Prior to becoming one of the most admired political cartoonists of the 20th century for his work at the Chicago Daily News, Luther Bradley wrote and illustrated this children's book for boys. Inspired by the Spanish-American war, and starring his two nephews, the story finds the two youngsters Willie and Tommy answering President McKinley's call for volunteers, and heading off to Cuba. Riding mounts they borrowed from the circus—a giraffe named Shorty and an ""orang-outang"" (sic) named Fido—the boys have great adventures in the fight for independence. The story even features cameo appearances from Cuban commander General Blanco, Spanish Admiral Cervera, US General Shafter, and the Spanish boy king Alfonzo XIII.