Quest, a scene such as we have just
witnessed has a peculiar--I might almost say fascination for me," the
Professor continued, with a little glint in his eyes. "You, as a man of
science, can realise, I am sure, that the criminal side of human nature is
always of interest to an anthropologist."
"That must be so, of course," Quest agreed, glancing towards the
automobile in which Lenora was seated. "If you'll excuse me, Professor, I
think I must be getting along. We shall meet again, I trust."
"One moment," the Professor begged eagerly. "Tell me, Mr. Quest--I want
your honest opinion. What do you think of my ape?"
"Of your what?" Quest enquired dubiously.
"Of my anthropoid ape which I have just sent to the museum. You know my
claim? But perhaps you would prefer to postpone your final decision until
after you have examined the skeleton itself."
A light broke in upon the criminologist.
"Of course!" he exclaimed. "For the moment, Professor, I couldn't follow
you. You are talking about the skeleton of the ape which you brought home
from South America, and which you have presented to the museum here?"
"Naturally," the Professor assented, with mild surprise. "To what else? I
am stating my case, Mr. Quest, in the _North American Review_ next month.
I may tell you, however, as a fellow scientist, the great and absolute
truth. My claim is incontestable. My skeleton will prove to the world,
without a doubt, the absolute truth of Darwin's great theory.
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