side of a wide aisle. A set of eyes stared back at Christina from every cage.
    â€œYour timing is perfect. It’s time to turn the dogs out,” he said.
    â€œTurn them out?” Christina’s mother asked.
    â€œTo let them play in the exercise yard,” he said. “Children aren’t the only ones that need to play!”
    Bert opened up a cage, and a big dog popped his head out.

    He clipped a leash onto its collar, and the dog trotted out. Bert greeted the dog like a close friend, dropping to one knee and petting him on the head. “How you doing, boy?” The dog pressed up against Bert.
    Bert handed the leash to Christina. The dog was almost as tall as she was.
    Christina’s father took a step closer. “He certainly is big.”
    â€œBigger than most, smaller than some,” Bert said. “Don’t be afraid.”
    â€œI’m not afraid,” Christina said.
    Bert chuckled. “I was talking to your parents. Now, bring him out to the yard,” he said, pointing at an open door. “You can take the leash off once you’re outside.”
    Christina and the dog trotted away.
    â€œShe wasn’t afraid at all,” Bert said. “And neither of you should be either. Greyhounds are the gentlest dogs in the world.”
    He opened a second cage and put a leash on another dog. He handed the leash to Christina’s mother. She hesitated but took the leash and led the dog away. The family took turns leading the dogs out to the yard until all of them were outside.

Chapter Two
    There were thirty-six dogs in the yard.
    â€œThere are so many of them,” Christina’s mother said.
    â€œAre they all former racing dogs?” Christina’s father asked.
    â€œAll of them,” Bert said. “They only race for a few years, and then they have to retire.”
    â€œIt’s hard to believe they retire before most humans even start school,” Christina’s father joked.
    â€œFor racing dogs, it’s all about winning. Older dogs are