It was getting close to the end of spring in Paris, and one day while on their daily walk, Madeline and Riley saw a sign on a fence post saying that the circus was coming to Paris. Riley grabbed the paper and quickly ran up to the front of the line to show miss Clavel.

"Oh Miss Clavel can we please go?" Riley pleaded.

Yes, can we choused the other girls?

" Miss Clavel looked at the paper and studied it (As her mind flashed back to the last time the circus was in town which was run by the gypsies which had caused many problems.) Miss Clavel shook her head as the scene in her mind disappeared.

The teacher then looked at her students and said will see."

Little did the 13 girls know was that miss Clavel had seen the paper for the circus already and she was going to surprise her girls the very next week. The teacher had already bought the tickets.

The next morning Miss Clavel told the girls that they would be going to the circus the very next week.

The 13 girls were so excited that they couldn't wait.

Madeline and Riley however were the most excited of all.

Riley & Madeline and the Missing Clown

: In an old house in Paris that was covered with Vines.

Genieve Marie was watching a bird fly around through the open window in the hallway.

Riley and Madeline stopped behind their loyal dog

Riley said "Allonez Genevieve Marie!"

Then the twins and their dog ran to the stairs and Slid down the banister like they always did.

:Live thirteen little girls, in two straight lines.

Whee! whee!

: they left the house at half past nine in two straight lines, in rain or shin. the oldest one was Riley and the smallest one was Madeline.

Outside in the front of the school Madeline sniffed the pink flower then the small girl looked up and gasped at the sight she saw in front of her.

Madeline said "Wha- Miss Clavel, Miss Clavel regardé!"

The girls looked up hearing Madeline's scream and they all gasped as well.

Danielle said "The smoke?"

Chole said "It is all black"

Lulu said "Look at the smoke"

Riley said "What's wrong Miss Clavel?"

Miss Clavel said "It's alright my dears, we will just have to call a chimney sweep the minute we get back from the circus."

All the Girls then remembered, "Yes Madeline, hurry! If we miss the bus, we will miss the Circus!"

Madeline gasped as she caught up with her sister. Luckily they made it to the bus stop with five minutes to spare and once on the bus, all the 13 girls could talk about is what they were most excited to see.

: a very small circus had come into town, a circus which stared the world's smallest clow.

As the bus pulled up to the front of the circus tent The girls saw another poster.

Riley said "There he is, Monsieur Funnybones!"

Nicole giggles "It make me laugh just to see his pictures!"

All the girls laughed

: the little girls could hardly wait to see a clown that was oh so great.

Miss Clavel said "Merci as she thanked the bus driver."

Once the girls had given their tickets,

: Miss Clavel led them to their place. they were seated right in the front with happy face.

Madeline said "Where do we get to see Monsieur Funnybones Miss Clavel?"

Nicole said "Yes"

Chole said "Where do we see him, is he coming out first?"

Dainelle said "How much longer?"

All the girls "We wanted Monsieur Funnybones!"

Miss Clavel said "Patience my darlings, the circus is full of many others wonders"

The lights then dimmed

Ringmaster said "Welcome to Le Cirque Extraordinaire. and now to open our Magnificent show... Antoine the Amazing.

Ohh!

: all the girls were thunderstruck to see the strong man lift his truck.

The Girls gasped as they were very amazed.

Oh! oh! oh!

: but now and then some eyes were hiding. from the daring bareback riding.

Nicole said "Be careful"

All the girls " Ohh! ohh!

Chole said "Watch out"

Riley said as her eyes lit up. "Now I know what I want to be when I grow up"

Madeline chuckled and said "Good luck Aunt Kathy, she would ground you"

The twine then laught but then shuddered as they knew that their aunt's grounding meant being locked in their bedroom with nothing to eat but bread and water.

Riley said "Oui you are right. The older twin shook her head to get the scene out of her head.

: soon Everybody was laughing in the stand when a bear rode a bicycle with no hands.

'All the girls said Hooray! Bravo! Fantastique! Tres bien! Fantastique!

Chole said "Is he not astounding Madeline, I could watch him forever"

Madeline said "Not me, then we will never would get to see Monsieur Funnybones"

Chole said "You are right, I hope we will see him very soon"

All the girls "Yes, very soon"

Miss Clavel said "You will my dears, I am sure he is backstage right now preparing for his performance"

Meanwhile backstage in the dressing trail, The small clown was trying to reach the handle on the closet. The small clown was having no luck which causing teasing from the other circus member.

Hunko said "Look everyone, Monsieur teeny bones cannot even reach the latch, ha ha ha ha hah ha ha, tsk tsk tsk tsk if you were any smaller, no one could even see you ha ha ha ha ha"

Hearing that remark made a tear run down Mr funnybones face.

Mr Funnybone also had a slightly taller brother who's name was Mr Smith and he was also an clown. Mr Smith was very protective of his smaller clown brother. The older clown got very angry at anyone who made fun of his brother's size.

Mr Smith turned around and give a stern look to the Strong man

Mr Smith said "Cut it out Hunk my brother can't help it if he's small.

Hunk then stared to argue with Mr Smith. Mr Funnybones made the decision right then and quickly walked out of the dressing wagon and ran down the road.

Finally the argument ended and Mr Smith turned around to help his brother reach the latch on the Closest. But was shocked to see that his brother wasn't in the wagon.

Mr Smith called out "Funnybones?" Bro?"

Then seeing the backdoor of the wagon open Mr Smith gasped and hurried outside hoping to find his brother. However he couldn't so now worried for his brother's safety Mr Smith hurried down the street calling out for his brother.

A few miles down the road Mr Smith finally found his brother who was no longer dressed as a clowns. And after Mr Funnybones told his brother why he was no longer dressed as clown Mr Smith gasped. but then said.

Mr Smith said "I know what we can do and he whispered his plan to his brother. Who agreed and nodded.

Meanwhile back in the Main tent not knowing what had just gone on backstage,

Ringmaster said " Madams ET Monsieur's your attention s'il te plaît before you enjoy the great highlight of our circus, I have an important task to perform"

All the girls "An important task?"

Nicole said "What could it be?"

Ringmaster said "I will select an assistant from the audience, to help Monsieur Funnybones in his act"

Chole said "An assistant?"

Riley said "To Monsieur Funnybones"

Chole said "I hope it is me"

Nicole said "No me"

Riley said "No me"

: the crowd held its breather as the ringmaster pondered, and over each face, he thoughter wandered he did not choose the very Boldest. He passed right by the very oldest. he skipped the wildest. and the tallest. and in the end he choose the smallest.

Riley cheered Bon Maddie as the ringmaster helped her over the ledge and led her to the center ring.

The Ringmaster said "And what is your name ma petite amie?

Madeline said "Madeline"

Ringmaster said will Mademoiselle Madeline you are exactly the right size to be Monsieur Funnybone official Assistant.

Madeline's eyes lit up with excitement.

Madeline said Merci Beaucoup.

Suddenly the clown who greeted them out front at the entrance, came running onto the stage

(Clown Whispering)

Ringmaster said Zut Alors can this be true?

(Clown Nod)

The Ringmaster said Madams ET Messieurs, I do not not know how I m going to break this new to you you must all go home now. the circus is canceled.

Everyone in the audience gasped but got out of their seats and left leaving only Miss Clavel and the girls all standing in the middle of the ring.

all the girls said Canceled?

Chole said how can this be?

Nicole said what does this mean?

Lulu said why?

Miss Claver said "What had happened Monsieur? "

Ringmaster said "A great mystery Madame, the star of our show is no where to be found. Monsieur Funnybones has disappeared!"

Madeline gasped "And looked at Riley in shock and sadness!"

Riley said "It can't be true, it just can't be"

The ringmaster nodded sadly.

: Riley Madeline and the girls were so upset they told Miss Clavel...

All the girls "We can't go yet"

Miss Clavel nodded as they wanted to help as much as they could.

: The Mystery of the Missing Clown soon brought a policeman of Great renown.

Riley said "Detective Moreau!" as she came into the ring.

Detective Moreau said "Bonjour Riley and Madeline, what are you two doing here?"

Madeline said "I was going to be Monsieur Funnybones assistant, but he has disappeared"

Detective Moreau said "Oh La la, do not worry mes petites, we will find him"

: Detective Moreau knew just what to do. He ordered them to find a clue

The group left the tent and started searching for any clues.

Detective Moreau said "Anything, a hat, a coat, gloves, shoes.

: they searched most carefully around the ring till Moreau cried out.

Detective Moreau said "What is this thing?"

Ringmaster said "That is Monsieur Funnybone's sock"

Riley said "And here is another one"

: Detective Moreau now had a plan.

Detective Moreau said "Follow that trash"

: He rushed away to another can.

Ringmaster said "Monsieur Funnybone's trousers"

Detective Moreau "Heading to the sidewalk"

Ringmaster said "Monsieur Funnybone's shirt" "Monsieur Funnybone's chapeau!"

: by now they had traveled more then a mile then Detective Moreau broken into a smile.

Detective Moreau said "The case is solved"

Ringmaster said "Solved?"

Detective Moreau said "Yes, Monsieur Funnybone no longer wises to be a clown"

Ringmaster said "How do you know this?"

Detective Moreau said "Ah ha, why this clothes is the proof he had thrown it away in order to become someone else"

Madeline said "But who?"

Detective Moreau said "The trail leads exactly to that man over there, and I will prove it! Bonjour Monsieur Funnybone's, we have learned your secrets"

a tall Man turned around and the detective's cheeks went red with embarrassment.

Ringmaster said "I am afraid not Detective Moreau, Monsieur Funnybone's is a much smaller man, much smaller"

Detective Moreau said "Oh"

: then unable to solve this sad situation he climbed in his car and retuned to the station, and on the way back to the vine covered house Madeline was sad as a lost little mouse.

During the bus ride home,

Chole said "Cheer up Madeline, maybe you did not get to be Monsieur Funnybone's assistant, but I did not either"

Nicole said "Or I"

Riley said "mon amies please, it is more than that"

Madeline said "I was not thinking about me, (even though the small girl was upset that she didn't get her chance) I was thinking about Monsieur Funnybone's"

Chole said "Why would anyone want to stop being a clown? Clown's make people happy"

Nicole said "Yes, clowns make people happy"

Madeline said "Oui, happy sadly"

Riley said "Look Miss Clavel, it is getting worst"

: when they finally got home alas and black the smoke from their chimmy was ever more black and so Miss Clavel began calling around to see if an chimney an weep could be found she rang many number until she was dizzy but every sweep in Paris was already busy.

Miss Clavel said "This is most distressing, how will we even get our Chimney clean?"

As the girls started to get more worried about the thick black smoke.

: then a sad little man all covered with grime... knocked on the door at just the right time.

Miss Clavel answered the door and their on the stoop stood a small man and standing behind him holding a ladder was a taller man who introduced himself as Mr Smith. The smaller man didn't say his name though.

All the man said was "Bonjour"

: he has noticed their problem from way down the stree and offered to help theme right now and toue de suite the sad little man settled right down to work the task was most dreary but he did not shirk.

Mr smith helped the smaller man as well as a lot of thick black soot fell on the two cleaners. As the soot filled the room, Madeline started to cough and wheeze a little. Riley looked at her sister in concern. Madeline just waved it off though.

As the 12 girls laughed

Chole said "What a tiny little man"

Nicole said "Oui, he is almost as small as Madeline"

Madeline turned around and huffed at her friends angrily.

Finally after about an hour and half,

: when the job was completed they could not believed their eyes the view of their Chimney was such a surprise the chimney was spotless above and below, and the smoke coming out was whiter then snow.

Miss Clavel said "You did a wonderful job Monsieur Chimney sweep" and so did you Mr Smith

Chimmy sweep said "Merci Miss Clavel" As he collected the coins from Miss Clavel.

Miss Clavel said "No one has even cleared our chimney so well"

Chole said "That is because he is so tiny, he can squeeze into tight places"

Nicole said "Oui, really tiny"

Riley laughed "Oui, like a Chimney"

Hearing those remarks the small man started to cry softly. Mr smith turned around and gave the laughing girls a very stern look.

Miss Clavel said "Chloe, Nicole, Riley you have hurt the feelings of Monsieur Chimney sweep, apologize s'il te plaît"

Chole said "Pardon Moi Monsieur Chimney sweep"

Nicole said "Yes, we did not mean to be rude"

Riley said "So, do you forgive us?"

: Monsieur Chimmy Sweep did not reply he dabbed at something in his eye and then he set off down the road with Mr Smith struggling with his hevery load.

Madeline gasped and said "Hmm ah ha- the hankie! Oh Monsieur Funnybone's!"

Chimney Sweep said "Did you say something Mademoiselle?"

Madeline said pointing to Mr funnybones pocket "What is that?"

Chimney Sweep said "That is nothing"

Madeline said "Then let me see it, this is just like Monsieur Funnybone's coats, trousers and socks"

All the girls gasped as Madeline wiped the soot off Mr funnybones face.

Madeline said "You are Monsieur Funnybone's!"

Chole said "The Chimney sweep is Monsieur Funnybone's"

Dainelle said "Underdelivered"

"You are right, I was Monsieur Funnybone's, but I will never be him ever again"

Riley said "No more Funnybone's but.. But why?"

Monsieur Funnybone's said "Never, I am far too sad to be a clown, a terrible thing had happened, I have lost my laughter"

Mr Smith sighed put his arm around his distraught brother. and said oui it is true My brother has lost his laughter and I have tried everything but nothing has worked.

Madeline gasped as she was very shocked with this news.

Riley said Don't worry Mr smith I'm sure there is something we can do to help you and your brother.

: Miss Clave got on the phone.

Miss Clavel said "We found Monsieur Funnybone's"

Detective Moreau said "Très bien Miss Clavel"

; Detective Moreau sped there right away. and the Ringmaster came to have his say.

Ringmaster said "Please Monsieur Funnybone's, I'm begging and Imploring without you to help us, our circus is boring"

: and the performed formed a committee begging their clown to return and be witty.

"Please?"

Monsieur Funnybone's said "Not if you give me the key to the city"

Ringmaster said "I demand that you return to the Circus!"

Monsieur Funnybone's said "NO I CAN NEVER BE A CLOWN AGAIN! LEAVE ME ALONE!"

Mr smith shook his head and sighed.

: Everyone backed away at the sound of his shout. then he climbed up the chimney and wouldn't come out.

Detective Moreau said "Monsieur Funnybone's, come down!"

Ringmaster said it is no used it is hopeless Monsieur Funnybone has lost his Laughed and we have Lost our Clown."

As the other performers of the circus left the vine covered house, The older brother turned to the group of girls and Miss Clavel.

Mr Smith sighed and said "I'll try to get him to come down could you please leave us alone for an hour or two?"

Miss Clavel nodded and Left the older brother alone. Mr Smith tried so hard to get his brother to come down but he finally admitted defeat as he sat down sadly thinking of what to do next.

: that very same night when the old house was quiet Madeline had an idea and decide to try it.

Madeline shook her sister awake. And told her that she had a idea.

As the two twins snuck out of the bedroom,

Riley said Madeline what if we get Caught"

Madeline said we won't come on just get the Breakfast" tray" i will get the Milk and the Cake I'm sure Mr funnybones is very hungry"

Riley said alright Madeline make it two Glass Fork and Two slice of Cake"

Madeline said got it it come Riley" carry the Tray"

In the Living room

Madeline said come out Monsieur Funny bones it is safe now everyone is gone i brought you some Milk and Short Cake"

Monseier Funnybone's said Thank you Madeline" as he drank the milk Merci beaucoup.

And here's some for you as well Mr Smith. Riley said as she gave the older brother the snack.

Thank you Riley Mr Smith said with a tiny smile.

Once the two men were done with there snack,

Riley said why are you so Sad anyways"

Monsieur Funnybone's said because everyone Laughs at me"

Madeline said they are the Suppose to Laught you you are a Clown"

Yes that is right." Mr Smith said.

Monsieur Funnybone's said they do not Laught because I am Clown they laugh because I am so small

Riley said Maybe they are not Laught at you they are Laught With you"?

Monsieur Funnybone's said I don't not think so"

Madeline said well every if they are it does not Matter"

Monsieur Funnybone's said it dose not matter how can you say that"

Mr Smith said Yes how can you say that to my brother?"

Madeline said Because when they are Laughing at you outside they do not see how you really are on the Inside"

Riley said Madeline what are you Up too

Madeline said You'll see and then went over and turned on the radio.

Madeline then started to sing

If you believe, you must be big,

in order to feel grand,

Then you should get to know me,

I'll help you understand.

I'm Madeline, I'm Madeline,

I may be very small,

I'm Madeline, I'm Madeline,

But inside, I'm tall.

Riley said Madeline shh if Miss Clavel catch us we are in big troubles we are;t the suppose to be up this later"

Madeline said Riley stop being a worry wort it isn't aunt Kathy thankful

Ah I understand now said Mr Smith.

Same with me as well said Mr Funnybones as he started to sing,

Funnybones

I used to think that being funny

Had to do with size

Until I met sweet Madeline

They opened up my eyes

I'm funnybones, I'm funnybones

I'm tall cause I can laugh

I'm funnybones, I'm funnybones

Tall as a giraffe

Funnybone and Madeline

We're short but sassy,

Miniature but strong

If you're looking for true power

With us you can't go wrong

all 12 girls

Dum dee dum dee dum,

Dum, dee dum dee dum,

Madeline!

Funnybones!

I'm Madeline,

I'm funnybones,

We hope you have it right.

I'm funnybones,

I'm Madeline

We are dynamite!

Riley then quickly turned off the radio.

Monsieur Funnybone's said "Maybe you are right Madeline, and someday perhaps I can laugh and be happy enough to be a clown again"

Madeline said "I bet you can be a clown right now"

Monsieur Funnybone's said "No I cannot, not yet"

: Monsieur Funnybone's face was still sour as a pickle but Madeline fixed that with a fast little tickle.

Monsieur Funnybone's said no no please.

Riley and Mr smith smiled and laughed along with the two.

Finally when they had finally stopped laughing Mr Funnybones and his brother said "Oh Thank you.. Thank you for helping us.

Madeline and Riley looked at each other and smiled.

Miss Clavel said Riley Madeline what are you two doing awake so late

Riley said buster Maddie next time keep your voice low'

Madeline who had fallen backwards into the soot of the fireplace from laughing so hard said with a small cough Miss Clavel nothing just helping Monsieur Funnybones get his Laughter back

Miss Clavel said well I'm glad Mr Funnybones got his laughter back, but It's time for a quick Bath Madeline and then it's back to bed for the both of you. Taking Madeline's hand Miss Clavel walked out of the room but not before saying Riley can you take the Tray to the kitchen please?

Riley said oui Miss Clavel. After doing that she made a quick call to Helen

Helen said Riley is everything at the old house ?

Riley said oui Helen but Madeline was Coughing and Wheezing early today this is the 4th time'?

Helen said Riley Madeline has little Lungs she can't be near much Dust and running that much. Kathy did Give Miss Clavel Madeline Claritin right'?

Riley said no Aunt Kathy kept Madeline Claritin and she is out of tower for work she won't be back till July 14th

Helen said Riley Madeline needs to take her Claritin before she can be around any dust smoke. However it's better if she stays away from it altogether.

Miss Clavel then came downstairs and came over to the phone and said Riley it's time to go back to bed now my darling. Please let me talk to Helen. And don't worry Madeline is fine now. Riley gave a sigh of Relief as she headed upstairs. Miss Clavel then took the phone and said 'Hello'?

Helen said Miss Clavel It is fine if Riley needs to talk to us However it seems like Kathy is keeping you out of the Loop about Madeline Claritin.

Miss Clavel sighed as she was getting more and more annoyed with Kathy by the minute.

Mr Smith couldn't help and hear the conversation going on. Calling to his brother the older man said, hey Bro we have a little problem with Madeline i didn;t know she couldn't be near dust.

Monsieur Funnybone's said oh dear this is chimney sweep job is great but i rather be a clown and i have a Idea, look it is High time you and I work as a team of Clowns. And here's what we can do. Madeline still can be my assistance but Riley can also be you assistance in the show and have the Ringmaster Announce the new act that's when you and Riley will come out. And do your own tricks.

Mr Smith said Mr Funnybones that may just work out i will talk to the Ringmaster about it tomorrow. Now let's head back to the circus tents it's time for the both of us to get some sleep

After thanking Miss Clavel, the two brothers left the old house and walked down the road toward the circus tents.

…..

A few days later the group was back in the front row once more watching Madeline stand in the center ring

Rangemaster said "Mesdames ET Messieurs your attention s'il te plaît! Introducing the world's smallest, and greatest clown- Monsieur Funnybone's, and his magnificent assistant... Mademoiselle Madeline!"

As the water squirted onto Hunko's face.

Riley who stood backstage next to Mr Smith who was now dressed as a clown. watching everything happen. Smiled and started to laugh.

Mr. Smith then turned to Riley and said. "Riley I can't thank you enough for you and Madeline helping my brother.

Riley said "You're welcome.

Mr Smith smiled and then said As a token of thanks here are some flowers for you."

Riley smiled and said "Merci"

Hunko laughed and cleared the water from his face. "It is so good to have you back Monsieur Funnybone's, I am sorry If I had hurt your feelings"

Madeline and Funnybones with the bear rode a bicycle

Miss Clavel said "It is not magnifique of Monsieur Funnybone's back in the circus Detective Moreau"

Detective Moreau said "Oh Indeed Miss Clavel, this has definitely been one of my most successful cases"

Ringmaster said and an Special treat for the first back to back in the ring please Welcome Monsieur Smith and and his magnificent assistant... Mademoiselle Riley!"

Riley said Hey Maddie smell these flowers.

Madeline was then squirted in the face with water.

Madeline said playfully with a giggle as she wiped the water from her face. "I'm going to get you for that Riley."

Madeline chase Riley with her own flowers of water.

After the show was over,

: then girls went home, and broken their breads.

All the girls chorused "We love our bread, we love our butter- but most of all, we love each other!"

: and brushed their teeth and went to bed and then Miss Clavel came in and said...

Miss Clavel said "Jei Fatigue.. I am so tried I have never had a day where I laughed so hard"

Madeline said "It was good to see Monsieur Funnybone's being so happy again"

Miss Clavle said "I hope my darlings that you will never lose your laughter"

Chole said "Do you think we will...?

Nicole said "We will never lose our laughter'?

Riley said "Never" ha ha

Madeline said you said it Riley.

: then thirteen little clowns jump out in Joys and tickles and giggles until they were sore. and that all there is there isn't anymore.