第11章

Hebecomesosmall，weourselvessawMissLucy，ereshewasatpeace，slipthroughahairbreadthspaceatthetombdoor。

Hecan，whenoncehefindhisway，comeoutfromanythingorintoanything，nomatterhowcloseitbeboundorevenfusedupwithfire，solderyoucallit。Hecanseeinthedark，nosmallpowerthis，inaworldwhichisonehalfshutfromthelight。Ah，buthearmethrough。

“Hecandoallthesethings，yetheisnotfree。Nay，heisevenmoreprisonerthantheslaveofthegalley，thanthemadmaninhiscell。

Hecannotgowherehelists，hewhoisnotofnaturehasyettoobeysomeofnature\'slaws，whyweknownot。Hemaynotenteranywhereatthefirst，unlesstherebesomeoneofthehouseholdwhobidhimtocome，thoughafterwardshecancomeasheplease。

Hispowerceases，asdoesthatofallevilthings，atthecomingoftheday。

“Onlyatcertaintimescanhehavelimitedfreedom。

Ifhebenotattheplacewhitherheisbound，hecanonlychangehimselfatnoonoratexactsunriseorsunset。

Thesethingswearetold，andinthisrecordofourswehaveproofbyinference。Thus，whereashecandoashewillwithinhislimit，whenhehavehisearth-home，hiscoffin-home，hishell-home，theplaceunhallowed，aswesawwhenhewenttothegraveofthesuicideatWhitby，stillatothertimehecanonlychangewhenthetimecome。Itissaid，too，thathecanonlypassrunningwaterattheslackorthefloodofthetide。

Thentherearethingswhichsoafflicthimthathehasnopower，asthegarlicthatweknowof，andasforthingssacred，asthissymbol，mycrucifix，thatwasamongstusevennowwhenweresolve，tothemheisnothing，butintheirpresencehetakehisplacefaroffandsilentwithrespect。

Thereareothers，too，whichIshalltellyouof，lestinourseekingwemayneedthem。

“Thebranchofwildroseonhiscoffinkeephimthathemovenotfromit，asacredbulletfiredintothecoffinkillhimsothathebetruedead，andasforthestakethroughhim，weknowalreadyofitspeace，orthecutoffheadthatgivethrest。

Wehaveseenitwithoureyes。

“Thuswhenwefindthehabitationofthisman-that-was，wecanconfinehimtohiscoffinanddestroyhim，ifweobeywhatweknow。Butheisclever。

IhaveaskedmyfriendArminius，ofBuda-PesthUniversity，tomakehisrecord，andfromallthemeansthatare，hetellmeofwhathehasbeen。

Hemust，indeed，havebeenthatVoivodeDraculawhowonhisnameagainsttheTurk，overthegreatriverontheveryfrontierofTurkeyland。

Ifitbeso，thenwashenocommonman，forinthattime，andforcenturiesafter，hewasspokenofasthecleverestandthemostcunning，aswellasthebravestofthesonsofthe`landbeyondtheforest。\'

Thatmightybrainandthatironresolutionwentwithhimtohisgrave，andareevennowarrayedagainstus。TheDraculaswere，saysArminius，agreatandnoblerace，thoughnowandagainwerescionswhowereheldbytheircoevalstohavehaddealingswiththeEvilOne。

TheylearnedhissecretsintheScholomance，amongstthemountainsoverLakeHermanstadt，wherethedevilclaimsthetenthscholarashisdue。Intherecordsaresuchwordsas`stregoica\'witch，`ordog\'and`pokol\'Satanandhell，andinonemanuscriptthisveryDraculaisspokenofas`wampyr，\'whichweallunderstandtoowell。

Therehavebeenfromtheloinsofthisveryonegreatmenandgoodwomen，andtheirgravesmakesacredtheearthwherealonethisfoulnesscandwell。

Foritisnottheleastofitsterrorsthatthisevilthingisrooteddeepinallgood，insoilbarrenofholymemoriesitcannotrest。“

WhilsttheyweretalkingMr。Morriswaslookingsteadilyatthewindow，andhenowgotupquietly，andwentoutoftheroom。

Therewasalittlepause，andthentheProfessorwenton。

“Andnowwemustsettlewhatwedo。Wehaveheremuchdata，andwemustproceedtolayoutourcampaign。WeknowfromtheinquiryofJonathanthatfromthecastletoWhitbycamefiftyboxesofearth，allofwhichweredeliveredatCarfax，wealsoknowthatatleastsomeoftheseboxeshavebeenremoved。

Itseemstome，thatourfirststepshouldbetoascertainwhetheralltherestremaininthehousebeyondthatwallwherewelooktoday，orwhetheranymorehavebeenremoved。

Ifthelatter，wemusttrace……“

Herewewereinterruptedinaverystartlingway。

Outsidethehousecamethesoundofapistolshot，theglassofthewindowwasshatteredwithabullet，whichricochettingfromthetopoftheembrasure，struckthefarwalloftheroom。

IamafraidIamatheartacoward，forIshriekedout。

Themenalljumpedtotheirfeet，LordGodalmingflewovertothewindowandthrewupthesash。AshedidsoweheardMr。Morris\'voicewithout，“Sorry！IfearIhavealarmedyou。

Ishallcomeinandtellyouaboutit。“

Aminutelaterhecameinandsaid，“Itwasanidioticthingofmetodo，andIaskyourpardon，Mrs。Harker，mostsincerely，IfearImusthavefrightenedyouterribly。

ButthefactisthatwhilsttheProfessorwastalkingtherecameabigbatandsatonthewindowsill。

IhavegotsuchahorrorofthedamnedbrutesfromrecenteventsthatIcannotstandthem，andIwentouttohaveashot，asI

havebeendoingoflateofevenings，wheneverIhaveseenone。

Youusedtolaughatmeforitthen，Art。“

“Didyouhitit？”askedDr。VanHelsing。

“Idon\'tknow，Ifancynot，foritflewawayintothewood。“

Withoutsayinganymorehetookhisseat，andtheProfessorbegantoresumehisstatement。

“Wemusttraceeachoftheseboxes，andwhenweareready，wemusteithercaptureorkillthismonsterinhislair，orwemust，sotospeak，sterilizetheearth，sothatnomorehecanseeksafetyinit。

Thusintheendwemayfindhiminhisformofmanbetweenthehoursofnoonandsunset，andsoengagewithhimwhenheisathismostweak。

“Andnowforyou，MadamMina，thisnightistheenduntilallbewell。

Youaretooprecioustoustohavesuchrisk。Whenweparttonight，younomoremustquestion。Weshalltellyouallingoodtime。

Wearemenandareabletobear，butyoumustbeourstarandourhope，andweshallactallthemorefreethatyouarenotinthedanger，suchasweare。“

Allthemen，evenJonathan，seemedrelieved，butitdidnotseemtomegoodthattheyshouldbravedangerand，perhapslessentheirsafety，strengthbeingthebestsafety，throughcareofme，buttheirmindsweremadeup，andthoughitwasabitterpillformetoswallow，Icouldsaynothing，savetoaccepttheirchivalrouscareofme。

Mr。Morrisresumedthediscussion，“Asthereisnotimetolose，Ivotewehavealookathishouserightnow。

Timeiseverythingwithhim，andswiftactiononourpartmaysaveanothervictim。“

Iownthatmyheartbegantofailmewhenthetimeforactioncamesoclose，butIdidnotsayanything，forIhadagreaterfearthatifIappearedasadragorahindrancetotheirwork，theymightevenleavemeoutoftheircounselsaltogether。

TheyhavenowgoneofftoCarfax，withmeanstogetintothehouse。

Manlike，theyhadtoldmetogotobedandsleep，asifawomancansleepwhenthoseshelovesareindanger！

Ishallliedown，andpretendtosleep，lestJonathanhaveaddedanxietyaboutmewhenhereturns。

DR。SEWARD\'SDIARY

1October，4A。M——Justaswewereabouttoleavethehouse，anurgentmessagewasbroughttomefromRenfieldtoknowifIwouldseehimatonce，ashehadsomethingoftheutmostimportancetosaytome。

ItoldthemessengertosaythatIwouldattendtohiswishesinthemorning，Iwasbusyjustatthemoment。

Theattendantadded，“Heseemsveryimportunate，sir。

Ihaveneverseenhimsoeager。Idon\'tknowbutwhat，ifyoudon\'tseehimsoon，hewillhaveoneofhisviolentfits。“

Iknewthemanwouldnothavesaidthiswithoutsomecause，soIsaid，“Allright，I\'llgonow，“andIaskedtheotherstowaitafewminutesforme，asIhadtogoandseemypatient。

“Takemewithyou，friendJohn，“saidtheProfessor。“Hiscaseinyourdiaryinterestmemuch，andithadbearing，too，nowandagainonourcase。

Ishouldmuchliketoseehim，andespecialwhenhismindisdisturbed。“

“MayIcomealso？”askedLordGodalming。

“Metoo？”saidQuinceyMorris。“MayIcome？”saidHarker。

Inodded，andweallwentdownthepassagetogether。

Wefoundhiminastateofconsiderableexcitement，butfarmorerationalinhisspeechandmannerthanIhadeverseenhim。

Therewasanunusualunderstandingofhimself，whichwasunlikeanythingIhadevermetwithinalunatic，andhetookitforgrantedthathisreasonswouldprevailwithothersentirelysane。

Weallfivewentintotheroom，butnoneoftheothersatfirstsaidanything。HisrequestwasthatIwouldatoncereleasehimfromtheasylumandsendhimhome。

Thishebackedupwithargumentsregardinghiscompleterecovery，andadducedhisownexistingsanity。

“Iappealtoyourfriends，“hesaid，“theywill，perhaps，notmindsittinginjudgementonmycase。Bytheway，youhavenotintroducedme。“

Iwassomuchastonished，thattheoddnessofintroducingamadmaninanasylumdidnotstrikemeatthemoment，andbesides，therewasacertaindignityintheman\'smanner，somuchofthehabitofequality，thatIatoncemadetheintroduction，“LordGodalming，ProfessorVanHelsing，Mr。QuinceyMorris，ofTexas，Mr。JonathanHarker，Mr。Renfield。“

Heshookhandswitheachofthem，sayinginturn，“LordGodalming，IhadthehonorofsecondingyourfatherattheWindham，Igrievetoknow，byyourholdingthetitle，thatheisnomore。

Hewasamanlovedandhonoredbyallwhoknewhim，andinhisyouthwas，Ihaveheard，theinventorofaburntrumpunch，muchpatronizedonDerbynight。Mr。Morris，youshouldbeproudofyourgreatstate。ItsreceptionintotheUnionwasaprecedentwhichmayhavefar-reachingeffectshereafter，whenthePoleandtheTropicsmayholdalliancetotheStarsandStripes。

ThepowerofTreatymayyetproveavastengineofenlargement，whentheMonroedoctrinetakesitstrueplaceasapoliticalfable。

WhatshallanymansayofhispleasureatmeetingVanHelsing？

Sir，Imakenoapologyfordroppingallformsofconventionalprefix。

Whenanindividualhasrevolutionizedtherapeuticsbyhisdiscoveryofthecontinuousevolutionofbrainmatter，conventionalformsareunfitting，sincetheywouldseemtolimithimtooneofaclass。

You，gentlemen，whobynationality，byheredity，orbythepossessionofnaturalgifts，arefittedtoholdyourrespectiveplacesinthemovingworld，ItaketowitnessthatIamassaneasatleastthemajorityofmenwhoareinfullpossessionoftheirliberties。

AndIamsurethatyou，Dr。Seward，humanitarianandmedico-juristaswellasscientist，willdeemitamoraldutytodealwithmeasonetobeconsideredasunderexceptionalcircumstances。“Hemadethislastappealwithacourtlyairofconvictionwhichwasnotwithoutitsowncharm。

Ithinkwewereallstaggered。Formyownpart，Iwasundertheconviction，despitemyknowledgeoftheman\'scharacterandhistory，thathisreasonhadbeenrestored，andIfeltunderastrongimpulsetotellhimthatIwassatisfiedastohissanity，andwouldseeaboutthenecessaryformalitiesforhisreleaseinthemorning。

Ithoughtitbettertowait，however，beforemakingsograveastatement，forofoldIknewthesuddenchangestowhichthisparticularpatientwasliable。SoIcontentedmyselfwithmakingageneralstatementthatheappearedtobeimprovingveryrapidly，thatIwouldhavealongerchatwithhiminthemorning，andwouldthenseewhatIcoulddointhedirectionofmeetinghiswishes。

Thisdidnotatallsatisfyhim，forhesaidquickly，“ButIfear，Dr。Seward，thatyouhardlyapprehendmywish。

Idesiretogoatonce，here，now，thisveryhour，thisverymoment，ifImay。Timepresses，andinourimpliedagreementwiththeoldscythemanitisoftheessenceofthecontract。

IamsureitisonlynecessarytoputbeforesoadmirableapractitionerasDr。Sewardsosimple，yetsomomentousawish，toensureitsfulfilment。“

Helookedatmekeenly，andseeingthenegativeinmyface，turnedtotheothers，andscrutinizedthemclosely。

Notmeetinganysufficientresponse，hewenton，“IsitpossiblethatIhaveerredinmysupposition？”

“Youhave，“Isaidfrankly，butatthesametime，asIfelt，brutally。

Therewasaconsiderablepause，andthenhesaidslowly，“ThenIsupposeImustonlyshiftmygroundofrequest。

Letmeaskforthisconcession，boon，privilege，whatyouwill。

Iamcontenttoimploreinsuchacase，notonpersonalgrounds，butforthesakeofothers。Iamnotatlibertytogiveyouthewholeofmyreasons，butyoumay，Iassureyou，takeitfrommethattheyaregoodones，soundandunselfish，andspringfromthehighestsenseofduty。

“Couldyoulook，sir，intomyheart，youwouldapprovetothefullthesentimentswhichanimateme。Nay，more，youwouldcountmeamongstthebestandtruestofyourfriends。“

Againhelookedatusallkeenly。Ihadagrowingconvictionthatthissuddenchangeofhisentireintellectualmethodwasbutyetanotherphaseofhismadness，andsodeterminedtolethimgoonalittlelonger，knowingfromexperiencethathewould，likealllunatics，givehimselfawayintheend。

VanHelsingwasgazingathimwithalookofutmostintensity，hisbushyeyebrowsalmostmeetingwiththefixedconcentrationofhislook。HesaidtoRenfieldinatonewhichdidnotsurprisemeatthetime，butonlywhenIthoughtofitafterwards，foritwasasofoneaddressinganequal，“Canyounottellfranklyyourrealreasonforwishingtobefreetonight？

Iwillundertakethatifyouwillsatisfyevenme，astranger，withoutprejudice，andwiththehabitofkeepinganopenmind，Dr。Sewardwillgiveyou，athisownriskandonhisownresponsibility，theprivilegeyouseek。“

Heshookhisheadsadly，andwithalookofpoignantregretonhisface。TheProfessorwenton，“Come，sir，bethinkyourself。

Youclaimtheprivilegeofreasoninthehighestdegree，sinceyouseektoimpressuswithyourcompletereasonableness。

Youdothis，whosesanitywehavereasontodoubt，sinceyouarenotyetreleasedfrommedicaltreatmentforthisverydefect。

Ifyouwillnothelpusinourefforttochoosethewisestcourse，howcanweperformthedutywhichyouyourselfputuponus？

Bewise，andhelpus，andifwecanweshallaidyoutoachieveyourwish。“

Hestillshookhisheadashesaid，“Dr。VanHelsing，Ihavenothingtosay。

Yourargumentiscomplete，andifIwerefreetospeakIshouldnothesitateamoment，butIamnotmyownmasterinthematter。

Icanonlyaskyoutotrustme。IfIamrefused，theresponsibilitydoesnotrestwithme。“

Ithoughtitwasnowtimetoendthescene，whichwasbecomingtoocomicallygrave，soIwenttowardsthedoor，simplysaying，“Come，myfriends，wehaveworktodo。Goodnight。“

As，however，Igotnearthedoor，anewchangecameoverthepatient。

HemovedtowardsmesoquicklythatforthemomentIfearedthathewasabouttomakeanotherhomicidalattack。

Myfears，however，weregroundless，forhehelduphistwohandsimploringly，andmadehispetitioninamovingmanner。

Ashesawthattheveryexcessofhisemotionwasmilitatingagainsthim，byrestoringusmoretoouroldrelations，hebecamestillmoredemonstrative。IglancedatVanHelsing，andsawmyconvictionreflectedinhiseyes，soIbecamealittlemorefixedinmymanner，ifnotmorestern，andmotionedtohimthathiseffortswereunavailing。

Ihadpreviouslyseensomethingofthesameconstantlygrowingexcitementinhimwhenhehadtomakesomerequestofwhichatthetimehehadthoughtmuch，suchforinstance，aswhenhewantedacat，andIwaspreparedtoseethecollapseintothesamesullenacquiescenceonthisoccasion。

Myexpectationwasnotrealized，forwhenhefoundthathisappealwouldnotbesuccessful，hegotintoquiteafranticcondition。

Hethrewhimselfonhisknees，andhelduphishands，wringingtheminplaintivesupplication，andpouredforthatorrentofentreaty，withthetearsrollingdownhischeeks，andhiswholefaceandformexpressiveofthedeepestemotion。

“Letmeentreatyou，Dr。Seward，oh，letmeimploreyou，toletmeoutofthishouseatonce。Sendmeawayhowyouwillandwhereyouwill，sendkeeperswithmewithwhipsandchains，letthemtakemeinastraitwaistcoat，manacledandleg-ironed，eventogaol，butletmegooutofthis。Youdon\'tknowwhatyoudobykeepingmehere。

Iamspeakingfromthedepthsofmyheart，ofmyverysoul。

Youdon\'tknowwhomyouwrong，orhow，andImaynottell。Woeisme！

Imaynottell。Byallyouholdsacred，byallyouholddear，byyourlovethatislost，byyourhopethatlives，forthesakeoftheAlmighty，takemeoutofthisandsavemysoulfromguilt！

Can\'tyouhearme，man？Can\'tyouunderstand？Willyouneverlearn？

Don\'tyouknowthatIamsaneandearnestnow，thatIamnolunaticinamadfit，butasanemanfightingforhissoul？Oh，hearme！

Hearme！Letmego，letmego，letmego！”

Ithoughtthatthelongerthiswentonthewilderhewouldget，andsowouldbringonafit，soItookhimbythehandandraisedhimup。

“Come，“Isaidsternly，“nomoreofthis，wehavehadquiteenoughalready。

Gettoyourbedandtrytobehavemorediscreetly。“

Hesuddenlystoppedandlookedatmeintentlyforseveralmoments。

Then，withoutaword，heroseandmovingover，satdownonthesideofthebed。Thecollapsehadcome，asonformeroccasions，justasIhadexpected。

WhenIwasleavingtheroom，lastofourparty，hesaidtomeinaquiet，well-bredvoice，“Youwill，Itrust，Dr。Seward，domethejusticetobearinmind，lateron，thatIdidwhatI

couldtoconvinceyoutonight。“

CHAPTER19

JONATHANHARKER\'SJOURNAL

1October，5A。M——Iwentwiththepartytothesearchwithaneasymind，forIthinkIneversawMinasoabsolutelystrongandwell。

Iamsogladthatsheconsentedtoholdbackandletusmendothework。

Somehow，itwasadreadtomethatshewasinthisfearfulbusinessatall，butnowthatherworkisdone，andthatitisduetoherenergyandbrainsandforesightthatthewholestoryisputtogetherinsuchawaythateverypointtells，shemaywellfeelthatherpartisfinished，andthatshecanhenceforthleavetheresttous。

Wewere，Ithink，allalittleupsetbythescenewithMr。Renfield。

Whenwecameawayfromhisroomweweresilenttillwegotbacktothestudy。

ThenMr。MorrissaidtoDr。Seward，“Say，Jack，ifthatmanwasn\'tattemptingabluff，heisaboutthesanestlunaticIeversaw。

I\'mnotsure，butIbelievethathehadsomeseriouspurpose，andifhehad，itwasprettyroughonhimnottogetachance。“

LordGodalmingandIweresilent，butDr。VanHelsingadded，“FriendJohn，youknowmorelunaticsthanIdo，andI\'mgladofit，forIfearthatifithadbeentometodecideIwouldbeforethatlasthystericaloutbursthavegivenhimfree。

Butweliveandlearn，andinourpresenttaskwemusttakenochance，asmyfriendQuinceywouldsay。

Allisbestastheyare。“

Dr。Sewardseemedtoanswerthembothinadreamykindofway，“Idon\'tknowbutthatIagreewithyou。IfthatmanhadbeenanordinarylunaticIwouldhavetakenmychanceoftrustinghim，butheseemssomixedupwiththeCountinanindexykindofwaythatIamafraidofdoinganythingwrongbyhelpinghisfads。

Ican\'tforgethowheprayedwithalmostequalfervorforacat，andthentriedtotearmythroatoutwithhisteeth。

Besides，hecalledtheCount`lordandmaster\'，andhemaywanttogetouttohelphiminsomediabolicalway。Thathorridthinghasthewolvesandtheratsandhisownkindtohelphim，soIsupposeheisn\'tabovetryingtousearespectablelunatic。

Hecertainlydidseemearnest，though。Ionlyhopewehavedonewhatisbest。Thesethings，inconjunctionwiththewildworkwehaveinhand，helptounnerveaman。“

TheProfessorsteppedover，andlayinghishandonhisshoulder，saidinhisgrave，kindlyway，“FriendJohn，havenofear。

Wearetryingtodoourdutyinaverysadandterriblecase，wecanonlydoaswedeembest。Whatelsehavewetohopefor，exceptthepityofthegoodGod？”

LordGodalminghadslippedawayforafewminutes，butnowhereturned。

Heheldupalittlesilverwhistle，asheremarked，“Thatoldplacemaybefullofrats，andifso，I\'vegotanantidoteoncall。“

Havingpassedthewall，wetookourwaytothehouse，takingcaretokeepintheshadowsofthetreesonthelawnwhenthemoonlightshoneout。

WhenwegottotheporchtheProfessoropenedhisbagandtookoutalotofthings，whichhelaidonthestep，sortingthemintofourlittlegroups，evidentlyoneforeach。Thenhespoke。

“Myfriends，wearegoingintoaterribledanger，andweneedarmsofmanykinds。Ourenemyisnotmerelyspiritual。

Rememberthathehasthestrengthoftwentymen，andthat，thoughournecksorourwindpipesareofthecommonkind，andthereforebreakableorcrushable，hisarenotamenabletomerestrength。Astrongerman，orabodyofmenmorestronginallthanhim，canatcertaintimesholdhim，buttheycannothurthimaswecanbehurtbyhim。

Wemust，therefore，guardourselvesfromhistouch。

Keepthisnearyourheart。“Ashespokeheliftedalittlesilvercrucifixandhelditouttome，Ibeingnearesttohim，“puttheseflowersroundyourneck，“herehehandedtomeawreathofwitheredgarlicblossoms，“forotherenemiesmoremundane，thisrevolverandthisknife，andforaidinall，thesesosmallelectriclamps，whichyoucanfastentoyourbreast，andforall，andaboveallatthelast，this，whichwemustnotdesecrateneedless。“

ThiswasaportionofSacredWafer，whichheputinanenvelopeandhandedtome。Eachoftheotherswassimilarlyequipped。

“Now，“hesaid，“friendJohn，wherearetheskeletonkeys？

Ifsothatwecanopenthedoor，weneednotbreakhousebythewindow，asbeforeatMissLucy\'s。“

Dr。Sewardtriedoneortwoskeletonkeys，hismechanicaldexterityasasurgeonstandinghimingoodstead。

Presentlyhegotonetosuit，afteralittleplaybackandforwardtheboltyielded，andwitharustyclang，shotback。

Wepressedonthedoor，therustyhingescreaked，anditslowlyopened。ItwasstartlinglyliketheimageconveyedtomeinDr。Seward\'sdiaryoftheopeningofMissWestenra\'stomb，Ifancythatthesameideaseemedtostriketheothers，forwithoneaccordtheyshrankback。TheProfessorwasthefirsttomoveforward，andsteppedintotheopendoor。

“Inmanustuas，Domine！”hesaid，crossinghimselfashepassedoverthethreshold。Weclosedthedoorbehindus，lestwhenweshouldhavelitourlampsweshouldpossiblyattractattentionfromtheroad。

TheProfessorcarefullytriedthelock，lestwemightnotbeabletoopenitfromwithinshouldwebeinahurrymakingourexit。

Thenwealllitourlampsandproceededonoursearch。

Thelightfromthetinylampsfellinallsortsofoddforms，astherayscrossedeachother，ortheopacityofourbodiesthrewgreatshadows。

Icouldnotformylifegetawayfromthefeelingthattherewassomeoneelseamongstus。Isupposeitwastherecollection，sopowerfullybroughthometomebythegrimsurroundings，ofthatterribleexperienceinTransylvania。

Ithinkthefeelingwascommontousall，forInoticedthattheotherskeptlookingovertheirshouldersateverysoundandeverynewshadow，justasIfeltmyselfdoing。

Thewholeplacewasthickwithdust。Thefloorwasseeminglyinchesdeep，exceptwheretherewererecentfootsteps，inwhichonholdingdownmylampIcouldseemarksofhobnailswherethedustwascracked。

Thewallswerefluffyandheavywithdust，andinthecornersweremassesofspider\'swebs，whereonthedusthadgatheredtilltheylookedlikeoldtatteredragsastheweighthadtornthempartlydown。

Onatableinthehallwasagreatbunchofkeys，withatime-yellowedlabeloneach。Theyhadbeenusedseveraltimes，foronthetablewereseveralsimilarrentsintheblanketofdust，similartothatexposedwhentheProfessorliftedthem。

Heturnedtomeandsaid，“Youknowthisplace，Jonathan。

Youhavecopiedmapsofit，andyouknowitatleastmorethanwedo。

Whichisthewaytothechapel？”

Ihadanideaofitsdirection，thoughonmyformervisitI

hadnotbeenabletogetadmissiontoit，soIledtheway，andafterafewwrongturningsfoundmyselfoppositealow，archedoakendoor，ribbedwithironbands。

“Thisisthespot，“saidtheProfessorasheturnedhislamponasmallmapofthehouse，copiedfromthefileofmyoriginalcorrespondenceregardingthepurchase。Withalittletroublewefoundthekeyonthebunchandopenedthedoor。

Wewerepreparedforsomeunpleasantness，foraswewereopeningthedoorafaint，malodorousairseemedtoexhalethroughthegaps，butnoneofuseverexpectedsuchanodorasweencountered。

NoneoftheothershadmettheCountatallatclosequarters，andwhenIhadseenhimhewaseitherinthefastingstageofhisexistenceinhisroomsor，whenhewasbloatedwithfreshblood，inaruinedbuildingopentotheair，butheretheplacewassmallandclose，andthelongdisusehadmadetheairstagnantandfoul。

Therewasanearthysmell，asofsomedrymiasma，whichcamethroughthefoulerair。Butastotheodoritself，howshallIdescribeit？

Itwasnotalonethatitwascomposedofalltheillsofmortalityandwiththepungent，acridsmellofblood，butitseemedasthoughcorruptionhadbecomeitselfcorrupt。Faugh！Itsickensmetothinkofit。

Everybreathexhaledbythatmonsterseemedtohaveclungtotheplaceandintensifieditsloathsomeness。

Underordinarycircumstancessuchastenchwouldhavebroughtourenterprisetoanend，butthiswasnoordinarycase，andthehighandterriblepurposeinwhichwewereinvolvedgaveusastrengthwhichroseabovemerelyphysicalconsiderations。

Aftertheinvoluntaryshrinkingconsequentonthefirstnauseouswhiff，weoneandallsetaboutourworkasthoughthatloathsomeplacewereagardenofroses。

Wemadeanaccurateexaminationoftheplace，theProfessorsayingaswebegan，“Thefirstthingistoseehowmanyoftheboxesareleft，wemustthenexamineeveryholeandcornerandcrannyandseeifwecannotgetsomeclueastowhathasbecomeoftherest。“

Aglancewassufficienttoshowhowmanyremained，forthegreatearthchestswerebulky，andtherewasnomistakingthem。

Therewereonlytwenty-nineleftoutofthefifty！

OnceIgotafright，for，seeingLordGodalmingsuddenlyturnandlookoutofthevaulteddoorintothedarkpassagebeyond，Ilookedtoo，andforaninstantmyheartstoodstill。

Somewhere，lookingoutfromtheshadow，IseemedtoseethehighlightsoftheCount\'sevilface，theridgeofthenose，theredeyes，theredlips，theawfulpallor。Itwasonlyforamoment，for，asLordGodalmingsaid，“IthoughtIsawaface，butitwasonlytheshadows，“andresumedhisinquiry，Iturnedmylampinthedirection，andsteppedintothepassage。

Therewasnosignofanyone，andastherewerenocorners，nodoors，noapertureofanykind，butonlythesolidwallsofthepassage，therecouldbenohidingplaceevenforhim。

Itookitthatfearhadhelpedimagination，andsaidnothing。

AfewminuteslaterIsawMorrisstepsuddenlybackfromacorner，whichhewasexamining。Weallfollowedhismovementswithoureyes，forundoubtedlysomenervousnesswasgrowingonus，andwesawawholemassofphosphorescence，whichtwinkledlikestars。

Weallinstinctivelydrewback。Thewholeplacewasbecomingalivewithrats。

Foramomentortwowestoodappalled，allsaveLordGodalming，whowasseeminglypreparedforsuchanemergency。Rushingovertothegreatiron-boundoakendoor，whichDr。Sewardhaddescribedfromtheoutside，andwhichIhadseenmyself，heturnedthekeyinthelock，drewthehugebolts，andswungthedooropen。Then，takinghislittlesilverwhistlefromhispocket，heblewalow，shrillcall。

ItwasansweredfrombehindDr。Seward\'shousebytheyelpingofdogs，andafteraboutaminutethreeterrierscamedashingroundthecornerofthehouse。Unconsciouslywehadallmovedtowardsthedoor，andaswemovedInoticedthatthedusthadbeenmuchdisturbed。

Theboxeswhichhadbeentakenouthadbeenbroughtthisway。

Butevenintheminutethathadelapsedthenumberoftheratshadvastlyincreased。Theyseemedtoswarmovertheplaceallatonce，tillthelamplight，shiningontheirmovingdarkbodiesandglittering，balefuleyes，madetheplacelooklikeabankofearthsetwithfireflies。

Thedogsdashedon，butatthethresholdsuddenlystoppedandsnarled，andthen，simultaneouslyliftingtheirnoses，begantohowlinmostlugubriousfashion。Theratsweremultiplyinginthousands，andwemovedout。

LordGodalmingliftedoneofthedogs，andcarryinghimin，placedhimonthefloor。Theinstanthisfeettouchedthegroundheseemedtorecoverhiscourage，andrushedathisnaturalenemies。

Theyfledbeforehimsofastthatbeforehehadshakenthelifeoutofascore，theotherdogs，whohadbynowbeenliftedinthesamemanner，hadbutsmallpreyerethewholemasshadvanished。

Withtheirgoingitseemedasifsomeevilpresencehaddeparted，forthedogsfriskedaboutandbarkedmerrilyastheymadesuddendartsattheirprostratefoes，andturnedthemoverandoverandtossedthemintheairwithviciousshakes。Weallseemedtofindourspiritsrise。

Whetheritwasthepurifyingofthedeadlyatmospherebytheopeningofthechapeldoor，orthereliefwhichweexperiencedbyfindingourselvesintheopenIknownot，butmostcertainlytheshadowofdreadseemedtoslipfromuslikearobe，andtheoccasionofourcominglostsomethingofitsgrimsignificance，thoughwedidnotslackenawhitinourresolution。Weclosedtheouterdoorandbarredandlockedit，andbringingthedogswithus，beganoursearchofthehouse。

Wefoundnothingthroughoutexceptdustinextraordinaryproportions，andalluntouchedsaveformyownfootstepswhenIhadmademyfirstvisit。

Neveroncedidthedogsexhibitanysymptomofuneasiness，andevenwhenwereturnedtothechapeltheyfriskedaboutasthoughtheyhadbeenrabbithuntinginasummerwood。

Themorningwasquickeningintheeastwhenweemergedfromthefront。

Dr。VanHelsinghadtakenthekeyofthehalldoorfromthebunch，andlockedthedoorinorthodoxfashion，puttingthekeyintohispocketwhenhehaddone。

“Sofar，“hesaid，“ournighthasbeeneminentlysuccessful。

NoharmhascometoussuchasIfearedmightbeandyetwehaveascertainedhowmanyboxesaremissing。

MorethanalldoIrejoicethatthis，ourfirst，andperhapsourmostdifficultanddangerous，stephasbeenaccomplishedwithoutthebringingthereintoourmostsweetMadamMinaortroublingherwakingorsleepingthoughtswithsightsandsoundsandsmellsofhorrorwhichshemightneverforget。

Onelesson，too，wehavelearned，ifitbeallowabletoargueaparticulari，thatthebrutebeastswhicharetotheCount\'scommandareyetthemselvesnotamenabletohisspiritualpower，forlook，theseratsthatwouldcometohiscall，justasfromhiscastletophesummonthewolvestoyourgoingandtothatpoormother\'scry，thoughtheycometohim，theyrunpell-mellfromthesolittledogsofmyfriendArthur。

Wehaveothermattersbeforeus，otherdangers，otherfears，andthatmonster……Hehasnotusedhispoweroverthebruteworldfortheonlyorthelasttimetonight。

Sobeitthathehasgoneelsewhere。Good！Ithasgivenusopportunitytocry`check\'insomewaysinthischessgame，whichweplayforthestakeofhumansouls。

Andnowletusgohome。Thedawniscloseathand，andwehavereasontobecontentwithourfirstnight\'swork。

Itmaybeordainedthatwehavemanynightsanddaystofollow，iffullofperil，butwemustgoon，andfromnodangershallweshrink。“

Thehousewassilentwhenwegotback，saveforsomepoorcreaturewhowasscreamingawayinoneofthedistantwards，andalow，moaningsoundfromRenfield\'sroom。Thepoorwretchwasdoubtlesstorturinghimself，afterthemanneroftheinsane，withneedlessthoughtsofpain。

Icametiptoeintoourownroom，andfoundMinaasleep，breathingsosoftlythatIhadtoputmyeardowntohearit。

Shelookspalerthanusual。Ihopethemeetingtonighthasnotupsether。Iamtrulythankfulthatsheistobeleftoutofourfuturework，andevenofourdeliberations。Itistoogreatastrainforawomantobear。Ididnotthinksoatfirst，butIknowbetternow。ThereforeIamgladthatitissettled。

Theremaybethingswhichwouldfrightenhertohear，andyettoconcealthemfromhermightbeworsethantotellherifonceshesuspectedthattherewasanyconcealment。

Henceforthourworkistobeasealedbooktoher，tillatleastsuchtimeaswecantellherthatallisfinished，andtheearthfreefromamonsterofthenetherworld。

Idaresayitwillbedifficulttobegintokeepsilenceaftersuchconfidenceasours，butImustberesolute，andtomorrowIshallkeepdarkovertonight\'sdoings，andshallrefusetospeakofanythingthathashappened。

Irestonthesofa，soasnottodisturbher。

1October，later——Isupposeitwasnaturalthatweshouldhavealloversleptourselves，forthedaywasabusyone，andthenighthadnorestatall。EvenMinamusthavefeltitsexhaustion，forthoughIslepttillthesunwashigh，Iwasawakebeforeher，andhadtocalltwoorthreetimesbeforesheawoke。

Indeed，shewassosoundasleepthatforafewsecondsshedidnotrecognizeme，butlookedatmewithasortofblankterror，asonelookswhohasbeenwakedoutofabaddream。

Shecomplainedalittleofbeingtired，andIletherresttilllaterintheday。Wenowknowoftwenty-oneboxeshavingbeenremoved，andifitbethatseveralweretakeninanyoftheseremovalswemaybeabletotracethemall。

Suchwill，ofcourse，immenselysimplifyourlabor，andthesoonerthematterisattendedtothebetter。

IshalllookupThomasSnellingtoday。

DR。SEWARD\'SDIARY

1October——ItwastowardsnoonwhenIwasawakenedbytheProfessorwalkingintomyroom。Hewasmorejollyandcheerfulthanusual，anditisquiteevidentthatlastnight\'sworkhashelpedtotakesomeofthebroodingweightoffhismind。

Aftergoingovertheadventureofthenighthesuddenlysaid，“Yourpatientinterestsmemuch。MayitbethatwithyouIvisithimthismorning？

Orifthatyouaretoooccupy，Icangoaloneifitmaybe。

Itisanewexperiencetometofindalunaticwhotalkphilosophy，andreasonsosound。“

Ihadsomeworktodowhichpressed，soItoldhimthatifhewouldgoaloneIwouldbeglad，asthenIshouldnothavetokeephimwaiting，soIcalledanattendantandgavehimthenecessaryinstructions。

BeforetheProfessorlefttheroomIcautionedhimagainstgettinganyfalseimpressionfrommypatient。

“But，“heanswered，“Iwanthimtotalkofhimselfandofhisdelusionastoconsuminglivethings。HesaidtoMadamMina，asI

seeinyourdiaryofyesterday，thathehadoncehadsuchabelief。

Whydoyousmile，friendJohn？”

“Excuseme，“Isaid，“buttheanswerishere。“Ilaidmyhandonthetypewrittenmatter。“Whenoursaneandlearnedlunaticmadethatverystatementofhowheusedtoconsumelife，hismouthwasactuallynauseouswiththefliesandspiderswhichhehadeatenjustbeforeMrs。Harkerenteredtheroom。“

VanHelsingsmiledinturn。“Good！”hesaid。

“Yourmemoryistrue，friendJohn。Ishouldhaveremembered。

Andyetitisthisveryobliquityofthoughtandmemorywhichmakesmentaldiseasesuchafascinatingstudy。

PerhapsImaygainmoreknowledgeoutofthefollyofthismadmanthanIshallfromtheteachingofthemostwise。

Whoknows？”

Iwentonwithmywork，andbeforelongwasthroughthatinhand。

Itseemedthatthetimehadbeenveryshortindeed，buttherewasVanHelsingbackinthestudy。

“DoIinterrupt？”heaskedpolitelyashestoodatthedoor。

“Notatall，“Ianswered。“Comein。Myworkisfinished，andIamfree。

Icangowithyounow，ifyoulike。“

“Itisneedless，Ihaveseenhim！”

“Well？”

“Ifearthathedoesnotappraisemeatmuch。

Ourinterviewwasshort。WhenIenteredhisroomhewassittingonastoolinthecenter，withhiselbowsonhisknees，andhisfacewasthepictureofsullendiscontent。

IspoketohimascheerfullyasIcould，andwithsuchameasureofrespectasIcouldassume。Hemadenoreplywhatever。

\'Don\'tyouknowme？\'Iasked。Hisanswerwasnotreassuring。

“Iknowyouwellenough，youaretheoldfoolVanHelsing。

Iwishyouwouldtakeyourselfandyouridioticbraintheoriessomewhereelse。Damnallthick-headedDutchmen！\'

Notawordmorewouldhesay，butsatinhisimplacablesullennessasindifferenttomeasthoughIhadnotbeenintheroomatall。

Thusdepartedforthistimemychanceofmuchlearningfromthissocleverlunatic，soIshallgo，ifImay，andcheermyselfwithafewhappywordswiththatsweetsoulMadamMina。

FriendJohn，itdoesrejoicemeunspeakablethatsheisnomoretobepained，nomoretobeworriedwithourterriblethings。

Thoughweshallmuchmissherhelp，itisbetterso。“

“Iagreewithyouwithallmyheart，“Iansweredearnestly，forIdidnotwanthimtoweakeninthismatter。“Mrs。Harkerisbetteroutofit。

Thingsarequitebadenoughforus，allmenoftheworld，andwhohavebeeninmanytightplacesinourtime，butitisnoplaceforawoman，andifshehadremainedintouchwiththeaffair，itwouldintimeinfalliblyhavewreckedher。“

SoVanHelsinghasgonetoconferwithMrs。HarkerandHarker，QuinceyandArtarealloutfollowingupthecluesastotheearthboxes。

Ishallfinishmyroundofworkandweshallmeettonight。

MINAHARKER\'SJOURNAL

1October——ItisstrangetometobekeptinthedarkasIamtoday，afterJonathan\'sfullconfidenceforsomanyyears，toseehimmanifestlyavoidcertainmatters，andthosethemostvitalofall。

ThismorningIsleptlateafterthefatiguesofyesterday，andthoughJonathanwaslatetoo，hewastheearlier。Hespoketomebeforehewentout，nevermoresweetlyortenderly，buthenevermentionedawordofwhathadhappenedinthevisittotheCount\'shouse。

AndyethemusthaveknownhowterriblyanxiousIwas。Poordearfellow！

Isupposeitmusthavedistressedhimevenmorethanitdidme。

TheyallagreedthatitwasbestthatIshouldnotbedrawnfurtherintothisawfulwork，andIacquiesced。Buttothinkthathekeepsanythingfromme！AndnowIamcryinglikeasillyfool，whenI

knowitcomesfrommyhusband\'sgreatloveandfromthegood，goodwishesofthoseotherstrongmen。

Thathasdonemegood。Well，somedayJonathanwilltellmeall。

AndlestitshouldeverbethatheshouldthinkforamomentthatIkeptanythingfromhim，Istillkeepmyjournalasusual。

ThenifhehasfearedofmytrustIshallshowittohim，witheverythoughtofmyheartputdownforhisdeareyestoread。Ifeelstrangelysadandlow-spiritedtoday。

Isupposeitisthereactionfromtheterribleexcitement。

LastnightIwenttobedwhenthemenhadgone，simplybecausetheytoldmeto。Ididn\'tfeelsleepy，andIdidfeelfullofdevouringanxiety。

IkeptthinkingovereverythingthathasbeeneversinceJonathancametoseemeinLondon，anditallseemslikeahorribletragedy，withfatepressingonrelentlesslytosomedestinedend。Everythingthatonedoesseems，nomatterhowrightitmebe，tobringontheverythingwhichismosttobedeplored。

IfIhadn\'tgonetoWhitby，perhapspoordearLucywouldbewithusnow。

Shehadn\'ttakentovisitingthechurchyardtillIcame，andifshehadn\'tcomethereinthedaytimewithmeshewouldn\'thavewalkedinhersleep。

Andifshehadn\'tgonethereatnightandasleep，thatmonstercouldn\'thavedestroyedherashedid。Oh，whydidIevergotoWhitby？

Therenow，cryingagain！Iwonderwhathascomeovermetoday。

ImusthideitfromJonathan，forifheknewthatIhadbeencryingtwiceinonemorning……I，whonevercriedonmyownaccount，andwhomhehasnevercausedtoshedatear，thedearfellowwouldfrethisheartout。

Ishallputaboldfaceon，andifIdofeelweepy，heshallneverseeit。

Isupposeitisjustoneofthelessonsthatwepoorwomenhavetolearn……

Ican\'tquiterememberhowIfellasleeplastnight。

Irememberhearingthesuddenbarkingofthedogsandalotofqueersounds，likeprayingonaverytumultuousscale，fromMr。Renfield\'sroom，whichissomewhereunderthis。

Andthentherewassilenceovereverything，silencesoprofoundthatitstartledme，andIgotupandlookedoutofthewindow。

Allwasdarkandsilent，theblackshadowsthrownbythemoonlightseemingfullofasilentmysteryoftheirown。

Notathingseemedtobestirring，butalltobegrimandfixedasdeathorfate，sothatathinstreakofwhitemist，thatcreptwithalmostimperceptibleslownessacrossthegrasstowardsthehouse，seemedtohaveasentienceandavitalityofitsown。

Ithinkthatthedigressionofmythoughtsmusthavedonemegood，forwhenIgotbacktobedIfoundalethargycreepingoverme。

Ilayawhile，butcouldnotquitesleep，soIgotoutandlookedoutofthewindowagain。Themistwasspreading，andwasnowcloseuptothehouse，sothatIcouldseeitlyingthickagainstthewall，asthoughitwerestealinguptothewindows。Thepoormanwasmoreloudthanever，andthoughIcouldnotdistinguishawordhesaid，Icouldinsomewayrecognizeinhistonessomepassionateentreatyonhispart。Thentherewasthesoundofastruggle，andIknewthattheattendantsweredealingwithhim。

IwassofrightenedthatIcreptintobed，andpulledtheclothesovermyhead，puttingmyfingersinmyears。

Iwasnotthenabitsleepy，atleastsoIthought，butImusthavefallenasleep，forexceptdreams，Idonotrememberanythinguntilthemorning，whenJonathanwokeme。

IthinkthatittookmeaneffortandalittletimetorealizewhereIwas，andthatitwasJonathanwhowasbendingoverme。

Mydreamwasverypeculiar，andwasalmosttypicalofthewaythatwakingthoughtsbecomemergedin，orcontinuedin，dreams。

IthoughtthatIwasasleep，andwaitingforJonathantocomeback。

Iwasveryanxiousabouthim，andIwaspowerlesstoact，myfeet，andmyhands，andmybrainwereweighted，sothatnothingcouldproceedattheusualpace。AndsoIsleptuneasilyandthought。

Thenitbegantodawnuponmethattheairwasheavy，anddank，andcold。

Iputbacktheclothesfrommyface，andfound，tomysurprise，thatallwasdimaround。ThegaslightwhichIhadleftlitforJonathan，butturneddown，cameonlylikeatinyredsparkthroughthefog，whichhadevidentlygrownthickerandpouredintotheroom。

ThenitoccurredtomethatIhadshutthewindowbeforeIhadcometobed。Iwouldhavegotouttomakecertainonthepoint，butsomeleadenlethargyseemedtochainmylimbsandevenmywill。

Ilaystillandendured，thatwasall。Iclosedmyeyes，butcouldstillseethroughmyeyelids。(Itiswonderfulwhattricksourdreamsplayus，andhowconvenientlywecanimagine。)ThemistgrewthickerandthickerandIcouldseenowhowitcamein，forIcouldseeitlikesmoke，orwiththewhiteenergyofboilingwater，pouringin，notthroughthewindow，butthroughthejoiningsofthedoor。

Itgotthickerandthicker，tillitseemedasifitbecameconcentratedintoasortofpillarofcloudintheroom，throughthetopofwhichIcouldseethelightofthegasshininglikearedeye。

Thingsbegantowhirlthroughmybrainjustasthecloudycolumnwasnowwhirlingintheroom，andthroughitallcamethescripturalwords“apillarofcloudbydayandoffirebynight。“Wasitindeedsuchspiritualguidancethatwascomingtomeinmysleep？

Butthepillarwascomposedofboththedayandthenightguiding，forthefirewasintheredeye，whichatthethoughtgatanewfascinationforme，till，asIlooked，thefiredivided，andseemedtoshineonmethroughthefogliketworedeyes，suchasLucytoldmeofinhermomentarymentalwanderingwhen，onthecliff，thedyingsunlightstruckthewindowsofSt。Mary\'sChurch。

SuddenlythehorrorburstuponmethatitwasthusthatJonathanhadseenthoseawfulwomengrowingintorealitythroughthewhirlingmistinthemoonlight，andinmydreamImusthavefainted，forallbecameblackdarkness。Thelastconsciouseffortwhichimaginationmadewastoshowmealividwhitefacebendingovermeoutofthemist。

Imustbecarefulofsuchdreams，fortheywouldunseatone\'sreasonifthereweretoomuchofthem。IwouldgetDr。VanHelsingorDr。Sewardtoprescribesomethingformewhichwouldmakemesleep，onlythatIfeartoalarmthem。

Suchadreamatthepresenttimewouldbecomewovenintotheirfearsforme。

TonightIshallstrivehardtosleepnaturally。IfIdonot，Ishalltomorrownightgetthemtogivemeadoseofchloral，thatcannothurtmeforonce，anditwillgivemeagoodnight\'ssleep。LastnighttiredmemorethanifI

hadnotsleptatall。

2October10P。M——LastnightIslept，butdidnotdream。

Imusthavesleptsoundly，forIwasnotwakedbyJonathancomingtobed，butthesleephasnotrefreshedme，fortodayI

feelterriblyweakandspiritless。Ispentallyesterdaytryingtoread，orlyingdowndozing。Intheafternoon，Mr。Renfieldaskedifhemightseeme。Poorman，hewasverygentle，andwhenIcameawayhekissedmyhandandbadeGodblessme。

Somewayitaffectedmemuch。IamcryingwhenIthinkofhim。

Thisisanewweakness，ofwhichImustbecareful。

JonathanwouldbemiserableifheknewIhadbeencrying。

Heandtheotherswereouttilldinnertime，andtheyallcameintired。IdidwhatIcouldtobrightenthemup，andIsupposethattheeffortdidmegood，forIforgothowtiredIwas。

Afterdinnertheysentmetobed，andallwentofftosmoketogether，astheysaid，butIknewthattheywantedtotelleachotherofwhathadoccurredtoeachduringtheday。

IcouldseefromJonathan\'smannerthathehadsomethingimportanttocommunicate。IwasnotsosleepyasIshouldhavebeen，sobeforetheywentIaskedDr。Sewardtogivemealittleopiateofsomekind，asIhadnotsleptwellthenightbefore。

Heverykindlymademeupasleepingdraught，whichhegavetome，tellingmethatitwoulddomenoharm，asitwasverymild……Ihavetakenit，andamwaitingforsleep，whichstillkeepsaloof。IhopeIhavenotdonewrong，forassleepbeginstoflirtwithme，anewfearcomes，thatImayhavebeenfoolishinthusdeprivingmyselfofthepowerofwaking。

Imightwantit。Herecomessleep。Goodnight。

CHAPTER20

JONATHANHARKER\'SJOURNAL

1October，evening——IfoundThomasSnellinginhishouseatBethnalGreen，butunhappilyhewasnotinaconditiontorememberanything。Theveryprospectofbeerwhichmyexpectedcominghadopenedtohimhadprovedtoomuch，andhehadbeguntooearlyonhisexpecteddebauch。

Ilearned，however，fromhiswife，whoseemedadecent，poorsoul，thathewasonlytheassistantofSmollet，whoofthetwomateswastheresponsibleperson。

SooffIdrovetoWalworth，andfoundMr。JosephSmolletathomeandinhisshirtsleeves，takingalateteaoutofasaucer。

Heisadecent，intelligentfellow，distinctlyagood，reliabletypeofworkman，andwithaheadpieceofhisown。

Herememberedallabouttheincidentoftheboxes，andfromawonderfuldog-earednotebook，whichheproducedfromsomemysteriousreceptacleabouttheseatofhistrousers，andwhichhadhieroglyphicalentriesinthick，half-obliteratedpencil，hegavemethedestinationsoftheboxes。

Therewere，hesaid，sixinthecartloadwhichhetookfromCarfaxandleftat197ChicksandStreet，MileEndNewTown，andanothersixwhichhedepositedatJamaicaLane，Bermondsey。

IfthentheCountmeanttoscattertheseghastlyrefugesofhisoverLondon，theseplaceswerechosenasthefirstofdelivery，sothatlaterhemightdistributemorefully。

ThesystematicmannerinwhichthiswasdonemademethinkthathecouldnotmeantoconfinehimselftotwosidesofLondon。

Hewasnowfixedonthefareastonthenorthernshore，ontheeastofthesouthernshore，andonthesouth。

Thenorthandwestweresurelynevermeanttobeleftoutofhisdiabolicalscheme，letalonetheCityitselfandtheveryheartoffashionableLondoninthesouth-westandwest。

IwentbacktoSmollet，andaskedhimifhecouldtellusifanyotherboxeshadbeentakenfromCarfax。

Hereplied，“Wellguv\'nor，you\'vetreatedmevery\'an\'some“，I

hadgivenhimhalfasovereign，“anI\'lltellyerallIknow。

IheardamanbythenameofBloxamsayfournightsagointhe\'Arean\'\'Ounds，inPincher\'sAlley，as\'owhean\'

hismate\'ad\'adararedustyjobinaold\'ouseatPurfleet。

Thereain\'tamanysuchjobsasthis\'ere，an\'I\'mthinkin\'

thatmaybeSamBloxamcouldtellyesummut。“

Iaskedifhecouldtellmewheretofindhim。Itoldhimthatifhecouldgetmetheaddressitwouldbeworthanotherhalfsovereigntohim。

Sohegulpeddowntherestofhisteaandstoodup，sayingthathewasgoingtobeginthesearchthenandthere。

Atthedoorhestopped，andsaid，“Look\'ere，guv\'nor，thereain\'tnosenseinmeakeepin\'you\'ere。ImayfindSamsoon，orImayn\'t，butanyhowheain\'tliketobeinawaytotellyemuchtonight。

Samisarareonewhenhestartsonthebooze。Ifyoucangivemeaenvelopewithastamponit，andputyeraddressonit，I\'llfindoutwhereSamistobefoundandpostityetonight。

Butye\'dbetterbeuparter\'imsooninthemornin\'，nevermindtheboozethenightafore。“

Thiswasallpractical，sooneofthechildrenwentoffwithapennytobuyanenvelopeandasheetofpaper，andtokeepthechange。

Whenshecameback，Iaddressedtheenvelopeandstampedit，andwhenSmollethadagainfaithfullypromisedtoposttheaddresswhenfound，Itookmywaytohome。We\'reonthetrackanyhow。

Iamtiredtonight，andIwanttosleep。Minaisfastasleep，andlooksalittletoopale。Hereyeslookasthoughshehadbeencrying。

Poordear，I\'venodoubtitfretshertobekeptinthedark，anditmaymakeherdoublyanxiousaboutmeandtheothers。

Butitisbestasitis。Itisbettertobedisappointedandworriedinsuchawaynowthantohavehernervebroken。Thedoctorswerequiterighttoinsistonherbeingkeptoutofthisdreadfulbusiness。

Imustbefirm，foronmethisparticularburdenofsilencemustrest。

Ishallnoteverenteronthesubjectwithherunderanycircumstances。

Indeed，Itmaynotbeahardtask，afterall，forsheherselfhasbecomereticentonthesubject，andhasnotspokenoftheCountorhisdoingseversincewetoldherofourdecision。

2October，evening——Alongandtryingandexcitingday。

BythefirstpostIgotmydirectedenvelopewithadirtyscrapofpaperenclosed，onwhichwaswrittenwithacarpenter\'spencilinasprawlinghand，“SamBloxam，Korkrans，4PotersCort，BartelStreet，Walworth。Arskforthedepite。“

Igottheletterinbed，androsewithoutwakingMina。

Shelookedheavyandsleepyandpale，andfarfromwell。

Ideterminednottowakeher，butthatwhenIshouldreturnfromthisnewsearch，IwouldarrangeforhergoingbacktoExeter。

Ithinkshewouldbehappierinourownhome，withherdailytaskstointeresther，thaninbeinghereamongstusandinignorance。IonlysawDr。Sewardforamoment，andtoldhimwhereIwasoffto，promisingtocomebackandtelltherestsosoonasIshouldhavefoundoutanything。

IdrovetoWalworthandfound，withsomedifficulty，Potter\'sCourt。

Mr。Smollet\'sspellingmisledme，asIaskedforPoter\'sCourtinsteadofPotter\'sCourt。However，whenIhadfoundthecourt，IhadnodifficultyindiscoveringCorcoran\'slodginghouse。

WhenIaskedthemanwhocametothedoorforthe“depite，“heshookhishead，andsaid，“Idunno\'im。Thereain\'tnosuchaperson\'ere。

Inever\'eardof\'iminallmybloomin\'days。Don\'tbelievethereain\'tnobodyofthatkindlivin\'\'ereoranywheres。“

ItookoutSmollet\'sletter，andasIreadititseemedtomethatthelessonofthespellingofthenameofthecourtmightguideme。

“Whatareyou？”Iasked。

“I\'mthedepity，“heanswered。