The narrative unfolds in a tense atmosphere surrounding a master criminal known as the Bat, who has eluded capture while committing a series of audacious crimes. The story begins with a police chief and detectives expressing their frustration over their inability to apprehend the Bat, a figure shrouded in mystery and fear. The Bat operates alone, striking at night and leaving behind a trail of chaos, including shattered safes and stolen jewels, while the public clamors for his capture. As the story progresses, we are introduced to Miss Cornelia Van Gorder, a wealthy spinster who has recently moved into a country house that once belonged to the late Courtleigh Fleming, the president of a now-failed bank. Cornelia is determined to enjoy her summer in the country, but she soon becomes embroiled in the Bat's reign of terror. Strange occurrences begin to plague her, including mysterious noises and a sense of being watched, leading her to suspect that the Bat may be lurking nearby. Cornelia's household consists of her maid Lizzie, a Japanese butler named Billy, and a new gardener, Jack Bailey, who is actually the missing cashier from the Union Bank. As the plot thickens, it becomes clear that Jack is hiding from the law, accused of embezzling funds from the bank. Cornelia, unaware of Jack's true identity, becomes increasingly concerned for her safety as the Bat's presence looms larger. The tension escalates when Richard Fleming, the nephew of Courtleigh Fleming, arrives unexpectedly at the house. His visit coincides with a series of ominous events, including the discovery of a threatening letter and the sound of a struggle. When Richard is found dead, shot in the house, suspicion falls on Dale, who is revealed to have a romantic connection with Jack. The detective, Anderson, arrives to investigate the murder, and the web of deceit and hidden motives begins to unravel. As the characters grapple with their fears and suspicions, the narrative explores themes of trust, betrayal, and the duality of human nature. The Bat serves as a metaphor for the hidden darkness within individuals, as the characters confront their own secrets and the consequences of their actions. The story culminates in a tense confrontation where the truth about the Bat, the hidden room, and the fate of the characters is revealed, leaving readers questioning the nature of evil and the lengths to which people will go to protect their own interests.
By Stephen Vincent Benet · First published 1933 · Genre: Horror, Gothic Fiction, Short Story · 21 chapters