"But I see now I was mistaken; you are Glucose."
"Beware, Billy Bounce, how you anger a woman—hereafter address me as Honey Girl, or take the consequences." So saying, Glucose closed down her desk and hurriedly left the room.
"I suppose I've made another enemy—but I don't care; she's proved now that she is not Honey Girl, and this knowledge may prove useful some day." Billy was seated in a chair near the door when suddenly through the keyhole and above the hum of machinery came the sound of voices.
"We must get the note from him and prevent his seeing Bogie Man," said the voice of Bumbus.
"Yes," said Nickel Plate, "but I fear that so long as he lives he will be in our way."
"Throw him in the grinder," suggested Drone.
"Or boil him in a syrup vat," added Bumbus.
"Too sweet a death," said Nickel Plate. "Of one thing I am certain—he must die."
Then their voices died away, showing that they had moved off.
"I suppose it's all up with me," said Billy, looking about him for some means of escape. "Oh! how I wish I had Mr. Gas here—I'll try Umberufen: perhaps he can carry the message."