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THE MADNESS OF JOHN HARNED
derstand. The mind of John Harned lacked logic. That is the only explanation.
"It is not usual to have horses in the bull-ring at Quito," said Luis Cervallos, looking up from the program. "In Spain they always have them. But to-day, by special permission we shall have them. When the next bull comes on there will be horses and picadors—you know, the men who carry lances and ride the horses."
"The bull is doomed from the first," said John Harned. "Are the horses then likewise doomed?"
"They are blindfolded so that they may not see the bull," said Luis Cervallos. "I have seen many horses killed. It is a brave sight."
"I have seen the bull slaughtered," said John Harned. "I will now see the horse slaughtered, so that I may understand more fully the fine points of this noble sport."
"They are old horses," said Luis Cervallos, "that are not good for anything else."
"I see," said John Harned.
The third bull came on, and soon against it were both capadors and picadors. One picador took his stand directly below us. I agree, it was a thin and aged horse he rode, a bag of bones covered with mangy hide.
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