It was the curator who broke the strained silence. "So this is your Colombian ape," he said. "I read the news story, but I understood that the ape you had found had been killed in the attempt to capture it." 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." "Then depend upon me for any assistance I can render. As a scientist I understand fully the power for evil of a mad genius of our class. This Mind Master should be ruthlessly destroyed." "Thank you," said Bentley, stepping forward. "You know, perhaps, how the Colombian ape behaves, enough that you can coach me how to walk, how to gesture?" "Certainly. It will take perhaps an hour to prepare you to fill your role creditably." - - - Jackson's face flushed with enthusiasm. He was launched on a task which fired his interest. He was an authority on apes and anything relating to them inspired him. "Seat yourself on a chair," said Jackson. "The Colombian ape sits upright like a man." Bentley seated himself as Jackson had bidden him. "Now spread your legs apart awkwardly, with the knees straight. The Colombian ape doesn't exactly sit on a chair or a rock or a tree, he leans against it in a _half_ sitting position." Bentley quickly assumed the awkward strained position suggested by Jackson. Jackson stepped up to him and placed Bentley's arms, unbent, so that his fists hung down outside his wide-apart knees, and cupped his fingers so that they seemed perpetually in the act of closing on something. "You can't possibly take the proper position with your toes," went on Jackson, "for it's beyond a man's ability to curve his toes as he does his hands. The Colombian ape's toes are prehensile."