"It's funny she hasn't come yet," he declared.
"Who do you mean by she?" asked Chester.
"Why, Antoinette," said Hal. "I—"
"Oh, sure," said Chester. "I know who you meant, all right. So you are calling her by her first name already, eh?"
"Look here," said Hal, "I don't think that is a bit funny."
"I apologize, old man," said Chester quickly. "I shouldn't have said it."
"Say no more about it then," said Hal. "I am afraid, though, that there is something wrong downstairs."
"I am beginning to think the same thing," declared Major Derevaux. "I wonder if it would not be well for one of us to sneak out and have a look?"
"I don't believe it would do any harm," declared Hal. "I'll go."
Chester was about to joke Hal again, but he changed his mind and held his tongue.