"I want you to carry a message to Mr. Gas." "Out of my district," said Umberufen curtly. "But you often go to Mr. Gas," said Billy; "this is a matter of life and death." "I can't go to him unless he touches wood." "But you are supposed to do what I ask you to." "Anything here yes, but I'm not an errand boy," answered Umberufen indifferently. "Have you no heart?" exclaimed Billy. "Certainly, but Mr. Gas didn't hire that--he just arranged for my brains and ability." "Then whatever he pays you he's got a bad bargain," said Billy angrily. "You may go." "There you go, showing your temper again--goodness, I wouldn't have your disposition for anything--good-by," and Umberufen disappeared. "I wish I could sneeze--perhaps Gehsundheit would take the message--I'll try," but do what he would Billy could not make himself sneeze. He tickled his nose with a straw, snuffed up dust, did everything he could think of but not a sneeze would come. At last he gave up in despair. "I'll imitate a sneeze," cried he--"ca-choo!" It did not sound very much like a sneeze, but sure enough a shadowy form of Gehsundheit appeared before him. "Gehsundheit," came from the figure but it sounded far, far away like an echo. "At last," cried Billy. "Oh! Gehsundheit, I need your help." "So, iss it?" he whispered. "Yes, I want you to carry a message to Mr. Gas." "Alas! it cannot be did." "Why not?" "Because I am not here." "Not here--where are you?" "At home in my castle." "But I can see you." "No, it iss but my shadow." "Why didn't you come yourself? I sneezed." "It vas not a real sneeze, so the real Gehsundheit could not come--good-by," and slowly the form faded away. "Well! what do you think of that?" exclaimed Billy as the last of Gehsundheit vanished into thin air. "I never think," said Bumbus, suddenly opening the door. "Why waste time in thought when thoughtlessness makes more trouble than villainy?" "I don't see the point," said Billy. "It has no point, it's a blunt statement--but come along." "Where?" "Ask me no questions and I'll tell you no truths," said Bumbus. "Come along." "I don't want to," said Billy, holding back. "Before you get much older you'll do many things you don't want to--that is, if you live to get older." By this time Drone had come in and was leaning against Billy, fast asleep. "Wake up, Drone, and help," said Bumbus. "Oh!" said Drone, "I just dreamed that I was asleep." "That's one dream that came true," said Bumbus; "now out with him." Bumbus pulled and Drone pushed, and although the latter went to sleep three or four times before they got out of the room, Billy finally found himself in the main factory where Nickel Plate was directing some workmen in taking the lid off of a vat. "Ah, ha!" said Nickel Plate when he saw Billy. "Now, boy, I will give you a last chance--promise that you will give up all search for Bogie Man and return the note to me and we will free you, otherwise----"