magnificent mind was already busy on ways and means of repairing the
mischief done to his Missing Link and to his reputation as an honourable
showman.

Of course, the revelation resulting from Ammonia's misconduct would go
round the place like wildfire. There might be a raid of indignant
residents, a prosecution for fraud, and there wasn't time to run.

The raid came in due time. Ten heads of families accompanied by Quinn,
the local constable, bore down upon the Museum of Marvels within an hour.
Professor Thunder met them at the entrance, with his studious manner and
his solemn black hat. The raid was going to express itself forcibly; it
did refer to "iniquitous frauds," "shameful imposition," "scoundrels,"
&c., but the Professor's big, penetrating voice, his heavy-as-lead
manner, triumphed.

"Most unfortunate, gentlemen, a most lamentable disaster," he said. "My
valuable Missing Link is more seriously injured than I imagined, and I
may lose him, which would be a heavy blow, indeed, as the College of
Naturalists of London, values the beast at four thousand and seventy
pounds."

"It's a fraud--a blanky imposition!" cried a fierce little man.

"Gentlemen will you favour me by stepping into the museum, and judging
for yourself," said Thunder gravely. "You will find the Missing Link in a
low state, but Madame Marve has done all that surgical skill could do.
The murderous attacks of the gorilla scalped the poor creature, and tore
the skin from his body, but the wounds have been stitched up--there is
still hope. This way, gentle men, and quietly, if you please."