There was always a loose bar in the front of his cage, placed there for effect, so that the Missing Link might work up an occasional sensation by an apparent attempt to break away.

Nickie dashed at this bar.

It broke before him, and he came through, falling bodily on Ivo Hobbs, and bearing him to the ground.

Ivo uttered a yell of apprehension.

His beery doubts seemed to fly before this animal attack, and when he realised that he was being bitten and clawed mercilessly, he howled for help at the top of his voice.
Professor Thunder rushed from his slumber, and discovered his Missing Link and a total stranger rolling and tumbling on the ground.