Plucky postmistress Mrs. Effie Ratteray was back behind her counter yesterday -- 24 hours after being terrorised by a masked knife-wielding raider.

Mrs. Ratteray told The Royal Gazette : "If I didn't return today I would never return.'' And she added: "The experience was just like something from TV. But it wasn't entertainment. It was reality.'' The 55-year-old, however, will soon be able to breathe more easily at Bailey's Bay sub post office.

For extra security measures are being brought in, including enclosing her behind a glass screen.

Other sub post offices could be similarly protected.

Yesterday Mrs. Ratteray, who works alone, relived Monday morning's ordeal which she likened to a TV drama.

She told how the man burst in, and declared: "Give me money -- this is a hold-up.'' "He spoke in a soft, calm voice, and was very cool and collected. At first I thought it was somebody pulling a trick.

"It seemed like a joke, but he became impatient, and he asked again for money.'' Mrs. Ratteray said the man, who had pulled a woollen cap over his face, tapped his knife on the wooden swing door next to the counter.

"It was a large knife with a 12-inch serrated blade -- the type used for cutting frozen stock.

"I handed him money from a drawer. He seemed to want ready cash, and didn't ask for any from the till.

"He then ordered me to lie on the floor until the next customer came. I did as I was told, and he ran off.'' It was at this stage the terror of the experience struck home.

"It really hit me and I began shaking. It was delayed shock, I suppose.

"I heard a customer come by and jumped up to the window and began banging.

"When he came in I just collapsed. He called the Police straight away.'' Mrs. Ratteray, who has worked at the sub post office three years, believed the raider had lain in wait before striking.

"I reckon he had been watching the place until he knew I was alone. The street was very quiet at the time.

"There was not even a car. I believe he had carefully worked out a plan.'' Mrs. Ratteray said the raid was a bleak reflection on Bermuda's worsening crime problems.

"It all just seemed so unreal. Bermuda has now come the full circle,'' she added.

"For so many years it was way behind the United States as far as crime was concerned, but now that has changed.'' The man, who fled across Wilkinson Avenue with around $500, was of average height, and wearing black pants and a combat jacket.

UNDAUNTED -- Postmistress Mrs. Effie Ratteray putting on a brave face yesterday.