“Well, we don’t, sir, and what’s more, we know you to be an impostor—­a rank impostor—­and as editor of the Wildbee ‘Guardian,’ it is my duty to expose you and your shameless fraud upon the public of this town and district.”

At this the Missing Link came out of his straw, growling, and springing to the perch hung by one hand, with his legs drawn up in a very monkey-like attitude.

“What the deuce do you mean?” thundered the Professor, manfully.

“I mean this,” said McKnight, addressing the crowd “you have been victimised.  That creature is no monkey.  It is a human being of some kind.”

Nickie the Kid felt his heart sink, but he made a big bid for popularity.  He capered about the cage and thrusting his face through the bars jabbered excitedly.

“You’re talking rubbish, man,” cried the Professor.

“Am I?” retorted McKnight.  “Then perhaps you will have the audacity to tell us you have a monkey that can talk?  Last night I crept under your tent at the back there when there were no people in the show, and I heard your absurd Missing Link talking, and what’s more, he was teaching a magpie to talk.”

The Missing Link here made a fierce jump at Ammonia, who happened to be clinging to the dividing bars, caught him, and clawed viciously.  Ammonia clawed back, and they fought a yowling battle that went a long way towards modifying the impression created by McKnight’s remarks.

The Professor was consternated for a moment, but the diversion Nickie had created gave him a chance to collect his wits and presently he began to laugh.  He laughed uproariously.  He clapped the Living Skeleton gaily on the back.  “Laugh, you idiot!” he hissed, under his breath.  The Living Skeleton laughed, and Madame Marve joined in the seeming merriment.  She did not know why, but it seemed advisable.

“Well sir,” snorted McKnight, “you’ve finished that idiotic cackle, perhaps you will explain how a monkey comes to be acquainted with the English language.”

“Certainly,” said the Professor, cordially, “I might prefer to kick you off the premises, but I will explain.  Mahdi!” he called imperiously.  “Forward, Sir.”

The Missing Link turned from his argument with Ammonia, and lurched to the bars.

“I have not been able to teach my Missing Link to talk, though I’ve tried hard.  He can do almost anything else, but not that.  However, I dare say we can get him to address this intelligent audience.  Mahdi, you see this nice gentleman here.”  Professor Thunder pointed to McKnight, “What do you think of him?”

“I think he is an ass!” said the Missing Link, with emphasis.

At this there was a yell of delight from the crowd, and even McKnight and his party were astonished.

“There,” cried McKnight, “what did I tell you?  What does that prove?”

“You hear, Mahdi?” said the Professor; “the gentleman wants to know what that proves?”