Unfortunately you're probably playing an older version and not 0.7.3. In previous versions, Mahir gave you the bunny suit on first meeting; now, he gives you that later, and gives you the street clothes first. Luckily if you're still just trying to enter the center path you're not THAT far along yet. I would find a save in the Barrens (the desert map), and move that over to the new version; none of the triggers/flags should have changed version-to-version before you get to the Gutter, so it should be compatible. Then just fast-forward your way back to where you were, using the instant defeat items, skipping through dialog etc.