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MINAHARKER\'SMEMORANDUM
(ENTEREDINHERJOURNAL)
Groundofinquiry——CountDracula\'sproblemistogetbacktohisownplace。
(a)Hemustbebroughtbackbysomeone。Thisisevident。
Forhadhepowertomovehimselfashewishedhecouldgoeitherasman，orwolf，orbat，orinsomeotherway。
Heevidentlyfearsdiscoveryorinterference，inthestateofhelplessnessinwhichhemustbe，confinedasheisbetweendawnandsunsetinhiswoodenbox。
(b)Howishetobetaken？——Hereaprocessofexclusionsmayhelpus。
Byroad，byrail，bywater？
1。ByRoad——Thereareendlessdifficulties，especiallyinleavingthecity。
(x)Therearepeople。Andpeoplearecurious，andinvestigate。
Ahint，asurmise，adoubtastowhatmightbeinthebox，woulddestroyhim。
(y)Thereare，ortheremaybe，customsandoctroiofficerstopass。
(z)Hispursuersmightfollow。Thisishishighestfear。
Andinordertopreventhisbeingbetrayedhehasrepelled，sofarashecan，evenhisvictim，me！
2。ByRail——Thereisnooneinchargeofthebox。
Itwouldhavetotakeitschanceofbeingdelayed，anddelaywouldbefatal，withenemiesonthetrack。
True，hemightescapeatnight。Butwhatwouldhebe，ifleftinastrangeplacewithnorefugethathecouldflyto？
Thisisnotwhatheintends，andhedoesnotmeantoriskit。
3。ByWater——Hereisthesafestway，inonerespect，butwithmostdangerinanother。Onthewaterheispowerlessexceptatnight。
Eventhenhecanonlysummonfogandstormandsnowandhiswolves。
Butwerehewrecked，thelivingwaterwouldengulfhim，helpless，andhewouldindeedbelost。Hecouldhavethevesseldrivetoland，butifitwereunfriendlyland，whereinhewasnotfreetomove，hispositionwouldstillbedesperate。
Weknowfromtherecordthathewasonthewater，sowhatwehavetodoistoascertainwhatwater。
Thefirstthingistorealizeexactlywhathehasdoneasyet。
Wemay，then，getalightonwhathistaskistobe。
Firstly——WemustdifferentiatebetweenwhathedidinLondonaspartofhisgeneralplanofaction，whenhewaspressedformomentsandhadtoarrangeasbesthecould。
Secondlywemustsee，aswellaswecansurmiseitfromthefactsweknowof，whathehasdonehere。
Astothefirst，heevidentlyintendedtoarriveatGalatz，andsentinvoicetoVarnatodeceiveuslestweshouldascertainhismeansofexitfromEngland。Hisimmediateandsolepurposethenwastoescape。
Theproofofthis，istheletterofinstructionssentotImmanuelHildesheimtoclearandtakeawaytheboxbeforesunrise。
ThereisalsotheinstructiontoPetrofSkinsky。Thesewemustonlyguessat，buttheremusthavebeensomeletterormessage，sinceSkinskycametoHildesheim。
That，sofar，hisplansweresuccessfulweknow。
TheCzarinaCatherinemadeaphenomenallyquickjourney。
SomuchsothatCaptainDonelson\'ssuspicionswerearoused。
ButhissuperstitionunitedwithhiscanninessplayedtheCount\'sgameforhim，andheranwithhisfavoringwindthroughfogsandalltillhebroughtupblindfoldatGalatz。
ThattheCount\'sarrangementswerewellmade，hasbeenproved。
Hildesheimclearedthebox，tookitoff，andgaveittoSkinsky。
Skinskytookit，andherewelosethetrail。Weonlyknowthattheboxissomewhereonthewater，movingalong。
Thecustomsandtheoctroi，iftherebeany，havebeenavoided。
NowwecometowhattheCountmusthavedoneafterhisarrival，onland，atGalatz。
TheboxwasgiventoSkinskybeforesunrise。
AtsunrisetheCountcouldappearinhisownform。
Here，weaskwhySkinskywaschosenatalltoaidinthework？
Inmyhusband\'sdiary，SkinskyismentionedasdealingwiththeSlovakswhotradedowntherivertotheport。
Andtheman\'sremark，thatthemurderwastheworkofaSlovak，showedthegeneralfeelingagainsthisclass。
TheCountwantedisolation。
Mysurmiseisthis，thatinLondontheCountdecidedtogetbacktohiscastlebywater，asthemostsafeandsecretway。
HewasbroughtfromthecastlebySzgany，andprobablytheydeliveredtheircargotoSlovakswhotooktheboxestoVarna，fortheretheywereshippedtoLondon。ThustheCounthadknowledgeofthepersonswhocouldarrangethisservice。
Whentheboxwasonland，beforesunriseoraftersunset，hecameoutfromhisbox，metSkinskyandinstructedhimwhattodoastoarrangingthecarriageoftheboxupsomeriver。
Whenthiswasdone，andheknewthatallwasintrain，heblottedouthistraces，ashethought，bymurderinghisagent。
IhaveexaminedthemapandfindthattherivermostsuitablefortheSlovakstohaveascendediseitherthePruthortheSereth。
IreadinthetypescriptthatinmytranceIheardcowslowandwaterswirlinglevelwithmyearsandthecreakingofwood。
TheCountinhisbox，then，wasonariverinanopenboat，propelledprobablyeitherbyoarsorpoles，forthebanksarenearanditisworkingagainststream。Therewouldbenosuchiffloatingdownstream。
OfcourseitmaynotbeeithertheSerethorthePruth，butwemaypossiblyinvestigatefurther。Nowofthesetwo，thePruthisthemoreeasilynavigated，buttheSerethis，atFundu，joinedbytheBistritzawhichrunsuproundtheBorgoPass。
TheloopitmakesismanifestlyasclosetoDracula\'scastleascanbegotbywater。
MINAHARKER\'SJOURNAL——CONTINUED
WhenIhaddonereading，Jonathantookmeinhisarmsandkissedme。
Theotherskeptshakingmebybothhands，andDr。VanHelsingsaid，“OurdearMadamMinaisoncemoreourteacher。Hereyeshavebeenwherewewereblinded。Nowweareonthetrackonceagain，andthistimewemaysucceed。Ourenemyisathismosthelpless。
Andifwecancomeonhimbyday，onthewater，ourtaskwillbeover。
Hehasastart，butheispowerlesstohasten，ashemaynotleavethisboxlestthosewhocarryhimmaysuspect。Forthemtosuspectwouldbetopromptthemtothrowhiminthestreamwhereheperish。
Thisheknows，andwillnot。Nowmen，toourCouncilofWar，forhereandnow，wemustplanwhateachandallshalldo。“
“Ishallgetasteamlaunchandfollowhim，“saidLordGodalming。
“AndI，horsestofollowonthebanklestbychanceheland，“
saidMr。Morris。
“Good！”saidtheProfessor，“bothgood。Butneithermustgoalone。Theremustbeforcetoovercomeforceifneedbe。
TheSlovakisstrongandrough，andhecarriesrudearms。“
Allthemensmiled，foramongstthemtheycarriedasmallarsenal。
SaidMr。Morris，“IhavebroughtsomeWinchesters。
Theyareprettyhandyinacrowd，andtheremaybewolves。
TheCount，ifyouremember，tooksomeotherprecautions。
HemadesomerequisitionsonothersthatMrs。Harkercouldnotquitehearorunderstand。Wemustbereadyatallpoints。“
Dr。Sewardsaid，“IthinkIhadbettergowithQuincey。
Wehavebeenaccustomedtohunttogether，andwetwo，wellarmed，willbeamatchforwhatevermaycomealong。
Youmustnotbealone，Art。ItmaybenecessarytofighttheSlovaks，andachancethrust，forIdon\'tsupposethesefellowscarryguns，wouldundoallourplans。Theremustbenochances，thistime。
WeshallnotrestuntiltheCount\'sheadandbodyhavebeenseparated，andwearesurethathecannotreincarnate。“
HelookedatJonathanashespoke，andJonathanlookedatme。
Icouldseethatthepoordearwastornaboutinhismind。
Ofcoursehewantedtobewithme。Butthentheboatservicewould，mostlikely，betheonewhichwoulddestroythe……the……Vampire。(WhydidIhesitatetowritetheword？)
Hewassilentawhile，andduringhissilenceDr。VanHelsingspoke，“FriendJonathan，thisistoyoufortwicereasons。
First，becauseyouareyoungandbraveandcanfight，andallenergiesmaybeneededatthelast。Andagainthatitisyourrighttodestroyhim。That，whichhaswroughtsuchwoetoyouandyours。
BenotafraidforMadamMina。Shewillbemycare，ifImay。
Iamold。Mylegsarenotsoquicktorunasonce。
AndIamnotusedtoridesolongortopursueasneedbe，ortofightwithlethalweapons。ButIcanbeofotherservice。
Icanfightinotherway。AndIcandie，ifneedbe，aswellasyoungermen。NowletmesaythatwhatIwouldisthis。
Whileyou，myLordGodalmingandfriendJonathangoinyoursoswiftlittlesteamboatuptheriver，andwhilstJohnandQuinceyguardthebankwhereperchancehemightbelanded，IwilltakeMadamMinarightintotheheartoftheenemy\'scountry。
Whilsttheoldfoxistiedinhisbox，floatingontherunningstreamwhencehecannotescapetoland，wherehedaresnotraisethelidofhiscoffinboxlesthisSlovakcarriersshouldinfearleavehimtoperish，weshallgointhetrackwhereJonathanwent，fromBistritzovertheBorgo，andfindourwaytotheCastleofDracula。Here，MadamMina\'shypnoticpowerwillsurelyhelp，andweshallfindourway，alldarkandunknownotherwise，afterthefirstsunrisewhenwearenearthatfatefulplace。
Thereismuchtobedone，andotherplacestobemadesanctify，sothatthatnestofvipersbeobliterated。“
HereJonathaninterruptedhimhotly，“Doyoumeantosay，ProfessorVanHelsing，thatyouwouldbringMina，inhersadcaseandtaintedassheiswiththatdevil\'sillness，rightintothejawsofhisdeathtrap？Notfortheworld！
NotforHeavenorHell！”
Hebecamealmostspeechlessforaminute，andthenwenton，“Doyouknowwhattheplaceis？Haveyouseenthatawfuldenofhellishinfamy，withtheverymoonlightalivewithgrislyshapes，andeverspeckofdustthatwhirlsinthewindadevouringmonsterinembryo？
HaveyoufelttheVampire\'slipsuponyourthroat？”
Hereheturnedtome，andashiseyeslitonmyforeheadhethrewuphisarmswithacry，“Oh，myGod，whathavewedonetohavethisterroruponus？”
andhesankdownonthesofainacollapseofmisery。
TheProfessor\'svoice，ashespokeinclear，sweettones，whichseemedtovibrateintheair，calmedusall。
“Oh，myfriend，itisbecauseIwouldsaveMadamMinafromthatawfulplacethatIwouldgo。GodforbidthatIshouldtakeherintothatplace。
Thereiswork，wildwork，tobedonebeforethatplacecanbepurify。
Rememberthatweareinterriblestraits。IftheCountescapeusthistime，andheisstrongandsubtleandcunning，hemaychoosetosleephimforacentury，andthenintimeourdearone，“hetookmyhand，“wouldcometohimtokeephimcompany，andwouldbeasthoseothersthatyou，Jonathan，saw。Youhavetoldusoftheirgloatinglips。
YouheardtheirribaldlaughastheyclutchedthemovingbagthattheCountthrewtothem。Youshudder，andwellmayitbe。
ForgivemethatImakeyousomuchpain，butitisnecessary。Myfriend，isitnotadireneedforthatwhichIamgiving，possiblymylife？
Ifit，werethatanyonewentintothatplacetostay，itisIwhowouldhavetogotokeepthemcompany。“
“Doasyouwill，“saidJonathan，withasobthatshookhimallover，“weareinthehandsofGod！”
Later——Oh，itdidmegoodtoseethewaythatthesebravemenworked。
Howcanwomenhelplovingmenwhentheyaresoearnest，andsotrue，andsobrave！And，too，itmademethinkofthewonderfulpowerofmoney！Whatcanitnotdowhenbaselyused。IfeltsothankfulthatLordGodalmingisrich，andbothheandMr。Morris，whoalsohasplentyofmoney，arewillingtospenditsofreely。
Foriftheydidnot，ourlittleexpeditioncouldnotstart，eithersopromptlyorsowellequipped，asitwillwithinanotherhour。
Itisnotthreehourssinceitwasarrangedwhatparteachofuswastodo。AndnowLordGodalmingandJonathanhavealovelysteamlaunch，withsteamupreadytostartatamoment\'snotice。
Dr。SewardandMr。Morrishavehalfadozengoodhorses，wellappointed。
Wehaveallthemapsandappliancesofvariouskindsthatcanbehad。
ProfessorVanHelsingandIaretoleavebythe11：40traintonightforVeresti，wherewearetogetacarriagetodrivetotheBorgoPass。
Wearebringingagooddealofreadymoney，aswearetobuyacarriageandhorses。Weshalldriveourselves，forwehavenoonewhomwecantrustinthematter。TheProfessorknowssomethingofagreatmanylanguages，soweshallgetonallright。
Wehaveallgotarms，evenformealargeborerevolver。JonathanwouldnotbehappyunlessIwasarmedliketherest。Alas！Icannotcarryonearmthattherestdo，thescaronmyforeheadforbidsthat。
DearDr。VanHelsingcomfortsmebytellingmethatIamfullyarmedastheremaybewolves。Theweatherisgettingcoldereveryhour，andtherearesnowflurrieswhichcomeandgoaswarnings。
Later——Ittookallmycouragetosaygoodbytomydarling。
Wemaynevermeetagain。Courage，Mina！TheProfessorislookingatyoukeenly。Hislookisawarning。
Theremustbenotearsnow，unlessitmaybethatGodwillletthemfallingladness。
JONATHANHARKER\'SJOURNAL
30October，night——Iamwritingthisinthelightfromthefurnacedoorofthesteamlaunch。LordGodalmingisfiringup。
Heisanexperiencedhandatthework，ashehashadforyearsalaunchofhisownontheThames，andanotherontheNorfolkBroads。
Regardingourplans，wefinallydecidedthatMina\'sguesswascorrect，andthatifanywaterwaywaschosenfortheCount\'sescapebacktohisCastle，theSerethandthentheBistritzaatitsjunction，wouldbetheone。Wetookit，thatsomewhereaboutthe47thdegree，northlatitude，wouldbetheplacechosenforcrossingthecountrybetweentheriverandtheCarpathians。
Wehavenofearinrunningatgoodspeeduptheriveratnight。
Thereisplentyofwater，andthebanksarewideenoughaparttomakesteaming，eveninthedark，easyenough。
LordGodalmingtellsmetosleepforawhile，asitisenoughforthepresentforonetobeonwatch。ButIcannotsleep，howcanIwiththeterribledangerhangingovermydarling，andhergoingoutintothatawfulplace……
MyonlycomfortisthatweareinthehandsofGod。Onlyforthatfaithitwouldbeeasiertodiethantolive，andsobequitofallthetrouble。
Mr。MorrisandDr。Sewardwereoffontheirlongridebeforewestarted。
Theyaretokeepuptherightbank，farenoughofftogetonhigherlandswheretheycanseeagoodstretchofriverandavoidthefollowingofitscurves。Theyhave，forthefirststages，twomentorideandleadtheirsparehorses，fourinall，soasnottoexcitecuriosity。
Whentheydismissthemen，whichshallbeshortly，theyshallthemselveslookafterthehorses。Itmaybenecessaryforustojoinforces。
Ifsotheycanmountourwholeparty。Oneofthesaddleshasamoveablehorn，andcanbeeasilyadaptedforMina，ifrequired。
Itisawildadventureweareon。Here，aswearerushingalongthroughthedarkness，withthecoldfromtheriverseemingtoriseupandstrikeus，withallthemysteriousvoicesofthenightaroundus，itallcomeshome。
Weseemtobedriftingintounknownplacesandunknownways。
Intoawholeworldofdarkanddreadfulthings。Godalmingisshuttingthefurnacedoor……
31October——Stillhurryingalong。Thedayhascome，andGodalmingissleeping。Iamonwatch。Themorningisbitterlycold，thefurnaceheatisgrateful，thoughwehaveheavyfurcoats。
Asyetwehavepassedonlyafewopenboats，butnoneofthemhadonboardanyboxorpackageofanythinglikethesizeoftheoneweseek。
Themenwerescaredeverytimeweturnedourelectriclamponthem，andfellontheirkneesandprayed。
1November，evening——Nonewsallday。Wehavefoundnothingofthekindweseek。WehavenowpassedintotheBistritza，andifwearewronginoursurmiseourchanceisgone。
Wehaveoverhauledeveryboat，bigandlittle。Earlythismorning，onecrewtookusforaGovernmentboat，andtreatedusaccordingly。Wesawinthisawayofsmoothingmatters，soatFundu，wheretheBistritzarunsintotheSereth，wegotaRoumanianflagwhichwenowflyconspicuously。
Witheveryboatwhichwehaveoverhauledsincethenthistrickhassucceeded。Wehavehadeverydeferenceshowntous，andnotonceanyobjectiontowhateverwechosetoaskordo。
SomeoftheSlovakstellusthatabigboatpassedthem，goingatmorethanusualspeedasshehadadoublecrewonboard。
ThiswasbeforetheycametoFundu，sotheycouldnottelluswhethertheboatturnedintotheBistritzaorcontinuedonuptheSereth。AtFunduwecouldnothearofanysuchboat，soshemusthavepassedthereinthenight。
Iamfeelingverysleepy。Thecoldisperhapsbeginningtotelluponme，andnaturemusthaverestsometime。
Godalminginsiststhatheshallkeepthefirstwatch。
GodblesshimforallhisgoodnesstopoordearMinaandme。
2November，morning——Itisbroaddaylight。Thatgoodfellowwouldnotwakeme。Hesaysitwouldhavebeenasinto，forIsleptpeacefullyandwasforgettingmytrouble。
Itseemsbrutallyselfishtometohavesleptsolong，andlethimwatchallnight，buthewasquiteright。
Iamanewmanthismorning。And，asIsithereandwatchhimsleeping，Icandoallthatisnecessarybothastomindingtheengine，steering，andkeepingwatch。
Icanfeelthatmystrengthandenergyarecomingbacktome。
IwonderwhereMinaisnow，andVanHelsing。
TheyshouldhavegottoVerestiaboutnoononWednesday。
Itwouldtakethemsometimetogetthecarriageandhorses。
Soiftheyhadstartedandtravelledhard，theywouldbeaboutnowattheBorgoPass。Godguideandhelpthem！
Iamafraidtothinkwhatmayhappen。Ifwecouldonlygofaster。
Butwecannot。Theenginesarethrobbinganddoingtheirutmost。
IwonderhowDr。SewardandMr。Morrisaregettingon。
Thereseemtobeendlessstreamsrunningdownthemountainsintothisriver，butasnoneofthemareverylarge，atpresent，atallevents，thoughtheyaredoubtlessterribleinwinterandwhenthesnowmelts，thehorsemenmaynothavemetmuchobstruction。
IhopethatbeforewegettoStrasbawemayseethem。
ForifbythattimewehavenotovertakentheCount，itmaybenecessarytotakecounseltogetherwhattodonext。
DR。SEWARD\'SDIARY
2November——Threedaysontheroad。Nonews，andnotimetowriteitiftherehadbeen，foreverymomentisprecious。
Wehavehadonlytherestneedfulforthehorses。
Butwearebothbearingitwonderfully。Thoseadventurousdaysofoursareturningupuseful。Wemustpushon。
Weshallneverfeelhappytillwegetthelaunchinsightagain。
3Novenber——WeheardatFunduthatthelaunchhadgoneuptheBistritza。
Iwishitwasn\'tsocold。Therearesignsofsnowcoming。
Andifitfallsheavyitwillstopus。Insuchcasewemustgetasledgeandgoon，Russianfashion。
4Novenber——Todayweheardofthelaunchhavingbeendetainedbyanaccidentwhentryingtoforceawayuptherapids。
TheSlovakboatsgetupallright，byaidofaropeandsteeringwithknowledge。Somewentuponlyafewhoursbefore。
Godalmingisanamateurfitterhimself，andevidentlyitwashewhoputthelaunchintrimagain。
Finally，theygotuptherapidsallright，withlocalhelp，andareoffonthechaseafresh。Ifearthattheboatisnotanybetterfortheaccident，thepeasantrytellusthataftershegotuponsmoothwateragain，shekeptstoppingeverynowandagainsolongasshewasinsight。
Wemustpushonharderthanever。Ourhelpmaybewantedsoon。
MINAHARKER\'SJOURNAL
31October——ArrivedatVerestiatnoon。TheProfessortellsmethatthismorningatdawnhecouldhardlyhypnotizemeatall，andthatallIcouldsaywas，“darkandquiet。“Heisoffnowbuyingacarriageandhorses。
Hesaysthathewilllaterontrytobuyadditionalhorses，sothatwemaybeabletochangethemontheway。Wehavesomethingmorethan70
milesbeforeus。Thecountryislovely，andmostinteresting。Ifonlywewereunderdifferentconditions，howdelightfulitwouldbetoseeitall。
IfJonathanandIweredrivingthroughitalonewhatapleasureitwouldbe。
Tostopandseepeople，andlearnsomethingoftheirlife，andtofillourmindsandmemorieswithallthecolorandpicturesquenessofthewholewild，beautifulcountryandthequaintpeople！But，alas！
Later——Dr。VanHelsinghasreturned。Hehasgotthecarriageandhorses。Wearetohavesomedinner，andtostartinanhour。
Thelandladyisputtingusupahugebasketofprovisions。
Itseemsenoughforacompanyofsoldiers。TheProfessorencouragesher，andwhisperstomethatitmaybeaweekbeforewecangetanyfoodagain。
Hehasbeenshoppingtoo，andhassenthomesuchawonderfullotoffurcoatsandwraps，andallsortsofwarmthings。
Therewillnotbeanychanceofourbeingcold。
Weshallsoonbeoff。Iamafraidtothinkwhatmayhappentous。
WearetrulyinthehandsofGod。Healoneknowswhatmaybe，andIprayHim，withallthestrengthofmysadandhumblesoul，thatHewillwatchovermybelovedhusband。Thatwhatevermayhappen，JonathanmayknowthatIlovedhimandhonoredhimmorethanIcansay，andthatmylatestandtruestthoughtwillbealwaysforhim。
CHAPTER27
MINAHARKER\'SJOURNAL
1November——Alldaylongwehavetravelled，andatagoodspeed。
Thehorsesseemtoknowthattheyarebeingkindlytreated，fortheygowillinglytheirfullstageatbestspeed。
Wehavenowhadsomanychangesandfindthesamethingsoconstantlythatweareencouragedtothinkthatthejourneywillbeaneasyone。
Dr。VanHelsingislaconic，hetellsthefarmersthatheishurryingtoBistritz，andpaysthemwelltomaketheexchangeofhorses。
Wegethotsoup，orcoffee，ortea，andoffwego。
Itisalovelycountry。Fullofbeautiesofallimaginablekinds，andthepeoplearebrave，andstrong，andsimple，andseemfullofnicequalities。Theyarevery，verysuperstitious。
Inthefirsthousewherewestopped，whenthewomanwhoservedussawthescaronmyforehead，shecrossedherselfandputouttwofingerstowardsme，tokeepofftheevileye。
Ibelievetheywenttothetroubleofputtinganextraamountofgarlicintoourfood，andIcan\'tabidegarlic。
EversincethenIhavetakencarenottotakeoffmyhatorveil，andsohaveescapedtheirsuspicions。Wearetravellingfast，andaswehavenodriverwithustocarrytales，wegoaheadofscandal。ButIdaresaythatfearoftheevileyewillfollowhardbehindusalltheway。TheProfessorseemstireless。
Alldayhewouldnottakeanyrest，thoughhemademesleepforalongspell。Atsunsettimehehypnotizedme，andhesaysI
answeredasusual，“darkness，lappingwaterandcreakingwood。“
Soourenemyisstillontheriver。IamafraidtothinkofJonathan，butsomehowIhavenownofearforhim，orformyself。
Iwritethiswhilstwewaitinafarmhouseforthehorsestobeready。Dr。VanHelsingissleeping。Poordear，helooksverytiredandoldandgrey，buthismouthissetasfirmlyasaconqueror\'s。Eveninhissleepheisintensewithresolution。
WhenwehavewellstartedImustmakehimrestwhilstIdrive。
Ishalltellhimthatwehavedaysbeforeus，andhemustnotbreakdownwhenmostofallhisstrengthwillbeneeded……Allisready。Weareoffshortly。
2November，morning——Iwassuccessful，andwetookturnsdrivingallnight。Nowthedayisonus，brightthoughcold。
Thereisastrangeheavinessintheair。Isayheavinessforwantofabetterword。Imeanthatitoppressesusboth。
Itisverycold，andonlyourwarmfurskeepuscomfortable。
AtdawnVanHelsinghypnotizedme。HesaysIanswered“darkness，creakingwoodandroaringwater，“sotheriverischangingastheyascend。
Idohopethatmydarlingwillnotrunanychanceofdanger，morethanneedbe，butweareinGod\'shands。
2November，night——Alldaylongdriving。Thecountrygetswilderaswego，andthegreatspursoftheCarpathians，whichatVerestiseemedsofarfromusandsolowonthehorizon，nowseemtogatherroundusandtowerinfront。
Webothseemingoodspirits。Ithinkwemakeanefforteachtocheertheother，inthedoingsowecheerourselves。
Dr。VanHelsingsaysthatbymorningweshallreachtheBorgoPass。
Thehousesareveryfewherenow，andtheProfessorsaysthatthelasthorsewegotwillhavetogoonwithus，aswemaynotbeabletochange。Hegottwoinadditiontothetwowechanged，sothatnowwehavearudefour-in-hand。Thedearhorsesarepatientandgood，andtheygiveusnotrouble。
Wearenotworriedwithothertravellers，andsoevenI
candrive。WeshallgettothePassindaylight。
Wedonotwanttoarrivebefore。Sowetakeiteasy，andhaveeachalongrestinturn。Oh，whatwilltomorrowbringtous？
Wegotoseektheplacewheremypoordarlingsufferedsomuch。
Godgrantthatwemaybeguidedaright，andthatHewilldeigntowatchovermyhusbandandthosedeartousboth，andwhoareinsuchdeadlyperil。Asforme，IamnotworthyinHissight。Alas！IamuncleantoHiseyes，andshallbeuntilHemaydeigntoletmestandforthinHissightasoneofthosewhohavenotincurredHiswrath。
MEMORANDUMBYABRAHAMVANHELSING
4November——ThistomyoldandtruefriendJohnSeward，M。D。，ofPurefleet，London，incaseImaynotseehim。
Itmayexplain。Itismorning，andIwritebyafirewhichallthenightIhavekeptalive，MadamMinaaidingme。
Itiscold，cold。Socoldthatthegreyheavyskyisfullofsnow，whichwhenitfallswillsettleforallwinterasthegroundishardeningtoreceiveit。ItseemstohaveaffectedMadamMina。
Shehasbeensoheavyofheadalldaythatshewasnotlikeherself。Shesleeps，andsleeps，andsleeps！
Shewhoisusualsoalert，havedoneliterallynothingalltheday。
Sheevenhavelostherappetite。Shemakenoentryintoherlittlediary，shewhowritesofaithfulateverypause。
Somethingwhispertomethatallisnotwell。However，tonightsheismorevif。Herlongsleepalldayhaverefreshandrestoreher，fornowsheisallsweetandbrightasever。
AtsunsetItrytohypnotizeher，butalas！withnoeffect。
Thepowerhasgrownlessandlesswitheachday，andtonightitfailmealtogether。Well，God\'swillbedone，whateveritmaybe，andwhithersoeveritmaylead！
Nowtothehistorical，forasMadamMinawritenotinherstenography，Imust，inmycumbrousoldfashion，thatsoeachdayofusmaynotgounrecorded。
WegottotheBorgoPassjustaftersunriseyesterdaymorning。
WhenIsawthesignsofthedawnIgotreadyforthehypnotism。
Westoppedourcarriage，andgotdownsothattheremightbenodisturbance。
Imadeacouchwithfurs，andMadamMina，lyingdown，yieldherselfasusual，butmoreslowandmoreshorttimethanever，tothehypnoticsleep。
Asbefore，cametheanswer，“darknessandtheswirlingofwater。“
Thenshewoke，brightandradiantandwegoonourwayandsoonreachthePass。Atthistimeandplace，shebecomeallonfirewithzeal。
Somenewguidingpowerbeinhermanifested，forshepointtoaroadandsay，“Thisistheway。“
“Howknowyouit？”Iask。
“OfcourseIknowit，\'sheanswer，andwithapause，add，“HavenotmyJonathantravelleditandwroteofhistravel？”
AtfirstIthinksomewhatstrange，butsoonIseethattherebeonlyonesuchbyroad。Itisusedbutlittle，andverydifferentfromthecoachroadfromtheBukovinatoBistritz，whichismorewideandhard，andmoreofuse。
Sowecamedownthisroad。Whenwemeetotherways，notalwayswerewesurethattheywereroadsatall，fortheybeneglectandlightsnowhavefallen，thehorsesknowandtheyonly。
Igivereintothem，andtheygoonsopatient。ByandbywefindallthethingswhichJonathanhavenoteinthatwonderfuldiaryofhim。Thenwegoonforlong，longhoursandhours。
Atthefirst，ItellMadamMinatosleep。Shetry，andshesucceed。Shesleepallthetime，tillatthelast，Ifeelmyselftosuspiciousgrow，andattempttowakeher。
Butshesleepon，andImaynotwakeherthoughItry。
IdonotwishtotrytoohardlestIharmher。ForIknowthatshehavesuffermuch，andsleepattimesbeall-in-alltoher。
IthinkIdrowsemyself，forallofsuddenIfeelguilt，asthoughIhavedonesomething。Ifindmyselfboltup，withthereinsinmyhand，andthegoodhorsesgoalongjog，jog，justasever。IlookdownandfindMadamMinastillasleep。
Itisnownotfaroffsunsettime，andoverthesnowthelightofthesunflowinbigyellowflood，sothatwethrowgreatlongshadowonwherethemountainrisesosteep。
Forwearegoingup，andup，andallisoh，sowildandrocky，asthoughitweretheendoftheworld。
ThenIarouseMadamMina。Thistimeshewakewithnotmuchtrouble，andthenItrytoputhertohypnoticsleep。
Butshesleepnot，beingasthoughIwerenot。StillItryandtry，tillallatonceIfindherandmyselfindark，soIlookround，andfindthatthesunhavegonedown。
MadamMinalaugh，andIturnandlookather。Sheisnowquiteawake，andlooksowellasIneversawhersincethatnightatCarfaxwhenwefirstentertheCount\'shouse。
Iamamaze，andnotateasethen。ButsheissobrightandtenderandthoughtfulformethatIforgetallfear。
Ilightafire，forwehavebroughtsupplyofwoodwithus，andshepreparefoodwhileIundothehorsesandsetthem，tetheredinshelter，tofeed。ThenwhenIreturntothefireshehavemysupperready。Igotohelpher，butshesmile，andtellmethatshehaveeatalready。Thatshewassohungrythatshewouldnotwait。Ilikeitnot，andIhavegravedoubts。
ButIfeartoaffrighther，andsoIamsilentofit。
ShehelpmeandIeatalone，andthenwewrapinfurandliebesidethefire，andItellhertosleepwhileIwatch。
ButpresentlyIforgetallofwatching。AndwhenIsuddenrememberthatIwatch，Ifindherlyingquiet，butawake，andlookingatmewithsobrighteyes。Once，twicemorethesameoccur，andIgetmuchsleeptillbeforemorning。
WhenIwakeItrytohypnotizeher，butalas！
Thoughsheshuthereyesobedient，shemaynotsleep。
Thesunriseup，andup，andup，andthensleepcometohertoolate，butsoheavythatshewillnotwake。Ihavetoliftherup，andplacehersleepinginthecarriagewhenIhaveharnessedthehorsesandmadeallready。Madamstillsleep，andshelookinhersleepmorehealthyandmoreredderthanbefore。
AndIlikeitnot。AndIamafraid，afraid，afraid！Iamafraidofallthings，eventothinkbutImustgoonmyway。
Thestakeweplayforislifeanddeath，ormorethanthese，andwemustnotflinch。
5November，morning——Letmebeaccurateineverything，forthoughyouandIhaveseensomestrangethingstogether，youmayatthefirstthinkthatI，VanHelsing，ammad。
Thatthemanyhorrorsandthesolongstrainonnerveshasatthelastturnmybrain。
Allyesterdaywetravel，alwaysgettingclosertothemountains，andmovingintoamoreandmorewildanddesertland。
Therearegreat，frowningprecipicesandmuchfallingwater，andNatureseemtohaveheldsometimehercarnival。
MadamMinastillsleepandsleep。AndthoughIdidhavehungerandappeasedit，Icouldnotwakenher，evenforfood。
Ibegantofearthatthefatalspelloftheplacewasuponher，taintedassheiswiththatVampirebaptism。
“Well，“saidItomyself，“ifitbethatshesleepalltheday，itshallalsobethatIdonotsleepatnight。“
Aswetravelontheroughroad，foraroadofanancientandimperfectkindtherewas，Ihelddownmyheadandslept。
AgainIwakedwithasenseofguiltandoftimepassed，andfoundMadamMinastillsleeping，andthesunlowdown。
Butallwasindeedchanged。Thefrowningmountainsseemedfurtheraway，andwewerenearthetopofasteeprisinghill，onsummitofwhichwassuchacastleasJonathantellofinhisdiary。
AtonceIexultedandfeared。Fornow，forgoodorill，theendwasnear。
IwokeMadamMina，andagaintriedtohypnotizeher，butalas！
unavailingtilltoolate。Then，erethegreatdarkcameuponus，forevenafterdownsuntheheavensreflectedthegonesunonthesnow，andallwasforatimeinagreattwilight。
ItookoutthehorsesandfedtheminwhatshelterIcould。
ThenImakeafire，andnearitImakeMadamMina，nowawakeandmorecharmingthanever，sitcomfortableamidherrugs。
Igotreadyfood，butshewouldnoteat，simplysayingthatshehadnothunger。Ididnotpressher，knowingherunavailingness。
ButImyselfeat，forImustneedsnowbestrongforall。
Then，withthefearonmeofwhatmightbe，Idrewaringsobigforhercomfort，roundwhereMadamMinasat。
AndovertheringIpassedsomeofthewafer，andIbrokeitfinesothatallwaswellguarded。Shesatstillallthetime，sostillasonedead。Andshegrewwhiterandevenwhitertillthesnowwasnotmorepale，andnowordshesaid。
ButwhenIdrewnear，sheclungtome，andIcouldknowthatthepoorsoulshookherfromheadtofeetwithatremorthatwaspaintofeel。
Isaidtoherpresently，whenshehadgrownmorequiet，“Willyounotcomeovertothefire？”forIwishedtomakeatestofwhatshecould。
Sheroseobedient，butwhenshehavemadeastepshestopped，andstoodasonestricken。
“Whynotgoon？”Iasked。Sheshookherhead，andcomingback，satdowninherplace。Then，lookingatmewithopeneyes，asofonewakedfromsleep，shesaidsimply，“Icannot！”andremainedsilent。Irejoiced，forIknewthatwhatshecouldnot，noneofthosethatwedreadedcould。
Thoughtheremightbedangertoherbody，yethersoulwassafe！
Presentlythehorsesbegantoscream，andtoreattheirtetherstillI
cametothemandquietedthem。Whentheydidfeelmyhandsonthem，theywhinniedlowasinjoy，andlickedatmyhandsandwerequietforatime。ManytimesthroughthenightdidIcometothem，tillitarrivetothecoldhourwhenallnatureisatlowest，andeverytimemycomingwaswithquietofthem。Inthecoldhourthefirebegantodie，andIwasaboutsteppingforthtoreplenishit，fornowthesnowcameinflyingsweepsandwithitachillmist。
Eveninthedarktherewasalightofsomekind，asthereeverisoversnow，anditseemedasthoughthesnowflurriesandthewreathsofmisttookshapeasofwomenwithtrailinggarments。
Allwasindead，grimsilenceonlythatthehorseswhinniedandcowered，asifinterroroftheworst。Ibegantofear，horriblefears。
ButthencametomethesenseofsafetyinthatringwhereinIstood。
Ibegantoo，tothinkthatmyimaginingswereofthenight，andthegloom，andtheunrestthatIhavegonethrough，andalltheterribleanxiety。
ItwasasthoughmymemoriesofallJonathan\'shorridexperiencewerebefoolingme。Forthesnowflakesandthemistbegantowheelandcircleround，tillIcouldgetasthoughashadowyglimpseofthosewomenthatwouldhavekissedhim。Andthenthehorsescoweredlowerandlower，andmoanedinterrorasmendoinpain。
Eventhemadnessoffrightwasnottothem，sothattheycouldbreakaway。
IfearedformydearMadamMinawhentheseweirdfiguresdrewnearandcircledround。Ilookedather，butshesatcalm，andsmiledatme。
WhenIwouldhavesteppedtothefiretoreplenishit，shecaughtmeandheldmeback，andwhispered，likeavoicethatonehearsinadream，solowitwas。
“No！No！Donotgowithout。Hereyouaresafe！”
Iturnedtoher，andlookinginhereyessaid，“Butyou？
ItisforyouthatIfear！”
Whereatshelaughed，alaughlowandunreal，andsaid，“Fearforme！
Whyfearforme？NonesaferinalltheworldfromthemthanIam，“
andasIwonderedatthemeaningofherwords，apuffofwindmadetheflameleapup，andIseetheredscaronherforehead。Then，alas！Iknew。
DidInot，Iwouldsoonhavelearned，forthewheelingfiguresofmistandsnowcamecloser，butkeepingeverwithouttheHolycircle。
Thentheybegantomaterializetill，ifGodhavenottakenawaymyreason，forIsawitthroughmyeyes。TherewerebeforemeinactualfleshthesamethreewomenthatJonathansawintheroom，whentheywouldhavekissedhisthroat。Iknewtheswayingroundforms，thebrighthardeyes，thewhiteteeth，theruddycolor，thevoluptuouslips。
TheysmiledeveratpoordearMadamMina。Andastheirlaughcamethroughthesilenceofthenight，theytwinedtheirarmsandpointedtoher，andsaidinthosesosweettinglingtonesthatJonathansaidwereoftheintolerablesweetnessofthewaterglasses，“Come，sister。
Cometous。Come！”
InfearIturnedtomypoorMadamMina，andmyheartwithgladnessleaptlikeflame。Foroh！theterrorinhersweeteyes，therepulsion，thehorror，toldastorytomyheartthatwasallofhope。Godbethankedshewasnot，yetofthem。
Iseizedsomeofthefirewoodwhichwasbyme，andholdingoutsomeoftheWafer，advancedonthemtowardsthefire。
Theydrewbackbeforeme，andlaughedtheirlowhorridlaugh。Ifedthefire，andfearedthemnot。ForIknewthatweweresafewithinthering，whichshecouldnotleavenomorethantheycouldenter。
Thehorseshadceasedtomoan，andlaystillontheground。
Thesnowfellonthemsoftly，andtheygrewwhiter。
Iknewthattherewasforthepoorbeastsnomoreofterror。
Andsoweremainedtilltheredofthedawnbegantofallthroughthesnowgloom。Iwasdesolateandafraid，andfullofwoeandterror。
Butwhenthatbeautifulsunbegantoclimbthehorizonlifewastomeagain。
Atthefirstcomingofthedawnthehorridfiguresmeltedinthewhirlingmistandsnow。Thewreathsoftransparentgloommovedawaytowardsthecastle，andwerelost。
Instinctively，withthedawncoming，IturnedtoMadamMina，intendingtohypnotizeher。Butshelayinadeepandsuddensleep，fromwhichI
couldnotwakeher。Itriedtohypnotizethroughhersleep，butshemadenoresponse，noneatall，andthedaybroke。Ifearyettostir。
Ihavemademyfireandhaveseenthehorses，theyarealldead。
TodayIhavemuchtodohere，andIkeepwaitingtillthesunisuphigh。
FortheremaybeplaceswhereImustgo，wherethatsunlight，thoughsnowandmistobscureit，willbetomeasafety。
Iwillstrengthenmewithbreakfast，andthenIwilldomyterriblework。
MadamMinastillsleeps，andGodbethanked！Sheiscalminhersleep……
JONATHANHARKER\'SJOURNAL
4November，evening——Theaccidenttothelaunchhasbeenaterriblethingforus。Onlyforitweshouldhaveovertakentheboatlongago，andbynowmydearMinawouldhavebeenfree。
Ifeartothinkofher，offonthewoldsnearthathorridplace。
Wehavegothorses，andwefollowonthetrack。InotethiswhilstGodalmingisgettingready。Wehaveourarms。
TheSzganymustlookoutiftheymeantofight。Oh，ifonlyMorrisandSewardwerewithus。Wemustonlyhope！
IfIwritenomoreGoodbyMina！Godblessandkeepyou。
DR。SEWARD\'SDIARY
5November——WiththedawnwesawthebodyofSzganybeforeusdashingawayfromtheriverwiththeirleiterwagon。
Theysurroundeditinacluster，andhurriedalongasthoughbeset。
Thesnowisfallinglightlyandthereisastrangeexcitementintheair。
Itmaybeourownfeelings，butthedepressionisstrange。
FaroffIhearthehowlingofwolves。Thesnowbringsthemdownfromthemountains，andtherearedangerstoallofus，andfromallsides。Thehorsesarenearlyready，andwearesoonoff。
Weridetodeathofsomeone。Godaloneknowswho，orwhere，orwhat，orwhen，orhowitmaybe……
DR。VANHELSING\'SMEMORANDUM
5November，afternoon——Iamatleastsane。ThankGodforthatmercyatallevents，thoughtheprovingithasbeendreadful。WhenIleftMadamMinasleepingwithintheHolycircle，Itookmywaytothecastle。
TheblacksmithhammerwhichItookinthecarriagefromVerestiwasuseful，thoughthedoorswereallopenIbrokethemofftherustyhinges，lestsomeillintentorillchanceshouldclosethem，sothatbeingenteredImightnotgetout。Jonathan\'sbitterexperienceservedmehere。
BymemoryofhisdiaryIfoundmywaytotheoldchapel，forI
knewthatheremyworklay。Theairwasoppressive。Itseemedasiftherewassomesulphurousfume，whichattimesmademedizzy。
EithertherewasaroaringinmyearsorIheardafaroffthehowlofwolves。
ThenIbethoughtmeofmydearMadamMina，andIwasinterribleplight。
Thedilemmahadmebetweenhishorns。
Her，Ihadnotdaretotakeintothisplace，butleftsafefromtheVampireinthatHolycircle。Andyeteventherewouldbethewolf！
Iresolvemethatmyworklayhere，andthatastothewolveswemustsubmit，ifitwereGod\'swill。Atanyrateitwasonlydeathandfreedombeyond。
SodidIchooseforher。Haditbutbeenformyselfthechoicehadbeeneasy，themawofthewolfwerebettertorestinthanthegraveoftheVampire！
SoImakemychoicetogoonwithmywork。
Iknewthattherewereatleastthreegravestofind，gravesthatareinhabit。SoIsearch，andsearch，andIfindoneofthem。
ShelayinherVampiresleep，sofulloflifeandvoluptuousbeautythatIshudderasthoughIhavecometodomurder。
Ah，Idoubtnotthatintheoldtime，whensuchthingswere，manyamanwhosetforthtodosuchataskasmine，foundatthelasthisheartfailhim，andthenhisnerve。Sohedelay，anddelay，anddelay，tillthemerebeautyandthefascinationofthewantonUndeadhavehypnotizehim。Andheremainonandon，tillsunsetcome，andtheVampiresleepbeover。
Thenthebeautifuleyesofthefairwomanopenandlooklove，andthevoluptuousmouthpresenttoakiss，andthemanisweak。
AndthereremainonemorevictimintheVampirefold。
OnemoretoswellthegrimandgrislyranksoftheUndead！……
Thereissomefascination，surely，whenIammovedbythemerepresenceofsuchanone，evenlyingasshelayinatombfrettedwithageandheavywiththedustofcenturies，thoughtherebethathorridodorsuchasthelairsoftheCounthavehad。
Yes，Iwasmoved。I，VanHelsing，withallmypurposeandwithmymotiveforhate。Iwasmovedtoayearningfordelaywhichseemedtoparalyzemyfacultiesandtoclogmyverysoul。
Itmayhavebeenthattheneedofnaturalsleep，andthestrangeoppressionoftheairwerebeginningtoovercomeme。
CertainitwasthatIwaslapsingintosleep，theopeneyedsleepofonewhoyieldstoasweetfascination，whentherecamethroughthesnowstilledairalong，lowwail，sofullofwoeandpitythatitwokemelikethesoundofaclarion。
ForitwasthevoiceofmydearMadamMinathatIheard。
ThenIbracedmyselfagaintomyhorridtask，andfoundbywrenchingawaytombtopsoneotherofthesisters，theotherdarkone。
IdarednotpausetolookonherasIhadonhersister，lestoncemoreIshouldbegintobeenthrall。ButIgoonsearchinguntil，presently，Ifindinahighgreattombasifmadetoonemuchbelovedthatotherfairsisterwhich，likeJonathanIhadseentogatherherselfoutoftheatomsofthemist。
Shewassofairtolookon，soradiantlybeautiful，soexquisitelyvoluptuous，thattheveryinstinctofmaninme，whichcallssomeofmysextoloveandtoprotectoneofhers，mademyheadwhirlwithnewemotion。ButGodbethanked，thatsoulwailofmydearMadamMinahadnotdiedoutofmyears。
And，beforethespellcouldbewroughtfurtheruponme，Ihadnervedmyselftomywildwork。BythistimeIhadsearchedallthetombsinthechapel，sofarasIcouldtell。
AndastherehadbeenonlythreeoftheseUndeadphantomsaroundusinthenight，ItookitthattherewerenomoreofactiveUndeadexistent。Therewasonegreattombmorelordlythanalltherest。Hugeitwas，andnoblyproportioned。
Onitwasbutoneword。
DRACULA
ThisthenwastheUndeadhomeoftheKingVampire，towhomsomanymoreweredue。ItsemptinessspokeeloquenttomakecertainwhatIknew。
BeforeIbegantorestorethesewomentotheirdeadselvesthroughmyawfulwork，IlaidinDracula\'stombsomeoftheWafer，andsobanishedhimfromit，Undead，forever。
Thenbeganmyterribletask，andIdreadedit。
Haditbeenbutone，ithadbeeneasy，comparative。Butthree！
TobegintwicemoreafterIhadbeenthroughadeedofhorror。
ForitwasterriblewiththesweetMissLucy，whatwoulditnotbewiththesestrangeoneswhohadsurvivedthroughcenturies，andwhohadbeenstrenghtenedbythepassingoftheyears。
Whowould，iftheycould，havefoughtfortheirfoullives……
Oh，myfriendJohn，butitwasbutcherwork。HadInotbeennervedbythoughtsofotherdead，andofthelivingoverwhomhungsuchapalloffear，Icouldnothavegoneon。
Itrembleandtrembleevenyet，thoughtillallwasover，Godbethanked，mynervedidstand。HadInotseenthereposeinthefirstplace，andthegladnessthatstoleoveritjusterethefinaldissolutioncame，asrealizationthatthesoulhadbeenwon，Icouldnothavegonefurtherwithmybutchery。
Icouldnothaveenduredthehorridscreechingasthestakedrovehome，theplungingofwrithingform，andlipsofbloodyfoam。
Ishouldhavefledinterrorandleftmyworkundone。
Butitisover！Andthepoorsouls，Icanpitythemnowandweep，asIthinkofthemplacideachinherfullsleepofdeathforashortmomenterefading。For，friendJohn，hardlyhadmyknifeseveredtheheadofeach，beforethewholebodybegantomeltawayandcrumbleintoitsnativedust，asthoughthedeaththatshouldhavecomecenturiesagonehadatlastasserthimselfandsayatonceandloud，“Iamhere！”
BeforeIleftthecastleIsofixeditsentrancesthatnevermorecantheCountenterthereUndead。
WhenIsteppedintothecirclewhereMadamMinaslept，shewokefromhersleepand，seeingme，criedoutinpainthatIhadenduredtoomuch。
“Come！”shesaid，“comeawayfromthisawfulplace！
Letusgotomeetmyhusbandwhois，Iknow，comingtowardsus。“
Shewaslookingthinandpaleandweak。Buthereyeswerepureandglowedwithfervor。Iwasgladtoseeherpalenessandherillness，formymindwasfullofthefreshhorrorofthatruddyvampiresleep。
Andsowithtrustandhope，andyetfulloffear，wegoeastwardtomeetourfriends，andhim，whomMadamMinatellmethatsheknowarecomingtomeetus。
MINAHARKER\'SJOURNAL
6November——ItwaslateintheafternoonwhentheProfessorandI
tookourwaytowardstheeastwhenceIknewJonathanwascoming。
Wedidnotgofast，thoughthewaywassteeplydownhill，forwehadtotakeheavyrugsandwrapswithus。Wedarednotfacethepossibilityofbeingleftwithoutwarmthinthecoldandthesnow。Wehadtotakesomeofourprovisionstoo，forwewereinaperfectdesolation，andsofaraswecouldseethroughthesnowfall，therewasnoteventhesignofhabitation。
Whenwehadgoneaboutamile，Iwastiredwiththeheavywalkingandsatdowntorest。ThenwelookedbackandsawwheretheclearlineofDracula\'scastlecutthesky。
ForweweresodeepunderthehillwhereonitwassetthattheangleofperspectiveoftheCarpathianmountainswasfarbelowit。
Wesawitinallitsgrandeur，perchedathousandfeetonthesummitofasheerprecipice，andwithseeminglyagreatgapbetweenitandthesteepoftheadjacentmountainonanyside。
Therewassomethingwildanduncannyabouttheplace。
Wecouldhearthedistanthowlingofwolves。Theywerefaroff，butthesound，eventhoughcomingmuffledthroughthedeadeningsnowfall，wasfullofterror。IknewfromthewayDr。VanHelsingwassearchingaboutthathewastryingtoseeksomestrategicpoint，wherewewouldbelessexposedincaseofattack。Theroughroadwaystillleddownwards。
Wecouldtraceitthroughthedriftedsnow。
InalittlewhiletheProfessorsignalledtome，soIgotupandjoinedhim。Hehadfoundawonderfulspot，asortofnaturalhollowinarock，withanentrancelikeadoorwaybetweentwoboulders。
Hetookmebythehandanddrewmein。
“See！”hesaid，“hereyouwillbeinshelter。AndifthewolvesdocomeIcanmeetthemonebyone。“
Hebroughtinourfurs，andmadeasnugnestforme，andgotoutsomeprovisionsandforcedthemuponme。
ButIcouldnoteat，toeventrytodosowasrepulsivetome，andmuchasIwouldhavelikedtopleasehim，Icouldnotbringmyselftotheattempt。Helookedverysad，butdidnotreproachme。
Takinghisfieldglassesfromthecase，hestoodonthetopoftherock，andbegantosearchthehorizon。
Suddenlyhecalledout，“Look！MadamMina，look！Look！”
Isprangupandstoodbesidehimontherock。Hehandedmehisglassesandpointed。Thesnowwasnowfallingmoreheavily，andswirledaboutfiercely，forahighwindwasbeginningtoblow。However，thereweretimeswhentherewerepausesbetweenthesnowflurriesandIcouldseealongwayround。
Fromtheheightwherewewereitwaspossibletoseeagreatdistance。
Andfaroff，beyondthewhitewasteofsnow，Icouldseetheriverlyinglikeablackribboninkinksandcurlsasitwounditsway。
Straightinfrontofusandnotfaroff，infactsonearthatIwonderedwehadnotnoticedbefore，cameagroupofmountedmenhurryingalong。
Inthemidstofthemwasacart，alongleiterwagonwhichsweptfromsidetoside，likeadog\'stailwagging，witheachsterninequalityoftheroad。Outlinedagainstthesnowastheywere，Icouldseefromthemen\'sclothesthattheywerepeasantsorgypsiesofsomekind。
Onthecartwasagreatsquarechest。MyheartleapedasIsawit，forI
feltthattheendwascoming。Theeveningwasnowdrawingclose，andwellIknewthatatsunsettheThing，whichwastillthenimprisonedthere，wouldtakenewfreedomandcouldinanyofmanyformseludepursuit。InfearIturnedtotheProfessor。Tomyconsternation，however，hewasnotthere。
Aninstantlater，Isawhimbelowme。Roundtherockhehaddrawnacircle，suchaswehadfoundshelterinlastnight。
Whenhehadcompletedithestoodbesidemeagainsaying，“Atleastyoushallbesafeherefromhim！”Hetooktheglassesfromme，andatthenextlullofthesnowsweptthewholespacebelowus。
“See，“hesaid，“theycomequickly。Theyarefloggingthehorses，andgallopingashardastheycan。“
Hepausedandwentoninahollowvoice，“Theyareracingforthesunset。
Wemaybetoolate。God\'swillbedone！”Downcameanotherblindingrushofdrivingsnow，andthewholelandscapewasblottedout。
Itsoonpassed，however，andoncemorehisglasseswerefixedontheplain。
Thencameasuddencry，“Look！Look！Look！See，twohorsemenfollowfast，comingupfromthesouth。ItmustbeQuinceyandJohn。
Taketheglass。Lookbeforethesnowblotsitallout！”
Itookitandlooked。ThetwomenmightbeDr。SewardandMr。Morris。
IknewatalleventsthatneitherofthemwasJonathan。AtthesametimeIknewthatJonathanwasnotfaroff。LookingaroundIsawonthenorthsideofthecomingpartytwoothermen，ridingatbreakneckspeed。
OneofthemIknewwasJonathan，andtheotherItook，ofcourse，tobeLordGodalming。Theytoo，werepursuingthepartywiththecart。
WhenItoldtheProfessorheshoutedingleelikeaschoolboy，andafterlookingintentlytillasnowfallmadesightimpossible，helaidhisWinchesterriflereadyforuseagainsttheboulderattheopeningofourshelter。
“Theyareallconverging，“hesaid。“Whenthetimecomesweshallhavegypsiesonallsides。“Igotoutmyrevolverreadytohand，forwhilstwewerespeakingthehowlingofwolvescamelouderandcloser。Whenthesnowstormabatedamomentwelookedagain。
Itwasstrangetoseethesnowfallinginsuchheavyflakesclosetous，andbeyond，thesunshiningmoreandmorebrightlyasitsankdowntowardsthefarmountaintops。
SweepingtheglassallaroundusIcouldseehereandtheredotsmovingsinglyandintwosandthreesandlargernumbers。
Thewolvesweregatheringfortheirprey。
Everyinstantseemedanagewhilstwewaited。
Thewindcamenowinfiercebursts，andthesnowwasdrivenwithfuryasitsweptuponusincirclingeddies。
Attimeswecouldnotseeanarm\'slengthbeforeus。
Butatothers，asthehollowsoundingwindsweptbyus，itseemedtocleartheairspacearoundussothatwecouldseeafaroff。
Wehadoflatebeensoaccustomedtowatchforsunriseandsunset，thatweknewwithfairaccuracywhenitwouldbe。
Andweknewthatbeforelongthesunwouldset。
Itwashardtobelievethatbyourwatchesitwaslessthananhourthatwewaitedinthatrockyshelterbeforethevariousbodiesbegantoconvergecloseuponus。
Thewindcamenowwithfiercerandmorebittersweeps，andmoresteadilyfromthenorth。Itseeminglyhaddriventhesnowcloudsfromus，forwithonlyoccasionalbursts，thesnowfell。
Wecoulddistinguishclearlytheindividualsofeachparty，thepursuedandthepursuers。Strangelyenoughthosepursueddidnotseemtorealize，oratleasttocare，thattheywerepursued。
Theyseemed，however，tohastenwithredoubledspeedasthesundroppedlowerandloweronthemountaintops。
Closerandclosertheydrew。TheProfessorandIcroucheddownbehindourrock，andheldourweaponsready。
Icouldseethathewasdeterminedthattheyshouldnotpass。
Oneandallwerequiteunawareofourpresence。
Allatoncetwovoicesshoutedoutto，“Halt！”
OnewasmyJonathan\'s，raisedinahighkeyofpassion。
TheotherMr。Morris\'strongresolutetoneofquietcommand。
Thegypsiesmaynothaveknownthelanguage，buttherewasnomistakingthetone，inwhatevertonguethewordswerespoken。
Instinctivelytheyreinedin，andattheinstantLordGodalmingandJonathandashedupatonesideandDr。SewardandMr。Morrisontheother。Theleaderofthegypsies，asplendidlookingfellowwhosathishorselikeacentaur，wavedthemback，andinafiercevoicegavetohiscompanionssomewordtoproceed。
Theylashedthehorseswhichsprangforward。ButthefourmenraisedtheirWinchesterrifles，andinanunmistakablewaycommandedthemtostop。AtthesamemomentDr。VanHelsingandIrosebehindtherockandpointedourweaponsatthem。
Seeingthattheyweresurroundedthementightenedtheirreinsanddrewup。Theleaderturnedtothemandgaveawordatwhicheverymanofthegypsypartydrewwhatweaponhecarried，knifeorpistol，andheldhimselfinreadinesstoattack。
Issuewasjoinedinaninstant。
Theleader，withaquickmovementofhisrein，threwhishorseoutinfront，andpointedfirsttothesun，nowclosedownonthehilltops，andthentothecastle，saidsomethingwhichIdidnotunderstand。
Foranswer，allfourmenofourpartythrewthemselvesfromtheirhorsesanddashedtowardsthecart。IshouldhavefeltterriblefearatseeingJonathaninsuchdanger，butthattheardorofbattlemusthavebeenuponmeaswellastherestofthem。
Ifeltnofear，butonlyawild，surgingdesiretodosomething。
Seeingthequickmovementofourparties，theleaderofthegypsiesgaveacommand。Hismeninstantlyformedroundthecartinasortofundisciplinedendeavor，eachoneshoulderingandpushingtheotherinhiseagernesstocarryouttheorder。
InthemidstofthisIcouldseethatJonathanononesideoftheringofmen，andQuinceyontheother，wereforcingawaytothecart。
Itwasevidentthattheywerebentonfinishingtheirtaskbeforethesunshouldset。Nothingseemedtostoporeventohinderthem。
Neitherthelevelledweaponsnortheflashingknivesofthegypsiesinfront，northehowlingofthewolvesbehind，appearedtoevenattracttheirattention。Jonathan\'simpetuosity，andthemanifestsinglenessofhispurpose，seemedtooverawethoseinfrontofhim。
Instinctivelytheycoweredasideandlethimpass。
Inaninstanthehadjumpeduponthecart，andwithastrengthwhichseemedincredible，raisedthegreatbox，andflungitoverthewheeltotheground。Inthemeantime，Mr。MorrishadhadtouseforcetopassthroughhissideoftheringofSzgany。
AllthetimeIhadbeenbreathlesslywatchingJonathanIhad，withthetailofmyeye，seenhimpressingdesperatelyforward，andhadseentheknivesofthegypsiesflashashewonawaythroughthem，andtheycutathim。Hehadparriedwithhisgreatbowieknife，andatfirstIthoughtthathetoohadcomethroughinsafety。
ButashesprangbesideJonathan，whohadbynowjumpedfromthecart，Icouldseethatwithhislefthandhewasclutchingathisside，andthatthebloodwasspurtingthroughhisfingers。Hedidnotdelaynotwithstandingthis，forasJonathan，withdesperateenergy，attackedoneendofthechest，attemptingtoprizeoffthelidwithhisgreatKukriknife，heattackedtheotherfranticallywithhisbowie。
Undertheeffortsofbothmenthelidbegantoyield。
Thenailsdrewwithascreechingsound，andthetopoftheboxwasthrownback。
Bythistimethegypsies，seeingthemselvescoveredbytheWinchesters，andatthemercyofLordGodalmingandDr。Seward，hadgiveninandmadenofurtherresistance。Thesunwasalmostdownonthemountaintops，andtheshadowsofthewholegroupfelluponthesnow。IsawtheCountlyingwithintheboxupontheearth，someofwhichtherudefallingfromthecarthadscatteredoverhim。
Hewasdeathlypale，justlikeawaxenimage，andtheredeyesglaredwiththehorriblevindictivelookwhichIknewsowell。
AsIlooked，theeyessawthesinkingsun，andthelookofhateinthemturnedtotriumph。
But，ontheinstant，camethesweepandflashofJonathan\'sgreatknife。
IshriekedasIsawitshearthroughthethroat。WhilstatthesamemomentMr。Morris\'sbowieknifeplungedintotheheart。
Itwaslikeamiracle，butbeforeourveryeyes，andalmostinthedrawingofabreath，thewholebodycrumbledintodustandpassedfromoursight。
IshallbegladaslongasIlivethateveninthatmomentoffinaldissolution，therewasinthefacealookofpeace，suchasInevercouldhaveimaginedmighthaverestedthere。
TheCastleofDraculanowstoodoutagainsttheredsky，andeverystoneofitsbrokenbattlementswasarticulatedagainstthelightofthesettingsun。
Thegypsies，takingusasinsomewaythecauseoftheextraordinarydisappearanceofthedeadman，turned，withoutaword，androdeawayasiffortheirlives。Thosewhowereunmountedjumpedupontheleiterwagonandshoutedtothehorsemennottodesertthem。
Thewolves，whichhadwithdrawntoasafedistance，followedintheirwake，leavingusalone。
Mr。Morris，whohadsunktotheground，leanedonhiselbow，holdinghishandpressedtohisside。Thebloodstillgushedthroughhisfingers。Iflewtohim，fortheHolycircledidnotnowkeepmeback，sodidthetwodoctors。
Jonathankneltbehindhimandthewoundedmanlaidbackhisheadonhisshoulder。Withasighhetook，withafeebleeffort，myhandinthatofhisownwhichwasunstained。
Hemusthaveseentheanguishofmyheartinmyface，forhesmiledatmeandsaid，“Iamonlytoohappytohavebeenofservice！Oh，God！”
hecriedsuddenly，strugglingtoasittingpostureandpointingtome。
“Itwasworthforthistodie！Look！Look！”
Thesunwasnowrightdownuponthemountaintop，andtheredgleamsfelluponmyface，sothatitwasbathedinrosylight。
Withoneimpulsethemensankontheirkneesandadeepandearnest“Amen“brokefromallastheireyesfollowedthepointingofhisfinger。
Thedyingmanspoke，“NowGodbethankedthatallhasnotbeeninvain！See！Thesnowisnotmorestainlessthanherforehead！
Thecursehaspassedaway！”
And，toourbittergrief，withasmileandinsilence，hedied，agallantgentleman。
NOTE
Sevenyearsagoweallwentthroughtheflames。Andthehappinessofsomeofussincethenis，wethink，wellworththepainweendured。
ItisanaddedjoytoMinaandtomethatourboy\'sbirthdayisthesamedayasthatonwhichQuinceyMorrisdied。Hismotherholds，Iknow，thesecretbeliefthatsomeofourbravefriend\'sspirithaspassedintohim。
Hisbundleofnameslinksallourlittlebandofmentogether。
ButwecallhimQuincey。
InthesummerofthisyearwemadeajourneytoTransylvania，andwentovertheoldgroundwhichwas，andis，toussofullofvividandterriblememories。Itwasalmostimpossibletobelievethatthethingswhichwehadseenwithourowneyesandheardwithourownearswerelivingtruths。
Everytraceofallthathadbeenwasblottedout。Thecastlestoodasbefore，rearedhighaboveawasteofdesolation。
Whenwegothomeweweretalkingoftheoldtime，whichwecouldalllookbackonwithoutdespair，forGodalmingandSewardarebothhappilymarried。
Itookthepapersfromthesafewheretheyhadbeeneversinceourreturnsolongago。Wewerestruckwiththefact，thatinallthemassofmaterialofwhichtherecordiscomposed，thereishardlyoneauthenticdocument。
Nothingbutamassoftypewriting，exceptthelaternotebooksofMinaandSewardandmyself，andVanHelsing\'smemorandum。Wecouldhardlyaskanyone，evendidwewishto，toaccepttheseasproofsofsowildastory。
VanHelsingsummeditallupashesaid，withourboyonhisknee。
“Wewantnoproofs。Weasknonetobelieveus！Thisboywillsomedayknowwhatabraveandgallantwomanhismotheris。
Alreadyheknowshersweetnessandlovingcare。
Lateronhewillunderstandhowsomemensolovedher，thattheydiddaremuchforhersake。
JONATHANHARKER
End
