"Don"t look at this trip as a failure." Mom paused to look into Alison"s green eyes. "Someday you"ll get your pony."Taking a deep breath, Alison wiped a stray tear from her cheek."I"ve always believed that what you give in life is exactly what you get back," Mom said. "You have given a lot to others, and one of these days you will get back the things you dream of."Every year, Alison"s family goes to Chincoteague Island to see the wild pony auction. But this year is different: Alison has saved $550, and her parents say that if she and her sister Laura can find a pony for that price, they can spend the money. But with ponies being sold at $1,000 or more, it looks hopeless - until two strangers enter the auction, and the girls realize they may be the recipients of a priceless gift.