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.