Surgeon Tyler spoke easily.
“That news story,” he said, “was to prevent Doctor Jackson from being annoyed by visitors eager to see his find. As a matter of sober fact Doctor Jackson captured the Colombian ape alive and is now about to turn it over to the zoo. Understand me, Doctor Jackson?”
Still the explorer said nothing. For a moment longer he stared at Bentley; then he walked over to him.
“The hair is different,” he said as though talking to himself. “The Colombian ape’s hair is of a slightly finer texture. But that could be explained away as I allowed only the merest bit of information to the reporters to-day. I can add a supplementary story in the next newspaper which will explain that the coarse fur of the Colombian ape is the only thing about it which makes it resemble a giant anthropoid.”
Jackson had walked to Bentley without fear and ran his fingers through the hair as he spoke.
“I know it’s a man, and some surgeon has performed a miracle,” he said. “Just what is it you wish me to do?”
“You’ve read the stories relating to the Mind Master, Doctor?” asked Bentley suddenly. How strangely his voice came from the body of an ape!
“I’ve read some of them,” answered Jackson. “Is this a scheme whereby you hope to trap the Mind Master?”
“Yes.”