Now, although Billy felt very happy indeed to have escaped Nickel Plate, the Aztec Fragments, and the Gillies, he was very much worried about Honey Girl. And as he floated along through the air he pictured her weeping in her lonely cell.
"I wonder if Nickel Plate told me the truth," he said to himself, "and if he did, what happened to good old General Merchandise and the Bee Soldiers. I wish I knew."
"Hello!" called a voice in his ear. He looked around but could see no one. "That's strange," he said.
"Hello!! Is that Billy Bounce?"
"Yes. Who are you and where are you?" said Billy, in amaze.
"I am Mr. Gas and I'm at home," said the voice.
"Then where am I?" said Billy, thinking he had suddenly lost his mind.
"You're wherever you are," said Mr. Gas's voice. "I'm talking to you over the wireless telephone—less telephone."
"Oh!" said Billy, "how wonderful!"