The phone rang again. Penelope, half dressed, answered.

"Yes?"

"Madame, this is Hector Ballsworthy. I understand that your neice Veronica has been doing some riding at a stable in the United States. You might like to know that my research finds that Mr. Slim Thing is a lizar...." Penelope had heard enough; she slammed the phone down.

Finishing her dressing (it was a shame her dresser couldn't come along, she thought) she checked the contents of her handbag. Small as it was it contained the necessaries: lipstick, aspirin, a hankie, a small can of bear spray strength pepper spray, and the small 7.65 Beretta "Tomcat". She didn't like guns, but Grandfather had taught her to shoot and she was actually quite good.

Of course, it was loaded with "Defender" rounds that shattered and did tissue damage equivalent to a .45 ACP. Whatever that was, she mused. She checked, and there was indeed one "up the spout" as Grandfather used to say. Cock the hammer and she had seven rounds.

Carefully she pinned on her hat and left to meet The Ape (as she now thought of Chongx).

(Stay tuned!)