e splendid proportions of the human man, and almost his god like
intellect."

One party of four young shearers from Devil's Bend exhibited great
interest in Mahdi.

"D'yeh mean t' say that animal's worth four thousan' quid?" asked one of
these.

"Four thousand seven hundred pounds, fifteen shillings, is the exact sum
what was offered me by the Anthropological Society of Berlin," said the
Professor, "but I wouldn't part with him for ten thousand."

The shearers marvelled together, and watched Mahdi's movements with deep
attention, and Nickie, acting up to instructions, glowered in the shade.
When a visitor wanted to look into details, the Missing Link displayed
quite human astuteness in retreating into cover in the gloom.

"Suppose he's like us in most iv his ways?" continued Bill. "Does he
smoke, 'r chew, 'r drink?"

"Its considered by the faculty and all the scientific gents that proof of
his being a near relation to the human race is found in the fact that he
has a weakness for intoxicating liquors," said the Professor, sadly.
"We've tried to reform him, but he refuses to become teetotal, showing
how much a man he is."

Bill and Ben and Mike and Fred applauded these sentiments. Then they
returned to the Emu bar and had another drink.

"Four thousan' bloomin' quid fer a blanky monkey!" said Bill, and he
looked dreamily at his companions. "Four thousand quid!" he added. "It's
a sin."

"Now, supposin' that monkey was to get away! There'd be four thousan' o'
th' best tearin' round in th' bush fer anyone t' drop on."

"He couldn't," said Mike, "outer that iron cage."

"He could," said Bill, "if he was helped." Ben, Mike and Fred woke up.
They looked hard at Bill. Bill had a grave, still face. He winked his
left eye suddenly.

"If he did escape there'd be a reward. I reckon," said Ben.

"Precisely," said Bill; "there'd be a reward. Now, if that Missin' Link
could escape--if helped--and if there was a reward offered fer his
capture, what's t' prevent us earnin' it?"

The shearers looked at each other gravely. Then they all winked.

"The spoutin' bloke sez he likes his fill iv tangle," said Bill, "well
he'll get it t-night. I'm goin t' stand a spree fer me poor relation."

That night at about ten o'clock, when Professor Thunder was concentrating
the attention of his patrons on the fascinating boniness of Matty Cann,
Nickie, who was taking his ease on the straw, became aware of a slight
disturbance at his e