At any rate, Bat or no Bat, she must think out a course of action.

The defection of cook and housemaid left her alone in the house with Lizzie and Billy--and Dale, of course, if Dale returned.

Two old women, a young girl, and a Japanese butler to face the most dangerous criminal in America, she thought grimly.

And yet--one couldn't be sure.

The threatening letter might be only a joke--a letter from a crank--after all.