Horace trotted down the lane toward the woods.   Stuart held on tightly and Charlie swayed on Stuart's shoulder.

"Back in the fresh air again," said Charlie.   "This is great."

The sun had finally come out and it's warmth dried off Stuart's wet clothes.   It was going to be a nice, warm day after all.   Horace trotted into the woods and slowed down to a nice, easy walk.

"I'm getting thristy," he said.

"Is that all you do?" asked Charlie.   "Eat and drink all the time?"

"Well, I've been moving pretty fast.   It's getting hot and I'm getting thirsty," said the big horse.

"Will you two quit arguing?" asked Stuart.   "I heard Billy talking to his mother about a creek in the woods.   Maybe we can stop there.   Charlie, please fly ahead of us and see if you can spot it."

Charlie went flying off.   Soon he was back.

"I saw a creek just up ahead.   Here Horace, I'll lead you to it.   Just follow me."

Charlie flew ahead of Horace and guided him to the creek.   It was full from the recent rain.   Horace knelt down so that Stuart could slid off his back.   He walked to the water's edge and started taking big, gulping drinks of the cool water.

"Goodness!" said Charlie.   "He drinks like a horse!"

"Charlie, be nice now," said Stuart.   "He IS a horse and he is thristy!"

Stuart sat down on a big rock and leaned back against a tree.

"Whew!" he said.   "Horace was right.   It is getting warm."

Just then, he heard a rustling noise coming through the trees.   Horace and Charlie heard it too.

Charlie flew up into the nearest tree and sat quietly on a branch over Stuart's head.   Horace backed into a thicket and stood very still.   Stuart was afraid to move and sat, like a statue, on the rock.