I must admit that the wording was reminiscent of the typical matrimonial appeal, but as the advertiser's identity was concealed from the British public by means of a box number, it seemed to matter very little what method was employed so long as the result was a success.
I am thankful to say that it was. In spite of my fears that professional etiquette might stand in the way, I received over twenty replies from medical men living in various parts of the country. All of them were willing, and even anxious, to perform the operation, but apparently not one was in possession of the necessary glands. This was an annoying detail, but such setbacks appear to be inevitable in the initial stages of all great enterprises. The day may come when interstitial glands will form part of the medical, or rather, physiological equipment of every practitioner in the land, but meanwhile we had to hustle for ourselves.
"Gorilla, chimpanzee or ourang-outang wanted at once," I scribbled on a scrap of notepaper.
"For travelling showman. Must be healthy and virile. State price and how long the animal has been resident in England."
A couple of days later half-a-dozen replies were received and Gran'pa and I spent the evening in sorting out the most suitable doctor and ape, preparatory to bringing them together in this novel "triangle" of surgeon, man and monkey.
"You've done very well, George, so far," said Gran'pa. "That was a bright idea of mine to offer you . . ."
"I've told you before, sir, that I should have helped in any case."
"Have it your own way, my boy. So long as I'm satisfied, what's it matter?"
"Not a cent. But I won't have you thinking that greed is my only motive. I'm keenly interested in the experiment for quite different reasons. Firstly, you're a relative of mine, and I want to see you happy and contented. Secondly, I feel like one of the pioneers or patrons of modern science."
"You'll have the biggest chance of your life as still another sort of pioneer, if this is a success."
"Ah! It is just an idea, at present. But it'll set the world talking, if I decide to take it up."
"No! One thing at a time, my boy. Just concentrate on getting that five thousand dollars first, and . . ."
"Will you leave that infernal bonus out of the question!" I cried.