第6章

Whenallwasover，IcouldseehowmuchArthurwasweakened。

Idressedthewoundandtookhisarmtobringhimaway，whenVanHelsingspokewithoutturninground，themanseemstohaveeyesinthebackofhishead，“Thebravelover，Ithink，deserveanotherkiss，whichheshallhavepresently。“

Andashehadnowfinishedhisoperation，headjustedthepillowtothepatient\'shead。Ashedidsothenarrowblackvelvetbandwhichsheseemsalwaystowearroundherthroat，buckledwithanolddiamondbucklewhichherloverhadgivenher，wasdraggedalittleup，andshowedaredmarkonherthroat。

Arthurdidnotnoticeit，butIcouldhearthedeephissofindrawnbreathwhichisoneofVanHelsing\'swaysofbetrayingemotion。

Hesaidnothingatthemoment，butturnedtome，saying，“Nowtakedownourbraveyounglover，givehimoftheportwine，andlethimliedownawhile。

Hemustthengohomeandrest，sleepmuchandeatmuch，thathemayberecruitedofwhathehassogiventohislove。Hemustnotstayhere。

Holdamoment！Imaytakeit，sir，thatyouareanxiousofresult。

Thenbringitwithyou，thatinallwaystheoperationissuccessful。

Youhavesavedherlifethistime，andyoucangohomeandresteasyinmindthatallthatcanbeis。Ishalltellherallwhensheiswell。

Sheshallloveyounonethelessforwhatyouhavedone。Goodbye。“

WhenArthurhadgoneIwentbacktotheroom。

Lucywassleepinggently，butherbreathingwasstronger。

Icouldseethecounterpanemoveasherbreastheaved。

BythebedsidesatVanHelsing，lookingatherintently。

Thevelvetbandagaincoveredtheredmark。IaskedtheProfessorinawhisper，“Whatdoyoumakeofthatmarkonherthroat？”

“Whatdoyoumakeofit？”

“Ihavenotexaminedityet，“Ianswered，andthenandthereproceededtoloosetheband。Justovertheexternaljugularveinthereweretwopunctures，notlarge，butnotwholesomelooking。

Therewasnosignofdisease，buttheedgeswerewhiteandwornlooking，asifbysometrituration。Itatonceoccurredtomethatthatthiswound，orwhateveritwas，mightbethemeansofthatmanifestlossofblood。

ButIabandonedtheideaassoonasitformed，forsuchathingcouldnotbe。

Thewholebedwouldhavebeendrenchedtoascarletwiththebloodwhichthegirlmusthavelosttoleavesuchapallorasshehadbeforethetransfusion。

“Well？”saidVanHelsing。

“Well，“saidI。“Icanmakenothingofit。“

TheProfessorstoodup。“ImustgobacktoAmsterdamtonight，“

hesaid“TherearebooksandthingstherewhichIwant。

Youmustremainhereallnight，andyoumustnotletyoursightpassfromher。“

“ShallIhaveanurse？”Iasked。

“Wearethebestnurses，youandI。Youkeepwatchallnight。

Seethatsheiswellfed，andthatnothingdisturbsher。

Youmustnotsleepallthenight。Lateronwecansleep，youandI。Ishallbebackassoonaspossible。

Andthenwemaybegin。“

“Maybegin？”Isaid。“Whatonearthdoyoumean？”

“Weshallsee！”heanswered，ashehurriedout。Hecamebackamomentlaterandputhisheadinsidethedoorandsaidwithawarningfingerheldup，“Remember，sheisyourcharge。Ifyouleaveher，andharmbefall，youshallnotsleepeasyhereafter！”

DR。SEWARD\'SDIARY——CONTINUED

8September——IsatupallnightwithLucy。Theopiateworkeditselfofftowardsdusk，andshewakednaturally。Shelookedadifferentbeingfromwhatshehadbeenbeforetheoperation。

Herspiritsevenweregood，andshewasfullofahappyvivacity，butI

couldseeevidencesoftheabsoluteprostrationwhichshehadundergone。

WhenItoldMrs。WestenrathatDr。VanHelsinghaddirectedthatIshouldsitupwithher，shealmostpooh-poohedtheidea，pointingoutherdaughter\'srenewedstrengthandexcellentspirits。

Iwasfirm，however，andmadepreparationsformylongvigil。

WhenhermaidhadpreparedherforthenightIcamein，havinginthemeantimehadsupper，andtookaseatbythebedside。

Shedidnotinanywaymakeobjection，butlookedatmegratefullywheneverIcaughthereye。Afteralongspellsheseemedsinkingofftosleep，butwithaneffortseemedtopullherselftogetherandshookitoff。

Itwasapparentthatshedidnotwanttosleep，soItackledthesubjectatonce。

“Youdonotwanttosleep？”

“No。Iamafraid。“

“Afraidtogotosleep！Whyso？Itistheboonweallcravefor。“

“Ah，notifyouwerelikeme，ifsleepwastoyouapresageofhorror！”

“Apresageofhorror！Whatonearthdoyoumean？”

“Idon\'tknow。Oh，Idon\'tknow。Andthatiswhatissoterrible。

Allthisweaknesscomestomeinsleep，untilIdreadtheverythought。“

“But，mydeargirl，youmaysleeptonight。Iamherewatchingyou，andIcanpromisethatnothingwillhappen。“

“Ah，Icantrustyou！”shesaid。

Iseizedtheopportunity，andsaid，“IpromisethatifIseeanyevidenceofbaddreamsIwillwakeyouatonce。“

“Youwill？Oh，willyoureally？Howgoodyouaretome。

ThenIwillsleep！”Andalmostatthewordshegaveadeepsighofrelief，andsankback，asleep。

AllnightlongIwatchedbyher。Sheneverstirred，butsleptonandoninadeep，tranquil，life-giving，health-givingsleep。

Herlipswereslightlyparted，andherbreastroseandfellwiththeregularityofapendulum。Therewasasmileonherface，anditwasevidentthatnobaddreamshadcometodisturbherpeaceofmind。

Intheearlymorninghermaidcame，andIleftherinhercareandtookmyselfbackhome，forIwasanxiousaboutmanythings。IsentashortwiretoVanHelsingandtoArthur，tellingthemoftheexcellentresultoftheoperation。

Myownwork，withitsmanifoldarrears，tookmealldaytoclearoff。

ItwasdarkwhenIwasabletoinquireaboutmyzoophagouspatient。

Thereportwasgood。Hehadbeenquitequietforthepastdayandnight。

AtelegramcamefromVanHelsingatAmsterdamwhilstIwasatdinner，suggestingthatIshouldbeatHillinghamtonight，asitmightbewelltobeathand，andstatingthathewasleavingbythenightmailandwouldjoinmeearlyinthemorning。

9September——IwasprettytiredandwornoutwhenIgottoHillingham。

FortwonightsIhadhardlyhadawinkofsleep，andmybrainwasbeginningtofeelthatnumbnesswhichmarkscerebralexhaustion。

Lucywasupandincheerfulspirits。Whensheshookhandswithmeshelookedsharplyinmyfaceandsaid，“Nosittinguptonightforyou。Youarewornout。

Iamquitewellagain。Indeed，Iam，andifthereistobeanysittingup，itisIwhowillsitupwithyou。“

Iwouldnotarguethepoint，butwentandhadmysupper。

Lucycamewithme，and，enlivenedbyhercharmingpresence，Imadeanexcellentmeal，andhadacoupleofglassesofthemorethanexcellentport。ThenLucytookmeupstairs，andshowedmearoomnextherown，whereacozyfirewasburning。

“Now，“shesaid。“Youmuststayhere。Ishallleavethisdooropenandmydoortoo。YoucanlieonthesofaforIknowthatnothingwouldinduceanyofyoudoctorstogotobedwhilstthereisapatientabovethehorizon。

IfIwantanythingIshallcallout，andyoucancometomeatonce。“

Icouldnotbutacquiesce，forIwasdogtired，andcouldnothavesatuphadItried。So，onherrenewingherpromisetocallmeifsheshouldwantanything，Ilayonthesofa，andforgotallabouteverything。

LUCYWESTENRA\'SDIARY

9September——Ifeelsohappytonight。Ihavebeensomiserablyweak，thattobeabletothinkandmoveaboutislikefeelingsunshineafteralongspellofeastwindoutofasteelsky。

SomehowArthurfeelsvery，veryclosetome。Iseemtofeelhispresencewarmaboutme。Isupposeitisthatsicknessandweaknessareselfishthingsandturnourinnereyesandsympathyonourselves，whilsthealthandstrengthgiveloverein，andinthoughtandfeelinghecanwanderwherehewills。

Iknowwheremythoughtsare。IfonlyArthurknew！

Mydear，mydear，yourearsmusttingleasyousleep，asminedowaking。Oh，theblissfulrestoflastnight！

HowIslept，withthatdear，goodDr。Sewardwatchingme。

AndtonightIshallnotfeartosleep，sinceheiscloseathandandwithincall。Thankeverybodyforbeingsogoodtome。

ThankGod！GoodnightArthur。

DR。SEWARD\'SDIARY

10September——IwasconsciousoftheProfessor\'shandonmyhead，andstartedawakeallinasecond。Thatisoneofthethingsthatwelearninanasylum，atanyrate。

“Andhowisourpatient？”

“Well，whenIlefther，orratherwhensheleftme，“Ianswered。

“Come，letussee，“hesaid。Andtogetherwewentintotheroom。

Theblindwasdown，andIwentovertoraiseitgently，whilstVanHelsingstepped，withhissoft，cat-liketread，overtothebed。

AsIraisedtheblind，andthemorningsunlightfloodedtheroom，IheardtheProfessor\'slowhissofinspiration，andknowingitsrarity，adeadlyfearshotthroughmyheart。

AsIpassedoverhemovedback，andhisexclamationofhorror，“GottinHimmel！”needednoenforcementfromhisagonizedface。

Heraisedhishandandpointedtothebed，andhisironfacewasdrawnandashenwhite。Ifeltmykneesbegintotremble。

Thereonthebed，seeminglyinaswoon，laypoorLucy，morehorriblywhiteandwan-lookingthanever。Eventhelipswerewhite，andthegumsseemedtohaveshrunkenbackfromtheteeth，aswesometimesseeinacorpseafteraprolongedillness。

VanHelsingraisedhisfoottostampinanger，buttheinstinctofhislifeandallthelongyearsofhabitstoodtohim，andheputitdownagainsoftly。

“Quick！”hesaid。“Bringthebrandy。“

Iflewtothediningroom，andreturnedwiththedecanter。

Hewettedthepoorwhitelipswithit，andtogetherwerubbedpalmandwristandheart。Hefeltherheart，andafterafewmomentsofagonizingsuspensesaid，“Itisnottoolate。Itbeats，thoughbutfeebly。Allourworkisundone。Wemustbeginagain。ThereisnoyoungArthurherenow。

Ihavetocallonyouyourselfthistime，friendJohn。“Ashespoke，hewasdippingintohisbag，andproducingtheinstrumentsoftransfusion。

Ihadtakenoffmycoatandrolledupmyshirtsleeve。Therewasnopossibilityofanopiatejustatpresent，andnoneedofone。

andso，withoutamoment\'sdelay，webegantheoperation。

Afteratime，itdidnotseemashorttimeeither，forthedrainingawayofone\'sblood，nomatterhowwillinglyitbegiven，isaterriblefeeling，VanHelsingheldupawarningfinger。

“Donotstir，“hesaid。“ButIfearthatwithgrowingstrengthshemaywake，andthatwouldmakedanger，oh，somuchdanger。

ButIshallprecautiontake。Ishallgivehypodermicinjectionofmorphia。“Heproceededthen，swiftlyanddeftly，tocarryouthisintent。

TheeffectonLucywasnotbad，forthefaintseemedtomergesubtlyintothenarcoticsleep。ItwaswithafeelingofpersonalpridethatIcouldseeafainttingeofcolorstealbackintothepallidcheeksandlips。

Nomanknows，tillheexperiencesit，whatitistofeelhisownlifeblooddrawnawayintotheveinsofthewomanheloves。

TheProfessorwatchedmecritically。“Thatwilldo，“

hesaid。“Already？”Iremonstrated。“YoutookagreatdealmorefromArt。“Towhichhesmiledasadsortofsmileashereplied，“Heisherlover，herfiance。Youhavework，muchworktodoforherandforothers，andthepresentwillsuffice。

Whenwestoppedtheoperation，heattendedtoLucy，whilstIapplieddigitalpressuretomyownincision。

Ilaiddown，whileIwaitedhisleisuretoattendtome，forI

feltfaintandalittlesick。Byandbyheboundupmywound，andsentmedownstairstogetaglassofwineformyself。

AsIwasleavingtheroom，hecameafterme，andhalfwhispered。

“Mind，nothingmustbesaidofthis。Ifouryounglovershouldturnupunexpected，asbefore，nowordtohim。

Itwouldatoncefrightenhimandenjealoushim，too。

Theremustbenone。So！”

WhenIcamebackhelookedatmecarefully，andthensaid，“Youarenotmuchtheworse。Gointotheroom，andlieonyoursofa，andrestawhile，thenhavemuchbreakfastandcomeheretome。“

Ifollowedouthisorders，forIknewhowrightandwisetheywere。

Ihaddonemypart，andnowmynextdutywastokeepupmystrength。

Ifeltveryweak，andintheweaknesslostsomethingoftheamazementatwhathadoccurred。Ifellasleeponthesofa，however，wonderingoverandoveragainhowLucyhadmadesucharetrogrademovement，andhowshecouldhavebeendrainedofsomuchbloodwithnosignanywheretoshowforit。

IthinkImusthavecontinuedmywonderinmydreams，for，sleepingandwakingmythoughtsalwayscamebacktothelittlepuncturesinherthroatandtheragged，exhaustedappearanceoftheiredges，tinythoughtheywere。

Lucysleptwellintotheday，andwhenshewokeshewasfairlywellandstrong，thoughnotnearlysomuchsoasthedaybefore。

WhenVanHelsinghadseenher，hewentoutforawalk，leavingmeincharge，withstrictinjunctionsthatIwasnottoleaveherforamoment。Icouldhearhisvoiceinthehall，askingthewaytothenearesttelegraphoffice。

Lucychattedwithmefreely，andseemedquiteunconsciousthatanythinghadhappened。Itriedtokeepheramusedandinterested。

Whenhermothercameuptoseeher，shedidnotseemtonoticeanychangewhatever，butsaidtomegratefully，“Weoweyousomuch，Dr。Seward，forallyouhavedone，butyoureallymustnowtakecarenottooverworkyourself。Youarelookingpaleyourself。

Youwantawifetonurseandlookafteryouabit，thatyoudo！”

Asshespoke，Lucyturnedcrimson，thoughitwasonlymomentarily，forherpoorwastedveinscouldnotstandforlonganunwonteddraintothehead。

Thereactioncameinexcessivepallorassheturnedimploringeyesonme。

Ismiledandnodded，andlaidmyfingeronmylips。Withasigh，shesankbackamidherpillows。

VanHelsingreturnedinacoupleofhours，andpresentlysaidtome。

“Nowyougohome，andeatmuchanddrinkenough。Makeyourselfstrong。

Istayheretonight，andIshallsitupwithlittlemissmyself。

YouandImustwatchthecase，andwemusthavenoneothertoknow。

Ihavegravereasons。No，donotaskthe。Thinkwhatyouwill。

Donotfeartothinkeventhemostnot-improbable。Goodnight。“

Inthehalltwoofthemaidscametome，andaskediftheyoreitherofthemmightnotsitupwithMissLucy。

Theyimploredmetoletthem，andwhenIsaiditwasDr。VanHelsing\'swishthateitherheorIshouldsitup，theyaskedmequitepiteouslytointercedewiththe`foreigngentleman\'。I

wasmuchtouchedbytheirkindness。PerhapsitisbecauseIamweakatpresent，andperhapsbecauseitwasonLucy\'saccount，thattheirdevotionwasmanifested。ForoverandoveragainhaveIseensimilarinstancesofwoman\'skindness。

Igotbackhereintimeforalatedinner，wentmyrounds，allwell，andsetthisdownwhilstwaitingforsleep。

Itiscoming。

11September——ThisafternoonIwentovertoHillingham。

FoundVanHelsinginexcellentspirits，andLucymuchbetter。

ShortlyafterIhadarrived，abigparcelfromabroadcamefortheProfessor。Heopeneditwithmuchimpressment，assumed，ofcourse，andshowedagreatbundleofwhiteflowers。

“Theseareforyou，MissLucy，“hesaid。

“Forme？Oh，Dr。VanHelsing！”

“Yes，mydear，butnotforyoutoplaywith。Thesearemedicines。“

HereLucymadeawryface。“Nay，buttheyarenottotakeinadecoctionorinnauseousform，soyouneednotsnubthatsocharmingnose，orIshallpointouttomyfriendArthurwhatwoeshemayhavetoendureinseeingsomuchbeautythathesolovessomuchdistort。

Aha，myprettymiss，thatbringthesonicenoseallstraightagain。

Thisismedicinal，butyoudonotknowhow。Iputhiminyourwindow，Imakeprettywreath，andhanghimroundyourneck，soyousleepwell。

Oh，yes！They，likethelotusflower，makeyourtroubleforgotten。

ItsmellsolikethewatersofLethe，andofthatfountainofyouththattheConquistadoressoughtforintheFloridas，andfindhimalltoolate。“

Whilsthewasspeaking，Lucyhadbeenexaminingtheflowersandsmellingthem。Nowshethrewthemdownsaying，withhalflaughter，andhalfdisgust，“Oh，Professor，Ibelieveyouareonlyputtingupajokeonme。

Why，theseflowersareonlycommongarlic。“

Tomysurprise，VanHelsingroseupandsaidwithallhissternness，hisironjawsetandhisbushyeyebrowsmeeting，“Notriflingwithme！Ineverjest！ThereisgrimpurposeinwhatIdo，andIwarnyouthatyoudonotthwartme。

Takecare，forthesakeofothersifnotforyourown。“

ThenseeingpoorLucyscared，asshemightwellbe，hewentonmoregently，“Oh，littlemiss，mydear，donotfearme。

Ionlydoforyourgood，butthereismuchvirtuetoyouinthosesocommonflowers。See，Iplacethemmyselfinyourroom。

Imakemyselfthewreaththatyouaretowear。Buthush！

Notellingtoothersthatmakesoinquisitivequestions。

Wemustobey，andsilenceisapartofobedience，andobedienceistobringyoustrongandwellintolovingarmsthatwaitforyou。

Nowsitstillawhile。Comewithme，friendJohn，andyoushallhelpmedecktheroomwithmygarlic，whichisallthewarfromHaarlem，wheremyfriendVanderpoolraiseherbinhisglasshousesalltheyear。Ihadtotelegraphyesterday，ortheywouldnothavebeenhere。“

Wewentintotheroom，takingtheflowerswithus。

TheProfessor\'sactionswerecertainlyoddandnottobefoundinanypharmacopeiathatIeverheardof。

Firsthefastenedupthewindowsandlatchedthemsecurely。

Next，takingahandfuloftheflowers，herubbedthemalloverthesashes，asthoughtoensurethateverywhiffofairthatmightgetinwouldbeladenwiththegarlicsmell。

Thenwiththewispherubbedalloverthejambofthedoor，above，below，andateachside，androundthefireplaceinthesameway。Itallseemedgrotesquetome，andpresentlyIsaid，“Well，Professor，Iknowyoualwayshaveareasonforwhatyoudo，butthiscertainlypuzzlesme。

Itiswellwehavenosceptichere，orhewouldsaythatyouwereworkingsomespelltokeepoutanevilspirit。“

“PerhapsIam！”HeansweredquietlyashebegantomakethewreathwhichLucywastowearroundherneck。

WethenwaitedwhilstLucymadehertoiletforthenight，andwhenshewasinbedhecameandhimselffixedthewreathofgarlicroundherneck。

Thelastwordshesaidtoherwere，“Takecareyoudonotdisturbit，andeveniftheroomfeelclose，donottonightopenthewindoworthedoor。“

“Ipromise，“saidLucy。“Andthankyoubothathousandtimesforallyourkindnesstome！Oh，whathaveIdonetobeblessedwithsuchfriends？”

Asweleftthehouseinmyfly，whichwaswaiting，VanHelsingsaid，“TonightIcansleepinpeace，andsleepIwant，twonightsoftravel，muchreadinginthedaybetween，andmuchanxietyonthedaytofollow，andanighttositup，withouttowink。Tomorrowinthemorningearlyyoucallforme，andwecometogethertoseeourprettymiss，somuchmorestrongformy`spell\'whichIhavework。Ho，ho！”

HeseemedsoconfidentthatI，rememberingmyownconfidencetwonightsbeforeandwiththebanefulresult，feltaweandvagueterror。

Itmusthavebeenmyweaknessthatmademehesitatetotellittomyfriend，butIfeltitallthemore，likeunshedtears。

CHAPTER11

LUCYWESTENRA\'SDIARY

12September——Howgoodtheyallaretome。IquitelovethatdearDr。VanHelsing。Iwonderwhyhewassoanxiousabouttheseflowers。

Hepositivelyfrightenedme，hewassofierce。Andyethemusthavebeenright，forIfeelcomfortfromthemalready。Somehow，Idonotdreadbeingalonetonight，andIcangotosleepwithoutfear。

Ishallnotmindanyflappingoutsidethewindow。Oh，theterriblestrugglethatIhavehadagainstsleepsooftenoflate，thepainofsleeplessness，orthepainofthefearofsleep，andwithsuchunknownhorrorsasithasforme！Howblessedaresomepeople，whoseliveshavenofears，nodreads，towhomsleepisablessingthatcomesnightly，andbringsnothingbutsweetdreams。Well，hereI

amtonight，hopingforsleep，andlyinglikeOpheliaintheplay，with`virgincrantsandmaidenstrewments。\'Ineverlikedgarlicbefore，buttonightitisdelightful！Thereispeaceinitssmell。

Ifeelsleepcomingalready。Goodnight，everybody。

DR。SEWARD\'SDIARY

13September——CalledattheBerkeleyandfoundVanHelsing，asusual，uptotime。Thecarriageorderedfromthehotelwaswaiting。

TheProfessortookhisbag，whichhealwaysbringswithhimnow。

Letallbeputdownexactly。VanHelsingandIarrivedatHillinghamateighto\'clock。Itwasalovelymorning。

Thebrightsunshineandallthefreshfeelingofearlyautumnseemedlikethecompletionofnature\'sannualwork。

Theleaveswereturningtoallkindsofbeautifulcolors，buthadnotyetbeguntodropfromthetrees。WhenweenteredwemetMrs。Westenracomingoutofthemorningroom。

Sheisalwaysanearlyriser。Shegreeteduswarmlyandsaid，“YouwillbegladtoknowthatLucyisbetter。Thedearchildisstillasleep。Ilookedintoherroomandsawher，butdidnotgoin，lestIshoulddisturbher。“TheProfessorsmiled，andlookedquitejubilant。Herubbedhishandstogether，andsaid，“Aha！IthoughtIhaddiagnosedthecase。

Mytreatmentisworking。“

Towhichshereplied，“Youmustnottakeallthecredittoyourself，doctor。

Lucy\'sstatethismorningisdueinparttome。“

“Howdoyoumean，ma\'am？”askedtheProfessor。

“Well，Iwasanxiousaboutthedearchildinthenight，andwentintoherroom。Shewassleepingsoundly，sosoundlythatevenmycomingdidnotwakeher。Buttheroomwasawfullystuffy。

Therewerealotofthosehorrible，strong-smellingflowersabouteverywhere，andshehadactuallyabunchofthemroundherneck。Ifearedthattheheavyodorwouldbetoomuchforthedearchildinherweakstate，soItookthemallawayandopenedabitofthewindowtoletinalittlefreshair。

Youwillbepleasedwithher，Iamsure。“

Shemovedoffintoherboudoir，wheresheusuallybreakfastedearly。Asshehadspoken，IwatchedtheProfessor\'sface，andsawitturnashengray。

Hehadbeenabletoretainhisself-commandwhilstthepoorladywaspresent，forheknewherstateandhowmischievousashockwouldbe。Heactuallysmiledonherasheheldopenthedoorforhertopassintoherroom。

Buttheinstantshehaddisappearedhepulledme，suddenlyandforcibly，intothediningroomandclosedthedoor。

Then，forthefirsttimeinmylife，IsawVanHelsingbreakdown。

Heraisedhishandsoverhisheadinasortofmutedespair，andthenbeathispalmstogetherinahelplessway。

Finallyhesatdownonachair，andputtinghishandsbeforehisface，begantosob，withloud，drysobsthatseemedtocomefromtheveryrackingofhisheart。

Thenheraisedhisarmsagain，asthoughappealingtothewholeuniverse。“God！God！God！”hesaid。“Whathavewedone，whathasthispoorthingdone，thatwearesosorebeset？

Istherefateamongstusstill，senddownfromthepaganworldofold，thatsuchthingsmustbe，andinsuchway？

Thispoormother，allunknowing，andallforthebestasshethink，doessuchthingasloseherdaughterbodyandsoul，andwemustnottellher，wemustnotevenwarnher，orshedie，thenbothdie。Oh，howwearebeset！Howareallthepowersofthedevilsagainstus！”

Suddenlyhejumpedtohisfeet。“Come，“hesaid。“come，wemustseeandact。

Devilsornodevils，orallthedevilsatonce，itmattersnot。

Wemustfighthimallthesame。“Hewenttothehalldoorforhisbag，andtogetherwewentuptoLucy\'sroom。

OnceagainIdrewuptheblind，whilstVanHelsingwenttowardsthebed。

Thistimehedidnotstartashelookedonthepoorfacewiththesameawful，waxenpallorasbefore。Heworealookofsternsadnessandinfinitepity。

“AsIexpected，“hemurmured，withthathissinginspirationofhiswhichmeantsomuch。Withoutawordhewentandlockedthedoor，andthenbegantosetoutonthelittletabletheinstrumentsforyetanotheroperationoftransfusionofblood。

Ihadlongagorecognizedthenecessity，andbeguntotakeoffmycoat，buthestoppedmewithawarninghand。

“No！”hesaid。“Todayyoumustoperate。Ishallprovide。

Youareweakenedalready。“Ashespokehetookoffhiscoatandrolleduphisshirtsleeve。

Againtheoperation。Againthenarcotic。Againsomereturnofcolortotheashycheeks，andtheregularbreathingofhealthysleep。

ThistimeIwatchedwhilstVanHelsingrecruitedhimselfandrested。

PresentlyhetookanopportunityoftellingMrs。WestenrathatshemustnotremoveanythingfromLucy\'sroomwithoutconsultinghim。

Thattheflowerswereofmedicinalvalue，andthatthebreathingoftheirodorwasapartofthesystemofcure。Thenhetookoverthecareofthecasehimself，sayingthathewouldwatchthisnightandthenext，andwouldsendmewordwhentocome。

AfteranotherhourLucywakedfromhersleep，freshandbrightandseeminglynotmuchtheworseforherterribleordeal。

Whatdoesitallmean？Iambeginningtowonderifmylonghabitoflifeamongsttheinsaneisbeginningtotelluponmyownbrain。

LUCYWESTENRA\'SDIARY

17September——Fourdaysandnightsofpeace。IamgettingsostrongagainthatIhardlyknowmyself。ItisasifIhadpassedthroughsomelongnightmare，andhadjustawakenedtoseethebeautifulsunshineandfeelthefreshairofthemorningaroundme。Ihaveadimhalfremembranceoflong，anxioustimesofwaitingandfearing，darknessinwhichtherewasnoteventhepainofhopetomakepresentdistressmorepoignant。

Andthenlongspellsofoblivion，andtherisingbacktolifeasadivercomingupthroughagreatpressofwater。Since，however，Dr。VanHelsinghasbeenwithme，allthisbaddreamingseemstohavepassedaway。

Thenoisesthatusedtofrightenmeoutofmywits，theflappingagainstthewindows，thedistantvoiceswhichseemedsoclosetome，theharshsoundsthatcamefromIknownotwhereandcommandedmetodoIknownotwhat，haveallceased。Igotobednowwithoutanyfearofsleep。

Idonoteventrytokeepawake。Ihavegrownquitefondofthegarlic，andaboxfularrivesformeeverydayfromHaarlem。TonightDr。VanHelsingisgoingaway，ashehastobeforadayinAmsterdam。

ButIneednotbewatched。Iamwellenoughtobeleftalone。

ThankGodforMother\'ssake，anddearArthur\'s，andforallourfriendswhohavebeensokind！Ishallnotevenfeelthechange，forlastnightDr。VanHelsingsleptinhischairalotofthetime。

IfoundhimasleeptwicewhenIawoke。ButIdidnotfeartogotosleepagain，althoughtheboughsorbatsorsomethingflappedalmostangrilyagainstthewindowpanes。

THEPALLMALLGAZETTE18September。

THEESCAPEDWOLFPERILOUSADVENTUREOFOURINTERVIEWER

INTERVIEWWITHTHEKEEPERINTHEZOOLOGICALGARDENS

Aftermanyinquiriesandalmostasmanyrefusals，andperpetuallyusingthewords`PALLMALLGAZETTE\'asasortoftalisman，ImanagedtofindthekeeperofthesectionoftheZoologicalGardensinwhichthewolddepartmentisincluded。ThomasBilderlivesinoneofthecottagesintheenclosurebehindtheelephanthouse，andwasjustsittingdowntohisteawhenIfoundhim。

Thomasandhiswifearehospitablefolk，elderly，andwithoutchildren，andifthespecimenIenjoyedoftheirhospitalitybeoftheaveragekind，theirlivesmustbeprettycomfortable。

Thekeeperwouldnotenteronwhathecalledbusinessuntilthesupperwasover，andwewereallsatisfied。

Thenwhenthetablewascleared，andhehadlithispipe，hesaid，“Now，Sir，youcangoonandarskmewhatyouwant。You\'llexcoosemerefoosin\'totalkofperfeshunalsubjuctsaforemeals。

IgivesthewolvesandthejackalsandthehyenasinalloursectiontheirteaaforeIbeginstoarskthemquestions。“

“Howdoyoumean，askthemquestions？”Iqueried，wishfultogethimintoatalkativehumor。

“`Ittin\'ofthemoverthe`eadwithapoleisoneway。

Scratchin\'oftheirearsinanother，whengentsasisflushwantsabitofashow-orftotheirgals。Idon\'tsomuchmindthefust，the`ittinofthepolepartaforeIchucksintheirdinner，butIwaitstillthey\'ve`adtheirsherryandkawffee，sotospeak，aforeItriesonwiththeearscratchin\'。Mindyou，“headdedphilosophically，“there\'sadealofthesamenatureinusasinthemtheeranimiles。

Here\'syoua-comin\'andarskin\'ofmequestionsaboutmybusiness，andIthatgrump-likethatonlyforyourbloomin\'

`arf-quidI\'d`a\'seenyoublowedfust`foreI\'danswer。

NotevenwhenyouarskedmesarcasticlikeifI\'dlikeyoutoarsktheSuperintendentifyoumightarskmequestions。

WithoutoffencedidItellyertogoto`ell？”

“Youdid。“

“An\'whenyousaidyou\'dreportmeforusin\'obscenelanguagethatwas`ittin\'

meoverthe`ead。Butthe`arf-quidmadethatallright。Iweren\'ta-goin\'

tofight，soIwaitedforthefood，anddidwithmy`owlasthewolvesandlionsandtigersdoes。But，lor\'loveyer`art，nowthattheold`oomanhasstuckachunkofhertea-cakeinme，an\'rinsedmeoutwithherbloomin\'

oldteapot，andI\'velithup，youmayscratchmyearsforallyou\'reworth，andwon\'tevengetagrowloutofme。Drivealongwithyourquestions。

Iknowwhatyera-comin\'at，that`ereescapedwolf。“

“Exactly。Iwantyoutogivemeyourviewofit。

Justtellmehowithappened，andwhenIknowthefactsI\'llgetyoutosaywhatyouconsiderwasthecauseofit，andhowyouthinkthewholeaffairwillend。“

“Allright，guv\'nor。This`ereisaboutthe`olestory。

That`erewolfwhatwecalledBersickerwasoneofthreegrayonesthatcamefromNorwaytoJamrach\'s，whichweboughtoffhimfouryearsago。

Hewasanicewell-behavedwolf，thatnevergavenotroubletotalkof。

I\'mmoresurprisedat`imforwantin\'togetoutnoranyotheranimileintheplace。But，there，youcan\'ttrustwolvesnomorenorwomen。“

“Don\'tyoumindhim，Sir！”brokeinMrs。Tom，withacheerylaugh。

“`E\'sgotmindin\'theanimilessolongthatblestifheain\'tlikeaoldwolf`isself！Butthereain\'tno`armin`im。“

“Well，Sir，itwasabouttwohoursafterfeedin\'

yesterdaywhenIfirsthearmydisturbance。Iwasmakin\'

upalitterinthemonkeyhouseforayoungpumawhichisill。

ButwhenIheardtheyelpin\'and`owlin\'Ikemawaystraight。

TherewasBersickera-tearin\'likeamadthingatthebarsasifhewantedtogetout。Therewasn\'tmuchpeopleaboutthatday，andcloseathandwasonlyoneman，atall，thinchap，witha`ooknoseandapointedbeard，withafewwhitehairsrunnin\'throughit。

Hehada`ard，coldlookandredeyes，andItookasortofmisliketohim，foritseemedasifitwas`imastheywashirritatedat。

He`adwhitekidgloveson`is`ands，andhepointedouttheanimilestomeandsays，`Keeper，thesewolvesseemupsetatsomething。\'

“`Maybeit\'syou，\'saysI，forIdidnotliketheairsashegive`isself。Hedidn\'tgetangry，asI`opedhewould，buthesmiledakindofinsolentsmile，withamouthfullofwhite，sharpteeth。

`Ohno，theywouldn\'tlikeme，\'`esays。

“`Owyes，theywould，\'saysI，a-imitatin\'ofhim。`Theyalwayslikeaboneortwotocleantheirteethonaboutteatime，whichyou`asabagful。\'

“Well，itwasaoddthing，butwhentheanimilesseeusa-talkin\'

theylaydown，andwhenIwentovertoBersickerheletmestrokehisearssameasever。Thattheremankemover，andblessedbutifhedidn\'tputinhishandandstroketheoldwolf\'searstoo！

“`Tykecare，\'saysI。`Bersickerisquick。\'

“`Nevermind，\'hesays。I\'musedto`em！\'

“`Areyouinthebusinessyourself？”Isays，tykingoffmy`at，foramanwhattradesinwolves，anceterer，isagoodfriendtokeepers。

“`Nom\'sayshe，`notexactlyinthebusiness，butI`avemadepetsofseveral。\'andwiththatheliftshis`atasperliteasalord，andwalksaway。OldBersickerkep\'a-lookin\'

arter`imtill`ewasoutofsight，andthenwentandlaydowninacornerandwouldn\'tcomehoutthe`olehevening。

Well，larstnight，sosoonasthemoonwashup，thewolveshereallbegana-`owling。Therewarn\'tnothingforthemto`owlat。

Therewarn\'tnoonenear，exceptsomeonethatwasevidentlya-callin\'

adogsomewheresoutbackofthegardingsintheParkroad。

OnceortwiceIwentouttoseethatallwasright，anditwas，andthenthe`owlingstopped。Justbeforetwelveo\'clockIjusttookalookroundaforeturnin\'in，an\'，bustme，butwhenIkemoppositetooldBersicker\'scageIseetherailsbrokenandtwistedaboutandthecageempty。

Andthat\'sallIknowforcerting。“

“Didanyoneelseseeanything？”

“Oneofourgard`nerswasa-comin\'`omeaboutthattimefroma`armony，whenheseesabiggraydogcomin\'outthroughthegarding`edges。Atleast，sohesays，butIdon\'tgivemuchforitmyself，forifhedid`eneversaidawordaboutittohismissiswhen`egot`ome，anditwasonlyaftertheescapeofthewolfwasmadeknown，andwehadbeenupallnighta-huntin\'

oftheParkforBersicker，thatherememberedseein\'anything。Myownbeliefwasthatthe`armony`adgotintohis`ead。“

“Now，Mr。Bilder，canyouaccountinanywayfortheescapeofthewolf？”

“Well，Sir，“hesaid，withasuspicioussortofmodesty，“IthinkIcan，butIdon\'tknowas`owyou\'dbesatisfiedwiththetheory。“

“CertainlyIshall。Ifamanlikeyou，whoknowstheanimalsfromexperience，can\'thazardagoodguessatanyrate，whoiseventotry？”

“wellthen，Sir，Iaccountsforitthisway。Itseemstomethat`erewolfescaped——simplybecausehewantedtogetout。“

FromtheheartywaythatbothThomasandhiswifelaughedatthejokeIcouldseethatithaddoneservicebefore，andthatthewholeexplanationwassimplyanelaboratesell。

Icouldn\'tcopeinbadinagewiththeworthyThomas，butIthoughtIknewasurerwaytohisheart，soIsaid，“Now，Mr。Bilder，we\'llconsiderthatfirsthalf-sovereignworkedoff，andthisbrotherofhisiswaitingtobeclaimedwhenyou\'vetoldmewhatyouthinkwillhappen。“

“Righty`are，Sir，“hesaidbriskly。“Ye`llexcooseme，Iknow，fora-chaffin\'ofye，buttheoldwomanherwinkedatme，whichwasasmuchastellingmetogoon。“

“Well，Inever！”saidtheoldlady。

“Myopinionisthis。That`erewolfisa`idin\'of，somewheres。

Thegard`nerwotdidn\'tremembersaidhewasa-gallopin\'

northwardfasterthanahorsecouldgo，butIdon\'tbelievehim，for，yersee，Sir，wolvesdon\'tgallopnomorenordogsdoes，theynotbein\'builtthatway。Wolvesisfinethingsinastorybook，andIdessaywhentheygetsinpacksanddoesbechivyin\'somethin\'that\'smoreafearedthantheyistheycanmakeadevilofanoiseandchopitup，whateveritis。

But，Lor\'blessyou，inreallifeawolfisonlyalowcreature，nothalfsocleverorboldasagooddog，andnothalfaquartersomuchfightin`im。Thisoneain\'tbeenusedtofightin\'

oreventoprovidin\'forhisself，andmorelikehe\'ssomewhereroundtheParka\'hidin\'an\'a\'shiverin\'of，andifhethinksatall，wonderin\'whereheistogethisbreakfastfrom。

Ormaybehe\'sgotdownsomeareaandisinacoalcellar。

Myeye，won\'tsomecookgetarumstartwhensheseeshisgreeneyesa-shinin\'atheroutofthedark！

Ifhecan\'tgetfoodhe\'sboundtolookforit，andmayhaphemaychancetolightonabutcher\'sshopintime。

Ifhedoesn\'t，andsomenursemaidgoesoutwalkin\'ororfwithasoldier，leavin\'ofthehinfantintheperambulator——

well，thenIshouldn\'tbesurprisedifthecensusisonebabbytheless。That\'sall。“

Iwashandinghimthehalf-sovereign，whensomethingcamebobbingupagainstthewindow，andMr。Bilder\'sfacedoubleditsnaturallengthwithsurprise。

“Godblessme！”hesaid。“Ifthereain\'toldBersickercomebackby`isself！”

Hewenttothedoorandopenedit，amostunnecessaryproceedingitseemedtome。Ihavealwaysthoughtthatawildanimalneverlookssowellaswhensomeobstacleofpronounceddurabilityisbetweenus。

Apersonalexperiencehasintensifiedratherthandiminishedthatidea。

Afterall，however，thereisnothinglikecustom，forneitherBildernorhiswifethoughtanymoreofthewolfthanIshouldofadog。

Theanimalitselfwasapeacefulandwell-behavedasthatfatherofallpicture-wolves，RedRidingHood\'squondamfriend，whilstmovingherconfidenceinmasquerade。

Thewholescenewasaunutterablemixtureofcomedyandpathos。

ThewickedwolfthatforahalfadayhadparalyzedLondonandsetallthechildrenintownshiveringintheirshoes，wasthereinasortofpenitentmood，andwasreceivedandpettedlikeasortofvulpineprodigalson。

OldBilderexaminedhimalloverwithmosttendersolicitude，andwhenhehadfinishedwithhispenitentsaid，“There，Iknewthepooroldchapwouldgetintosomekindoftrouble。

Didn\'tIsayitallalong？Here\'shisheadallcutandfullofbrokenglass。

`E\'sbeena-gettin\'oversomebloomin\'wallorother。It\'sashymethatpeopleareallowedtotoptheirwallswithbrokenbottles。

This`ere\'swhatcomesofit。Comealong，Bersicker。“

Hetookthewolfandlockedhimupinacage，withapieceofmeatthatsatisfied，inquantityatanyrate，theelementaryconditionsofthefattedcalf，andwentofftoreport。

Icameofftoo，toreporttheonlyexclusiveinformationthatisgiventodayregardingthestrangeescapadeattheZoo。

DR。SEWARD\'SDIARY

17September——Iwasengagedafterdinnerinmystudypostingupmybooks，which，throughpressofotherworkandthemanyvisitstoLucy，hadfallensadlyintoarrear。Suddenlythedoorwasburstopen，andinrushedmypatient，withhisfacedistortedwithpassion。

Iwasthunderstruck，forsuchathingasapatientgettingofhisownaccordintotheSuperintendent\'sstudyisalmostunknown。

Withoutaninstant\'snoticehemadestraightatme。

Hehadadinnerknifeinhishand，andasIsawhewasdangerous，Itriedtokeepthetablebetweenus。Hewastooquickandtoostrongforme，however，forbeforeIcouldgetmybalancehehadstruckatmeandcutmyleftwristratherseverely。

Beforehecouldstrikeagain，however，Igotinmyrighthandandhewassprawlingonhisbackonthefloor。

Mywristbledfreely，andquitealittlepooltrickledontothecarpet。Isawthatmyfriendwasnotintentonfurthereffort，andoccupiedmyselfbindingupmywrist，keepingawaryeyeontheprostratefigureallthetime。

Whentheattendantsrushedin，andweturnedourattentiontohim，hisemploymentpositivelysickenedme。Hewaslyingonhisbellyonthefloorlickingup，likeadog，thebloodwhichhadfallenfrommywoundedwrist。Hewaseasilysecured，andtomysurprise，wentwiththeattendantsquiteplacidly，simplyrepeatingoverandoveragain，“Thebloodisthelife！

Thebloodisthelife！”

Icannotaffordtolosebloodjustatpresent。Ihavelosttoomuchoflateformyphysicalgood，andthentheprolongedstrainofLucy\'sillnessanditshorriblephasesistellingonme。

Iamoverexcitedandweary，andIneedrest，rest，rest。

HappilyVanHelsinghasnotsummonedme，soIneednotforegomysleep。

TonightIcouldnotwelldowithoutit。

TELEGRAM，VANHELSING，ANTWERP，TOSEWARD，CARFAX

(SenttoCarfax，Sussex，asnocountygiven，deliveredlatebytwenty-twohours。)

17September——DonotfailtobeatHilllinghamtonight。

Ifnotwatchingallthetime，frequentlyvisitandseethatflowersareasplaced，veryimportant，donotfail。

Shallbewithyouassoonaspossibleafterarrival。

DR。SEWARD\'SDIARY

18September——JustofftraintoLondon。ThearrivalofVanHelsing\'stelegramfilledmewithdismay。Awholenightlost，andIknowbybitterexperiencewhatmayhappeninanight。

Ofcourseitispossiblethatallmaybewell，butwhatmayhavehappened？Surelythereissomehorribledoomhangingoverusthateverypossibleaccidentshouldthwartusinallwetrytodo。

Ishalltakethiscylinderwithme，andthenIcancompletemyentryonLucy\'sphonograph。

MEMORANDUMLEFTBYLUCYWESTENRA

17September，Night——Iwritethisandleaveittobeseen，sothatnoonemaybyanychancegetintotroublethroughme。

Thisisanexactrecordofwhattookplacetonight。

IfeelIamdyingofweakness，andhavebarelystrengthtowrite，butitmustbedoneifIdieinthedoing。

Iwenttobedasusual，takingcarethattheflowerswereplacedasDr。VanHelsingdirected，andsoonfellasleep。

Iwaswakedbytheflappingatthewindow，whichhadbegunafterthatsleep-walkingonthecliffatWhitbywhenMinasavedme，andwhichnowIknowsowell。Iwasnotafraid，butIdidwishthatDr。Sewardwasinthenextroom，asDr。VanHelsingsaidhewouldbe，sothatImighthavecalledhim。

Itriedtosleep，butIcouldnot。Thentherecametometheoldfearofsleep，andIdeterminedtokeepawake。

PerverselysleepwouldtrytocomethenwhenIdidnotwantit。

So，asIfearedtobealone，Iopenedmydoorandcalledout。

“Isthereanybodythere？”Therewasnoanswer。

Iwasafraidtowakemother，andsoclosedmydooragain。

ThenoutsideintheshrubberyIheardasortofhowllikeadog\'s，butmorefierceanddeeper。Iwenttothewindowandlookedout，butcouldseenothing，exceptabigbat，whichhadevidentlybeenbuffetingitswingsagainstthewindow。

SoIwentbacktobedagain，butdeterminednottogotosleep。

Presentlythedooropened，andmotherlookedin。SeeingbymymovingthatIwasnotasleep，shecameinandsatbyme。

Shesaidtomeevenmoresweetlyandsoftlythanherwont，“Iwasuneasyaboutyou，darling，andcameintoseethatyouwereallright。“

Ifearedshemightcatchcoldsittingthere，andaskedhertocomeinandsleepwithme，soshecameintobed，andlaydownbesideme。

Shedidnottakeoffherdressinggown，forshesaidshewouldonlystayawhileandthengobacktoherownbed。Asshelaythereinmyarms，andIinherstheflappingandbuffetingcametothewindowagain。

Shewasstartledandalittlefrightened，andcriedout，“Whatisthat？”

Itriedtopacifyher，andatlastsucceeded，andshelayquiet。

ButIcouldhearherpoordearheartstillbeatingterribly。

Afterawhiletherewasthehowlagainoutintheshrubbery，andshortlyaftertherewasacrashatthewindow，andalotofbrokenglasswashurledonthefloor。

Thewindowblindblewbackwiththewindthatrushedin，andintheapertureofthebrokenpanestherewastheheadofagreat，gauntgraywolf。

Mothercriedoutinafright，andstruggledupintoasittingposture，andclutchedwildlyatanythingthatwouldhelpher。

Amongstotherthings，sheclutchedthewreathofflowersthatDr。VanHelsinginsistedonmywearingroundmyneck，andtoreitawayfromme。Forasecondortwoshesatup，pointingatthewolf，andtherewasastrangeandhorriblegurglinginherthroat。

Thenshefellover，asifstruckwithlightning，andherheadhitmyforeheadandmademedizzyforamomentortwo。

Theroomandallroundseemedtospinround。Ikeptmyeyesfixedonthewindow，butthewolfdrewhisheadback，andawholemyriadoflittlespecksseemstocomeblowinginthroughthebrokenwindow，andwheelingandcirclingroundlikethepillarofdustthattravellersdescribewhenthereisasimooninthedesert。Itriedtostir，buttherewassomespelluponme，anddearMother\'spoorbody，whichseemedtogrowcoldalready，forherdearhearthadceasedtobeat，weighedmedown，andIrememberednomoreforawhile。

Thetimedidnotseemlong，butvery，veryawful，tillIrecoveredconsciousnessagain。Somewherenear，apassingbellwastolling。

Thedogsallroundtheneighborhoodwerehowling，andinourshrubbery，seeminglyjustoutside，anightingalewassinging。

Iwasdazedandstupidwithpainandterrorandweakness，butthesoundofthenightingaleseemedlikethevoiceofmydeadmothercomebacktocomfortme。Thesoundsseemedtohaveawakenedthemaids，too，forIcouldheartheirbarefeetpatteringoutsidemydoor。Icalledtothem，andtheycamein，andwhentheysawwhathadhappened，andwhatitwasthatlayovermeonthebed，theyscreamedout。Thewindrushedinthroughthebrokenwindow，andthedoorslammedto。

Theyliftedoffthebodyofmydearmother，andlaidher，coveredupwithasheet，onthebedafterIhadgotup。

TheywereallsofrightenedandnervousthatIdirectedthemtogotothediningroomandeachhaveaglassofwine。

Thedoorflewopenforaninstantandclosedagain。

Themaidsshrieked，andthenwentinabodytothediningroom，andIlaidwhatflowersIhadonmydearmother\'sbreast。

WhentheywerethereIrememberedwhatDr。VanHelsinghadtoldme，butIdidn\'tliketoremovethem，andbesides，Iwouldhavesomeoftheservantstositupwithmenow。

Iwassurprisedthatthemaidsdidnotcomeback。

Icalledthem，butgotnoanswer，soIwenttothediningroomtolookforthem。

MyheartsankwhenIsawwhathadhappened。Theyallfourlayhelplessonthefloor，breathingheavily。Thedecanterofsherrywasonthetablehalffull，buttherewasaqueer，acridsmellabout。Iwassuspicious，andexaminedthedecanter。

Itsmeltoflaudanum，andlookingonthesideboard，IfoundthatthebottlewhichMother\'sdoctorusesforher——

oh！diduse——wasempty。WhatamItodo？WhatamItodo？

IambackintheroomwithMother。Icannotleaveher，andI

amalone，saveforthesleepingservants，whomsomeonehasdrugged。

Alonewiththedead！Idarenotgoout，forIcanhearthelowhowlofthewolfthroughthebrokenwindow。

Theairseemsfullofspecks，floatingandcirclinginthedraughtfromthewindow，andthelightsburnblueanddim。

WhatamItodo？Godshieldmefromharmthisnight！

Ishallhidethispaperinmybreast，wheretheyshallfinditwhentheycometolaymeout。Mydearmothergone！

ItistimethatIgotoo。Goodbye，dearArthur，ifIshouldnotsurvivethisnight。Godkeepyou，dear，andGodhelpme！

CHAPTER12

DR。SEWARD\'SDIARY

18September——IdroveatoncetoHillinghamandarrivedearly。

Keepingmycabatthegate，Iwentuptheavenuealone。

Iknockedgentlyandrangasquietlyaspossible，forI

fearedtodisturbLucyorhermother，andhopedtoonlybringaservanttothedoor。Afterawhile，findingnoresponse，Iknockedandrangagain，stillnoanswer。Icursedthelazinessoftheservantsthattheyshouldlieabedatsuchanhour，foritwasnowteno\'clock，andsorangandknockedagain，butmoreimpatiently，butstillwithoutresponse。

HithertoIhadblamedonlytheservants，butnowaterriblefearbegantoassailme。Wasthisdesolationbutanotherlinkinthechainofdoomwhichseemeddrawingtightroundus？

WasitindeedahouseofdeathtowhichIhadcome，toolate？

Iknowthatminutes，evensecondsofdelay，mightmeanhoursofdangertoLucy，ifshehadhadagainoneofthosefrightfulrelapses，andIwentroundthehousetotryifIcouldfindbychanceanentryanywhere。

Icouldfindnomeansofingress。Everywindowanddoorwasfastenedandlocked，andIreturnedbaffledtotheporch。

AsIdidso，Iheardtherapidpit-patofaswiftlydrivenhorse\'sfeet。

Theystoppedatthegate，andafewsecondslaterImetVanHelsingrunninguptheavenue。Whenhesawme，hegaspedout，“Thenitwasyou，andjustarrived。Howisshe？Arewetoolate？