"My men have been trying to trace that package that contained the bracelet," he told him, "and have found that it was put in a country rural-delivery mail box after dark. The mail carrier took it when he made his morning route. There's absolutely no way of tracing it any farther. Any one might have passed by in an automobile and have put it in. The farmer in whose box it was is above suspicion. Now another set of letters has been sent in the same way from another rural-delivery box a hundred miles from the first. One is addressed to Miss Hawkins. I have it here. The postal authorities called me in when they saw the envelope." He showed a huge yellow envelope addressed to Evelyn. In one corner was a large return card. "_The Dictatorial Residence._" "It might be almost anything," said Davis. "Better not let Miss Hawkins open it. I'll do it, Gerrod." Teddy shook his head. "We'll tell her about it, and I'll open it in the laboratory." Evelyn and Davis waited apprehensively until Teddy emerged from that room. "No cold bombs, no electric shocks, and no poison gas," he said, smiling. "Just a _billet doux_ to Evelyn. It fits in beautifully with our plans, Davis." Evelyn took the sheet he extended to her, and read: THE DICTATORIAL RESIDENCE, August 29th. His Excellency Wladislaw Varrhus, dictator of the earth, has been much annoyed by the efforts of one Theodore Gerrod to obstruct his plans and desires. He has been informed through the press of the fact that Miss Evelyn Hawkins has collaborated with and encouraged Theodore Gerrod in his rash attempts. His excellency the dictator is pleased to require that Miss Evelyn Hawkins repair to a spot some five miles due east from Norman's Reef, off the coast of Maine. Miss Hawkins may bring with her a maid and such baggage as she may require. She is to be held as security for the cessation of Theodore Gerrod's efforts to impede the secure establishment of the dictatorship. The Mississippi River has been closed to traffic, and will remain closed until this order has been obeyed by Miss Hawkins. The time set for Miss Hawkins' appearance at that spot is daybreak of Tuesday, September the third. Given at the dictatorial residence. WLADISLAW VARRHUS. Evelyn looked at the three men with a white face. The commissioner of police looked grave. Davis was smiling, and Teddy was smiling, too, but with a blaze of anger in his eyes. "Gerrod," said Davis whimsically, "I am much depressed that Varrhus didn't include me with you as making efforts to obstruct his plans and desires." "The government will have to be notified," said the commissioner of police solemnly. "Do--do you think I had better go?" asked Evelyn hesitatingly.