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Fowler, Frank

"The Broncho Rider Boys with Funston at Vera Cruz Or, Upholding the Honor of the Stars and Stripes"


"If he only had a hand organ instead of a gun, I could place
him," laughed Donald. "What do you make out of him, Pedro?"
"It's a _saltimbanco_."
"What is that?"
"A man who goes about making people laugh."
"Oh!" from Adrian. "You mean a mountebank?"
"I think so."
"And this chap," ventured Billie, "isn't satisfied with making a
monkey of himself, but carries a real one with him."
Pedro laughed. "That seems to be it."
"I'm sorry he killed the horse," said Donald. "We need him."
"Perhaps he didn't," suggested Adrian. "Suppose we ride over and
see."
Suiting the action to the word, the boys rode out into the open,
much to the newcomer's surprise and consternation.
"Senors," he exclaimed, as he came running toward them, "I am
sorry I had to hurt your horse; but I couldn't lose my brother."
"Your what?" asked Billie.
"My brother. My little brother. Could I, Ambrosio?" and he patted
the ape on the cheek.
"What do you call him?" asked Donald.
"I call him Ambrosio because he is so sweet."
"Bah!" exclaimed Billie. "I called him Ab, but he ought to be
named Diabolo. But how about the horse?"
"I am afraid I have rendered him quite useless for the present,
Senor. I may have broken his leg.


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