JonathanHarker'sJournal3May。Bistritz——LeftMunichat8：35P。M。，on1stMay，arrivingatViennaearlynextmorning；shouldhavearrivedat6：46，buttrainwasanhourlate。
　　Buda-Pesthseemsawonderfulplace，fromtheglimpsewhichIgotofitfromthetrainandthelittleIcouldwalkthroughthestreets。
　　Ifearedtogoveryfarfromthestation，aswehadarrivedlateandwouldstartasnearthecorrecttimeaspossible。
　　TheimpressionIhadwasthatwewereleavingtheWestandenteringtheEast；
　　themostwesternofsplendidbridgesovertheDanube，whichishereofnoblewidthanddepth，tookusamongthetraditionsofTurkishrule。
　　Weleftinprettygoodtime，andcameafternightfalltoKlausenburgh。
　　HereIstoppedforthenightattheHotelRoyale。Ihadfordinner，orrathersupper，achickendoneupsomewaywithredpepper，whichwasverygoodbutthirsty。Mem。getrecipeforMina。
　　Iaskedthewaiter，andhesaiditwascalled“paprikahendl，“
　　andthat，asitwasanationaldish，IshouldbeabletogetitanywherealongtheCarpathians。
　　IfoundmysmatteringofGermanveryusefulhere，indeed，Idon'tknowhowIshouldbeabletogetonwithoutit。
　　HavinghadsometimeatmydisposalwheninLondon，IhadvisitedtheBritishMuseum，andmadesearchamongthebooksandmapsinthelibraryregardingTransylvania；
　　ithadstruckmethatsomeforeknowledgeofthecountrycouldhardlyfailtohavesomeimportanceindealingwithanoblemanofthatcountry。
　　Ifindthatthedistricthenamedisintheextremeeastofthecountry，justonthebordersofthreestates，Transylvania，Moldavia，andBukovina，inthemidstoftheCarpathianmountains；oneofthewildestandleastknownportionsofEurope。
　　IwasnotabletolightonanymaporworkgivingtheexactlocalityoftheCastleDracula，astherearenomapsofthiscountryasyettocomparewithourownOrdanceSurveyMaps；butIfoundthatBistritz，theposttownnamedbyCountDracula，isafairlywell-knownplace。
　　Ishallenterheresomeofmynotes，astheymayrefreshmymemorywhenI
　　talkovermytravelswithMina。
　　InthepopulationofTransylvaniatherearefourdistinctnationalities：
　　SaxonsintheSouth，andmixedwiththemtheWallachs，whoarethedescendantsoftheDacians；MagyarsintheWest，andSzekelysintheEastandNorth。Iamgoingamongthelatter，whoclaimtobedescendedfromAttilaandtheHuns。
　　Thismaybeso，forwhentheMagyarsconqueredthecountryintheeleventhcenturytheyfoundtheHunssettledinit。
　　IreadthateveryknownsuperstitionintheworldisgatheredintothehorseshoeoftheCarpathians，asifitwerethecentreofsomesortofimaginativewhirlpool；ifsomystaymaybeveryinteresting。
　　Mem。，ImustasktheCountallaboutthem。
　　Ididnotsleepwell，thoughmybedwascomfortableenough，forIhadallsortsofqueerdreams。Therewasadoghowlingallnightundermywindow，whichmayhavehadsomethingtodowithit；oritmayhavebeenthepaprika，forIhadtodrinkupallthewaterinmycarafe，andwasstillthirsty。
　　TowardsmorningIsleptandwaswakenedbythecontinuousknockingatmydoor，soIguessImusthavebeensleepingsoundlythen。
　　Ihadforbreakfastmorepaprika，andasortofporridgeofmaizeflourwhichtheysaidwas“mamaliga“，andegg-plantstuffedwithforcemeat，averyexcellentdish，whichtheycall“impletata“。Mem。，getrecipeforthisalso。
　　Ihadtohurrybreakfast，forthetrainstartedalittlebeforeeight，orratheritoughttohavedoneso，forafterrushingtothestationat7：30Ihadtositinthecarriageformorethananhourbeforewebegantomove。
　　Itseemstomethatthefurthereastyougothemoreunpunctualarethetrains。WhatoughttheytobeinChina？
　　Alldaylongweseemedtodawdlethroughacountrywhichwasfullofbeautyofeverykind。Sometimeswesawlittletownsorcastlesonthetopofsteephillssuchasweseeinoldmissals；
　　sometimesweranbyriversandstreamswhichseemedfromthewidestonymarginoneachsideofthemtobesubjectotgreatfloods。
　　Ittakesalotofwater，andrunningstrong，tosweeptheoutsideedgeofariverclear。
　　Ateverystationthereweregroupsofpeople，sometimescrowds，andinallsortsofattire。SomeofthemwerejustlikethepeasantsathomeorthoseIsawcomingthroughFranceandGermany，withshortjackets，androundhats，andhome-madetrousers；
　　butotherswereverypicturesque。
　　Thewomenlookedpretty，exceptwhenyougotnearthem，buttheywereveryclumsyaboutthewaist。Theyhadallfullwhitesleevesofsomekindorother，andmostofthemhadbigbeltswithalotofstripsofsomethingflutteringfromthemlikethedressesinaballet，butofcoursetherewerepetticoatsunderthem。
　　ThestrangestfigureswesawweretheSlovaks，whoweremorebarbarianthantherest，withtheirbigcow-boyhats，greatbaggydirty-whitetrousers，whitelinenshirts，andenormousheavyleatherbelts，nearlyafootwide，allstuddedoverwithbrassnails。
　　Theyworehighboots，withtheirtrouserstuckedintothem，andhadlongblackhairandheavyblackmoustaches。
　　Theyareverypicturesque，butdonotlookprepossessing。
　　OnthestagetheywouldbesetdownatonceassomeoldOrientalbandofbrigands。Theyare，however，Iamtold，veryharmlessandratherwantinginnaturalself-assertion。
　　ItwasonthedarksideoftwilightwhenwegottoBistritz，whichisaveryinterestingoldplace。Beingpracticallyonthefrontier——fortheBorgoPassleadsfromitintoBukovina——
　　ithashadaverystormyexistence，anditcertainlyshowsmarksofit。Fiftyyearsagoaseriesofgreatfirestookplace，whichmadeterriblehavoconfiveseparateoccasions。
　　Attheverybeginningoftheseventeenthcenturyitunderwentasiegeofthreeweeksandlost13，000people，thecasualtiesofwarproperbeingassistedbyfamineanddisease。
　　CountDraculahaddirectedmetogototheGoldenKroneHotel，whichIfound，tomygreatdelight，tobethoroughlyold-fashioned，forofcourseIwantedtoseeallIcouldofthewaysofthecountry。
　　Iwasevidentlyexpected，forwhenIgotnearthedoorIfacedacheery-lookingelderlywomanintheusualpeasantdress——
　　whiteundergarmentwithalongdoubleapron，front，andback，ofcolouredstufffittingalmosttootightformodesty。
　　WhenIcamecloseshebowedandsaid，“TheHerrEnglishman？”
　　“Yes，“Isaid，“JonathanHarker。“
　　Shesmiled，andgavesomemessagetoanelderlymaninwhiteshirtsleeves，whohadfollowedhertothedoor。
　　Hewent，butimmediatelyreturnedwithaletter：
　　“Myfriend——WelcometotheCarpathians。Iamanxiouslyexpectingyou。
　　Sleepwelltonight。AtthreetomorrowthediligencewillstartforBukovina；
　　aplaceonitiskeptforyou。AttheBorgoPassmycarriagewillawaityouandwillbringyoutome。ItrustthatyourjourneyfromLondonhasbeenahappyone，andthatyouwillenjoyyourstayinmybeautifulland——
　　Yourfriend，Dracula。“
　　4May——IfoundthatmylandlordhadgotaletterfromtheCount，directinghimtosecurethebestplaceonthecoachforme；
　　butonmakinginquiriesastodetailsheseemedsomewhatreticent，andpretendedthathecouldnotunderstandmyGerman。
　　Thiscouldnotbetrue，becauseuptothenhehadunderstooditperfectly；
　　atleast，heansweredmyquestionsexactlyasifhedid。
　　Heandhiswife，theoldladywhohadreceivedme，lookedateachotherinafrightenedsortofway。Hemumbledoutthatthemoneyhadbeensentinaletter，andthatwasallheknew。
　　WhenIaskedhimifheknewCountDracula，andcouldtellmeanythingofhiscastle，bothheandhiswifecrossedthemselves，and，sayingthattheyknewnothingatall，simplyrefusedtospeakfurther。
　　ItwassonearthetimeofstartingthatIhadnotimetoaskanyoneelse，foritwasallverymysteriousandnotbyanymeanscomforting。
　　JustbeforeIwasleaving，theoldladycameuptomyroomandsaidinahystericalway：“Mustyougo？Oh！YoungHerr，mustyougo？”ShewasinsuchanexcitedstatethatsheseemedtohavelosthergripofwhatGermansheknew，andmixeditallupwithsomeotherlanguagewhichIdidnotknowatall。
　　Iwasjustabletofollowherbyaskingmanyquestions。
　　WhenItoldherthatImustgoatonce，andthatIwasengagedonimportantbusiness，sheaskedagain：
　　“Doyouknowwhatdayitis？”IansweredthatitwasthefourthofMay。
　　Sheshookherheadasshesaidagain：
　　“Oh，yes！Iknowthat！Iknowthat，butdoyouknowwhatdayitis？”
　　OnmysayingthatIdidnotunderstand，shewenton：
　　“ItistheeveofSt。George'sDay。Doyounotknowthattonight，whentheclockstrikesmidnight，alltheevilthingsintheworldwillhavefullsway？Doyouknowwhereyouaregoing，andwhatyouaregoingto？”
　　ShewasinsuchevidentdistressthatItriedtocomforther，butwithouteffect。Finally，shewentdownonherkneesandimploredmenottogo；atleasttowaitadayortwobeforestarting。
　　ItwasallveryridiculousbutIdidnotfeelcomfortable。
　　However，therewasbusinesstobedone，andIcouldallownothingtointerferewithit。
　　Itriedtoraiseherup，andsaid，asgravelyasIcould，thatIthankedher，butmydutywasimperative，andthatImustgo。
　　Shethenroseanddriedhereyes，andtakingacrucifixfromherneckofferedittome。
　　Ididnotknowwhattodo，for，asanEnglishChurchman，Ihavebeentaughttoregardsuchthingsasinsomemeasureidolatrous，andyetitseemedsoungracioustorefuseanoldladymeaningsowellandinsuchastateofmind。
　　Shesaw，Isuppose，thedoubtinmyface，forsheputtherosaryroundmyneckandsaid，“Foryourmother'ssake，“
　　andwentoutoftheroom。
　　IamwritingupthispartofthediarywhilstIamwaitingforthecoach，whichis，ofcourse，late；andthecrucifixisstillroundmyneck。
　　Whetheritistheoldlady'sfear，orthemanyghostlytraditionsofthisplace，orthecrucifixitself，Idonotknow，butIamnotfeelingnearlyaseasyinmymindasusual。
　　IfthisbookshouldeverreachMinabeforeIdo，letitbringmygoodbye。
　　Herecomesthecoach！
　　5May。TheCastle——Thegrayofthemorninghaspassed，andthesunishighoverthedistanthorizon，whichseemsjagged，whetherwithtreesorhillsIknownot，foritissofaroffthatbigthingsandlittlearemixed。
　　Iamnotsleepy，and，asIamnottobecalledtillIawake，naturallyIwritetillsleepcomes。
　　Therearemanyoddthingstoputdown，and，lestwhoreadsthemmayfancythatIdinedtoowellbeforeIleftBistritz，letmeputdownmydinnerexactly。
　　Idinedonwhattheycalled“robbersteak“——bitsofbacon，onion，andbeef，seasonedwithredpepper，andstrungonsticks，androastedoverthefire，insimplestyleoftheLondoncat'smeat！
　　ThewinewasGoldenMediasch，whichproducesaqueerstingonthetongue，whichis，however，notdisagreeable。
　　Ihadonlyacoupleofglassesofthis，andnothingelse。
　　WhenIgotonthecoach，thedriverhadnottakenhisseat，andIsawhimtalkingtothelandlady。
　　Theywereevidentlytalkingofme，foreverynowandthentheylookedatme，andsomeofthepeoplewhoweresittingonthebenchoutsidethedoor——
　　cameandlistened，andthenlookedatme，mostofthempityingly。
　　Icouldhearalotofwordsoftenrepeated，queerwords，forthereweremanynationalitiesinthecrowd，soIquietlygotmypolyglotdictionaryfrommybagandlookedthemout。
　　Imustsaytheywerenotcheeringtome，foramongstthemwere“Ordog“——Satan，“Pokol“——hell，“stregoica“——witch，“vrolok“and“vlkoslak“——bothmeanthesamething，onebeingSlovakandtheotherServianforsomethingthatiseitherwerewolforvampire。
　　Mem。，ImustasktheCountaboutthesesuperstitions。
　　Whenwestarted，thecrowdroundtheinndoor，whichhadbythistimeswelledtoaconsiderablesize，allmadethesignofthecrossandpointedtwofingerstowardsme。
　　Withsomedifficulty，Igotafellowpassengertotellmewhattheymeant。
　　Hewouldnotansweratfirst，butonlearningthatIwasEnglish，heexplainedthatitwasacharmorguardagainsttheevileye。
　　Thiswasnotverypleasantforme，juststartingforanunknownplacetomeetanunknownman。Buteveryoneseemedsokind-hearted，andsosorrowful，andsosympatheticthatIcouldnotbutbetouched。
　　IshallneverforgetthelastglimpsewhichIhadoftheinnyardanditscrowdofpicturesquefigures，allcrossingthemselves，astheystoodroundthewidearchway，withitsbackgroundofrichfoliageofoleanderandorangetreesingreentubsclusteredinthecentreoftheyard。
　　Thenourdriver，whosewidelinendrawerscoveredthewholefrontoftheboxseat，——“gotza“theycallthem——crackedhisbigwhipoverhisfoursmallhorses，whichranabreast，andwesetoffonourjourney。
　　Isoonlostsightandrecollectionofghostlyfearsinthebeautyofthesceneaswedrovealong，althoughhadIknownthelanguage，orratherlanguages，whichmyfellow-passengerswerespeaking，Imightnothavebeenabletothrowthemoffsoeasily。
　　Beforeuslayagreenslopinglandfullofforestsandwoods，withhereandtheresteephills，crownedwithclumpsoftreesorwithfarmhouses，theblankgableendtotheroad。
　　Therewaseverywhereabewilderingmassoffruitblossom——
　　apple，plum，pear，cherry。AndaswedrovebyIcouldseethegreengrassunderthetreesspangledwiththefallenpetals。
　　Inandoutamongstthesegreenhillsofwhattheycallherethe“MittelLand“rantheroad，losingitselfasitsweptroundthegrassycurve，orwasshutoutbythestragglingendsofpinewoods，whichhereandthererandownthehillsidesliketonguesofflame。Theroadwasrugged，butstillweseemedtoflyoveritwithafeverishhaste。
　　Icouldnotunderstandthenwhatthehastemeant，butthedriverwasevidentlybentonlosingnotimeinreachingBorgoPrund。
　　Iwastoldthatthisroadisinsummertimeexcellent，butthatithadnotyetbeenputinorderafterthewintersnows。
　　InthisrespectitisdifferentfromthegeneralrunofroadsintheCarpathians，foritisanoldtraditionthattheyarenottobekeptintoogoodorder。OfoldtheHospadarswouldnotrepairthem，lesttheTurkshouldthinkthattheywerepreparingtobringinforeigntroops，andsohastenthewarwhichwasalwaysreallyatloadingpoint。
　　BeyondthegreenswellinghillsoftheMittelLandrosemightyslopesofforestuptotheloftysteepsoftheCarpathiansthemselves。
　　Rightandleftofustheytowered，withtheafternoonsunfallingfulluponthemandbringingoutallthegloriouscoloursofthisbeautifulrange，deepblueandpurpleintheshadowsofthepeaks，greenandbrownwheregrassandrockmingled，andanendlessperspectiveofjaggedrockandpointedcrags，tillthesewerethemselveslostinthedistance，wherethesnowypeaksrosegrandly。
　　Hereandthereseemedmightyriftsinthemountains，throughwhich，asthesunbegantosink，wesawnowandagainthewhitegleamoffallingwater。Oneofmycompanionstouchedmyarmaswesweptroundthebaseofahillandopenedupthelofty，snow-coveredpeakofamountain，whichseemed，aswewoundonourserpentineway，toberightbeforeus。
　　“Look！Istenszek！”——“God'sseat！”——andhecrossedhimselfreverently。
　　Aswewoundonourendlessway，andthesunsanklowerandlowerbehindus，theshadowsoftheeveningbegantocreeproundus。
　　Thiswasemphasizedbythefactthatthesnowymountain-topstillheldthesunset，andseemedtoglowoutwithadelicatecoolpink。
　　HereandtherewepassedCszeksandslovaks，allinpicturesqueattire，butInoticedthatgoitrewaspainfullyprevalent。Bytheroadsideweremanycrosses，andaswesweptby，mycompanionsallcrossedthemselves。
　　Hereandtherewasapeasantmanorwomankneelingbeforeashrine，whodidnoteventurnroundasweapproached，butseemedintheself-surrenderofdevotiontohaveneithereyesnorearsfortheouterworld。
　　Thereweremanythingsnewtome。Forinstance，hay-ricksinthetrees，andhereandthereverybeautifulmassesofweepingbirch，theirwhitestemsshininglikesilverthroughthedelicategreenoftheleaves。
　　Nowandagainwepassedaleiter-wagon——theordinarypeasants'scart——withitslong，snakelikevertebra，calculatedtosuittheinequalitiesoftheroad。
　　Onthisweresuretobeseatedquiteagroupofhomecomingpeasants，theCszekswiththeirwhite，andtheSlovakswiththeircolouredsheepskins，thelattercarryinglance-fashiontheirlongstaves，withaxeatend。
　　Astheeveningfellitbegantogetverycold，andthegrowingtwilightseemedtomergeintoonedarkmistinessthegloomofthetrees，oak，beech，andpine，thoughinthevalleyswhichrandeepbetweenthespursofthehills，asweascendedthroughthePass，thedarkfirsstoodouthereandthereagainstthebackgroundoflate-lyingsnow。Sometimes，astheroadwascutthroughthepinewoodsthatseemedinthedarknesstobeclosingdownuponus，greatmassesofgreynesswhichhereandtherebestrewedthetrees，producedapeculiarlyweirdandsolemneffect，whichcarriedonthethoughtsandgrimfanciesengenderedearlierintheevening，whenthefallingsunsetthrewintostrangerelieftheghost-likecloudswhichamongsttheCarpathiansseemtowindceaselesslythroughthevalleys。
　　Sometimesthehillsweresosteepthat，despiteourdriver'shaste，thehorsescouldonlygoslowly。Iwishedtogetdownandwalkupthem，aswedoathome，butthedriverwouldnothearofit。
　　“No，no，“hesaid。“Youmustnotwalkhere。Thedogsaretoofierce。“
　　Andthenheadded，withwhatheevidentlymeantforgrimpleasantry——
　　forhelookedroundtocatchtheapprovingsmileoftherest——“Andyoumayhaveenoughofsuchmattersbeforeyougotosleep。“
　　Theonlystophewouldmakewasamoment'spausetolighthislamps。
　　Whenitgrewdarkthereseemedtobesomeexcitementamongstthepassengers，andtheykeptspeakingtohim，oneaftertheother，asthoughurginghimtofurtherspeed。
　　Helashedthehorsesunmercifullywithhislongwhip，andwithwildcriesofencouragementurgedthemontofurtherexertions。
　　ThenthroughthedarknessIcouldseeasortofpatchofgreylightaheadofus，asthoughtherewereacleftinthehills。
　　Theexcitementofthepassengersgrewgreater。
　　Thecrazycoachrockedonitsgreatleathersprings，andswayedlikeaboattossedonastormysea。Ihadtoholdon。
　　Theroadgrewmorelevel，andweappearedtoflyalong。
　　Thenthemountainsseemedtocomenearertousoneachsideandtofrowndownuponus。WewereenteringontheBorgoPass。
　　Onebyoneseveralofthepassengersofferedmegifts，whichtheypresseduponmewithanearnestnesswhichwouldtakenodenial。Thesewerecertainlyofanoddandvariedkind，buteachwasgiveninsimplegoodfaith，withakindlyword，andablessing，andthatsamestrangemixtureoffear-meaningmovementswhichIhadseenoutsidethehotelatBistritz——
　　thesignofthecrossandtheguardagainsttheevileye。
　　Then，asweflewalong，thedriverleanedforward，andoneachsidethepassengers，craningovertheedgeofthecoach，peeredeagerlyintothedarkness。Itwasevidentthatsomethingveryexcitingwaseitherhappeningorexpected，butthoughIaskedeachpassenger，noonewouldgivemetheslightestexplanation。
　　Thisstateofexcitementkeptonforsomelittletime。
　　AndatlastwesawbeforeusthePassopeningoutontheeasternside。Thereweredark，rollingcloudsoverhead，andintheairtheheavy，oppressivesenseofthunder。
　　Itseemedasthoughthemountainrangehadseparatedtwoatmospheres，andthatnowwehadgotintothethunderousone。
　　IwasnowmyselflookingoutfortheconveyancewhichwastotakemetotheCount。EachmomentIexpectedtoseetheglareoflampsthroughtheblackness，butallwasdark。
　　Theonlylightwastheflickeringraysofourownlamps，inwhichthesteamfromourhard-drivenhorsesroseinawhitecloud。
　　Wecouldseenowthesandyroadlyingwhitebeforeus，buttherewasonitnosignofavehicle。Thepassengersdrewbackwithasighofgladness，whichseemedtomockmyowndisappointment。
　　IwasalreadythinkingwhatIhadbestdo，whenthedriver，lookingathiswatch，saidtotheotherssomethingwhichI
　　couldhardlyhear，itwasspokensoquietlyandinsolowatone，Ithoughtitwas“Anhourlessthanthetime。“
　　Thenturningtome，hespokeinGermanworsethanmyown。
　　“Thereisnocarriagehere。TheHerrisnotexpectedafterall。
　　HewillnowcomeontoBukovina，andreturntomorroworthenextday，betterthenextday。“Whilsthewasspeakingthehorsesbegantoneighandsnortandplungewildly，sothatthedriverhadtoholdthemup。Then，amongstachorusofscreamsfromthepeasantsandauniversalcrossingofthemselves，acaleche，withfourhorses，droveupbehindus，overtookus，anddrewupbesidethecoach。
　　Icouldseefromtheflashofourlampsastheraysfellonthem，thatthehorseswerecoal-blackandsplendidanimals。Theyweredrivenbyatallman，withalongbrownbeardandagreatblackhat，whichseemedtohidehisfacefromus。Icouldonlyseethegleamofapairofverybrighteyes，whichseemedredinthelamplight，asheturnedtous。
　　Hesaidtothedriver，“Youareearlytonight，myfriend。“
　　Themanstammeredinreply，“TheEnglishHerrwasinahurry。“
　　Towhichthestrangerreplied，“Thatiswhy，Isuppose，youwishedhimtogoontoBukovina。Youcannotdeceiveme，myfriend。
　　Iknowtoomuch，andmyhorsesareswift。“
　　Ashespokehesmiled，andthelamplightfellonahard-lookingmouth，withveryredlipsandsharp-lookingteeth，aswhiteasivory。
　　OneofmycompanionswhisperedtoanotherthelinefromBurger's“Lenore“。
　　“DenndieTodtenreitenSchnell。““Forthedeadtravelfast。“
　　Thestrangedriverevidentlyheardthewords，forhelookedupwithagleamingsmile。Thepassengerturnedhisfaceaway，atthesametimeputtingouthistwofingersandcrossinghimself。
　　“GivemetheHerr'sluggage，“saidthedriver，andwithexceedingalacritymybagswerehandedoutandputinthecaleche。
　　ThenIdescendedfromthesideofthecoach，asthecalechewasclosealongside，thedriverhelpingmewithahandwhichcaughtmyarminagripofsteel。Hisstrengthmusthavebeenprodigious。
　　Withoutawordheshookhisreins，thehorsesturned，andwesweptintothedarknessofthepass。AsIlookedbackIsawthesteamfromthehorsesofthecoachbythelightofthelamps，andprojectedagainstitthefiguresofmylatecompanionscrossingthemselves。
　　Thenthedrivercrackedhiswhipandcalledtohishorses，andofftheysweptontheirwaytoBukovina。AstheysankintothedarknessIfeltastrangechill，andalonelyfeelingcomeoverme。
　　Butacloakwasthrownovermyshoulders，andarugacrossmyknees，andthedriversaidinexcellentGerman——“Thenightischill，meinHerr，andmymastertheCountbademetakeallcareofyou。
　　Thereisaflaskofslivovitztheplumbrandyofthecountry
　　underneaththeseat，ifyoushouldrequireit。“
　　Ididnottakeany，butitwasacomforttoknowitwasthereallthesame。
　　Ifeltalittlestrangely，andnotalittlefrightened。IthinkhadtherebeenanyalternativeIshouldhavetakenit，insteadofprosecutingthatunknownnightjourney。Thecarriagewentatahardpacestraightalong，thenwemadeacompleteturnandwentalonganotherstraightroad。
　　Itseemedtomethatweweresimplygoingoverandoverthesamegroundagain，andsoItooknoteofsomesalientpoint，andfoundthatthiswasso。
　　Iwouldhavelikedtohaveaskedthedriverwhatthisallmeant，butI
　　reallyfearedtodoso，forIthoughtthat，placedasIwas，anyprotestwouldhavehadnoeffectincasetherehadbeenanintentiontodelay。
　　By-and-by，however，asIwascurioustoknowhowtimewaspassing，Istruckamatch，andbyitsflamelookedatmywatch。
　　Itwaswithinafewminutesofmidnight。Thisgavemeasortofshock，forIsupposethegeneralsuperstitionaboutmidnightwasincreasedbymyrecentexperiences。
　　Iwaitedwithasickfeelingofsuspense。
　　Thenadogbegantohowlsomewhereinafarmhousefardowntheroad，along，agonizedwailing，asiffromfear。
　　Thesoundwastakenupbyanotherdog，andthenanotherandanother，till，borneonthewindwhichnowsighedsoftlythroughthePass，awildhowlingbegan，whichseemedtocomefromalloverthecountry，asfarastheimaginationcouldgraspitthroughthegloomofthenight。
　　Atthefirsthowlthehorsesbegantostrainandrear，butthedriverspoketothemsoothingly，andtheyquieteddown，butshiveredandsweatedasthoughafterarunawayfromsuddenfright。
　　Then，faroffinthedistance，fromthemountainsoneachsideofusbeganalouderandasharperhowling，thatofwolves，whichaffectedboththehorsesandmyselfinthesameway。
　　ForIwasmindedtojumpfromthecalecheandrun，whilsttheyrearedagainandplungedmadly，sothatthedriverhadtouseallhisgreatstrengthtokeepthemfrombolting。
　　Inafewminutes，however，myownearsgotaccustomedtothesound，andthehorsessofarbecamequietthatthedriverwasabletodescendandtostandbeforethem。
　　Hepettedandsoothedthem，andwhisperedsomethingintheirears，asIhaveheardofhorse-tamersdoing，andwithextraordinaryeffect，forunderhiscaressestheybecamequitemanageableagain，thoughtheystilltrembled。Thedriveragaintookhisseat，andshakinghisreins，startedoffatagreatpace。
　　Thistime，aftergoingtothefarsideorthePass，hesuddenlyturneddownanarrowroadwaywhichransharplytotheright。
　　Soonwewerehemmedinwithtrees，whichinplacesarchedrightovertheroadwaytillwepassedasthroughatunnel。
　　Andagaingreatfrowningrocksguardedusboldlyoneitherside。
　　Thoughwewereinshelter，wecouldheartherisingwind，foritmoanedandwhistledthroughtherocks，andthebranchesofthetreescrashedtogetheraswesweptalong。
　　Itgrewcolderandcolderstill，andfine，powderysnowbegantofall，sothatsoonweandallarounduswerecoveredwithawhiteblanket。Thekeenwindstillcarriedthehowlingofthedogs，thoughthisgrewfainteraswewentonourway。
　　Thebayingofthewolvessoundednearerandnearer，asthoughtheywereclosingroundonusfromeveryside。
　　Igrewdreadfullyafraid，andthehorsessharedmyfear。
　　Thedriver，however，wasnotintheleastdisturbed。
　　Hekeptturninghisheadtoleftandright，butIcouldnotseeanythingthroughthedarkness。
　　Suddenly，awayonourleftIsawafainflickeringblueflame。Thedriversawitatthesamemoment。
　　Heatoncecheckedthehorses，and，jumpingtotheground，disappearedintothedarkness。Ididnotknowwhattodo，thelessasthehowlingofthewolvesgrewcloser。
　　ButwhileIwondered，thedriversuddenlyappearedagain，andwithoutawordtookhisseat，andweresumedourjourney。
　　IthinkImusthavefallenasleepandkeptdreamingoftheincident，foritseemedtoberepeatedendlessly，andnowlookingback，itislikeasortofawfulnightmare。
　　Oncetheflameappearedsoneartheroad，thateveninthedarknessaroundusIcouldwatchthedriver'smotions。
　　Hewentrapidlytowheretheblueflamearose，itmusthavebeenveryfaint，foritdidnotseemtoilluminetheplacearounditatall，andgatheringafewstones，formedthemintosomedevice。
　　Oncethereappearedastrangeopticaleffect。
　　Whenhestoodbetweenmeandtheflamehedidnotobstructit，forIcouldseeitsghostlyflickerallthesame。
　　Thisstartledme，butastheeffectwasonlymomentary，Itookitthatmyeyesdeceivedmestrainingthroughthedarkness。
　　Thenforatimetherewerenoblueflames，andwespedonwardsthroughthegloom，withthehowlingofthewolvesaroundus，asthoughtheywerefollowinginamovingcircle。
　　Atlasttherecameatimewhenthedriverwentfurtherafieldthanhehadyetgone，andduringhisabsence，thehorsesbegantotrembleworsethaneverandtosnortandscreamwithfright。Icouldnotseeanycauseforit，forthehowlingofthewolveshadceasedaltogether。
　　Butjustthenthemoon，sailingthroughtheblackclouds，appearedbehindthejaggedcrestofabeetling，pine-cladrock，andbyitslightIsawaroundusaringofwolves，withwhiteteethandlollingredtongues，withlong，sinewylimbsandshaggyhair。Theywereahundredtimesmoreterribleinthegrimsilencewhichheldthemthanevenwhentheyhowled。
　　Formyself，Ifeltasortofparalysisoffear。Itisonlywhenamanfeelshimselffacetofacewithsuchhorrorsthathecanunderstandtheirtrueimport。
　　Allatoncethewolvesbegantohowlasthoughthemoonlighthadhadsomepeculiareffectonthem。Thehorsesjumpedaboutandreared，andlookedhelplesslyroundwitheyesthatrolledinawaypainfultosee。Butthelivingringofterrorencompassedthemoneveryside，andtheyhadperforcetoremainwithinit。
　　Icalledtothecoachmantocome，foritseemedtomethatouronlychancewastotrytobreakoutthroughtheringandtoaidhisapproach，Ishoutedandbeatthesideofthecaleche，hopingbythenoisetoscarethewolvesfromtheside，soastogivehimachanceofreachingthetrap。Howhecamethere，Iknownot，butIheardhisvoiceraisedinatoneofimperiouscommand，andlookingtowardsthesound，sawhimstandintheroadway。
　　Asheswepthislongarms，asthoughbrushingasidesomeimpalpableobstacle，thewolvesfellbackandbackfurtherstill。
　　Justthenaheavycloudpassedacrossthefaceofthemoon，sothatwewereagainindarkness。
　　WhenIcouldseeagainthedriverwasclimbingintothecaleche，andthewolvesdisappeared。Thiswasallsostrangeanduncannythatadreadfulfearcameuponme，andIwasafraidtospeakormove。
　　Thetimeseemedinterminableaswesweptonourway，nowinalmostcompletedarkness，fortherollingcloudsobscuredthemoon。
　　Wekeptonascending，withoccasionalperiodsofquickdescent，butinthemainalwaysascending。Suddenly，Ibecameconsciousofthefactthatthedriverwasintheactofpullingupthehorsesinthecourtyardofavastruinedcastle，fromwhosetallblackwindowscamenorayoflight，andwhosebrokenbattlementsshowedajaggedlineagainstthesky。
　　CHAPTER2
　　JonathanHarker'sJournalContinued5May——Imusthavebeenasleep，forcertainlyifIhadbeenfullyawakeImusthavenoticedtheapproachofsucharemarkableplace。
　　Inthegloomthecourtyardlookedofconsiderablesize，andasseveraldarkwaysledfromitundergreatroundarches，itperhapsseemedbiggerthanitreallyis。Ihavenotyetbeenabletoseeitbydaylight。
　　Whenthecalechestopped，thedriverjumpeddownandheldouthishandtoassistmetoalight。AgainIcouldnotbutnoticehisprodigiousstrength。
　　Hishandactuallyseemedlikeasteelvicethatcouldhavecrushedmineifhehadchosen。Thenhetookmytraps，andplacedthemonthegroundbesidemeasIstoodclosetoagreatdoor，oldandstuddedwithlargeironnails，andsetinaprojectingdoorwayofmassivestone。
　　Icouldseeeveninthedimlightthatthestonewasmassivelycarved，butthatthecarvinghadbeenmuchwornbytimeandweather。
　　AsIstood，thedriverjumpedagainintohisseatandshookthereins。
　　Thehorsesstartedforward，andtrapandalldisappeareddownoneofthedarkopenings。
　　IstoodinsilencewhereIwas，forIdidnotknowwhattodo。
　　Ofbellorknockertherewasnosign。Throughthesefrowningwallsanddarkwindowopeningsitwasnotlikelythatmyvoicecouldpenetrate。ThetimeIwaitedseemedendless，andIfeltdoubtsandfearscrowdinguponme。WhatsortofplacehadIcometo，andamongwhatkindofpeople？
　　WhatsortofgrimadventurewasitonwhichIhadembarked？
　　Wasthisacustomaryincidentinthelifeofasolicitor'sclerksentouttoexplainthepurchaseofaLondonestatetoaforeigner？Solicitor'sclerk！Minawouldnotlikethat。
　　Solicitor，forjustbeforeleavingLondonIgotwordthatmyexaminationwassuccessful，andIamnowafull-blownsolicitor！
　　IbegantorubmyeyesandpinchmyselftoseeifIwereawake。
　　Itallseemedlikeahorriblenightmaretome，andIexpectedthatIshouldsuddenlyawake，andfindmyselfathome，withthedawnstrugglinginthroughthewindows，asIhadnowandagainfeltinthemorningafteradayofoverwork。
　　Butmyfleshansweredthepinchingtest，andmyeyeswerenottobedeceived。IwasindeedawakeandamongtheCarpathians。
　　AllIcoulddonowwastobepatient，andtowaitthecomingofmorning。
　　JustasIhadcometothisconclusionIheardaheavystepapproachingbehindthegreatdoor，andsawthroughthechinksthegleamofacominglight。
　　Thentherewasthesoundofrattlingchainsandtheclankingofmassiveboltsdrawnback。Akeywasturnedwiththeloudgratingnoiseoflongdisuse，andthegreatdoorswungback。
　　Within，stoodatalloldman，cleanshavensaveforalongwhitemoustache，andcladinblackfromheadtofoot，withoutasinglespeckofcolourabouthimanywhere。Heheldinhishandanantiquesilverlamp，inwhichtheflameburnedwithoutachimneyorglobeofanykind，throwinglongquiveringshadowsasitflickeredinthedraughtoftheopendoor。
　　Theoldmanmotionedmeinwithhisrighthandwithacourtlygesture，sayinginexcellentEnglish，butwithastrangeintonation。
　　“Welcometomyhouse！Enterfreelyandofyourownfreewill！”
　　Hemadenomotionofsteppingtomeetme，butstoodlikeastatue，asthoughhisgestureofwelcomehadfixedhimintostone。
　　Theinstant，however，thatIhadsteppedoverthethreshold，hemovedimpulsivelyforward，andholdingouthishandgraspedminewithastrengthwhichmademewince，aneffectwhichwasnotlessenedbythefactthatitseemedcoldasice，morelikethehandofadeadthanalivingman。
　　Againhesaid。
　　“Welcometomyhouse！Enterfreely。Gosafely，andleavesomethingofthehappinessyoubring！”ThestrengthofthehandshakewassomuchakintothatwhichIhadnoticedinthedriver，whosefaceIhadnotseen，thatforamomentI
　　doubtedifitwerenotthesamepersontowhomIwasspeaking。
　　Sotomakesure，Isaidinterrogatively，“CountDracula？”
　　Hebowedinacourtlywasashereplied，“IamDracula，andIbidyouwelcome，Mr。Harker，tomyhouse。Comein，thenightairischill，andyoumustneedtoeatandrest。“Ashewasspeaking，heputthelamponabracketonthewall，andsteppingout，tookmyluggage。HehadcarrieditinbeforeIcouldforestallhim。
　　Iprotested，butheinsisted。
　　“Nay，sir，youaremyguest。Itislate，andmypeoplearenotavailable。
　　Letmeseetoyourcomfortmyself。“Heinsistedoncarryingmytrapsalongthepassage，andthenupagreatwindingstair，andalonganothergreatpassage，onwhosestonefloorourstepsrangheavily。
　　Attheendofthishethrewopenaheavydoor，andIrejoicedtoseewithinawell-litroominwhichatablewasspreadforsupper，andonwhosemightyhearthagreatfireoflogs，freshlyreplenished，flamedandflared。
　　TheCounthalted，puttingdownmybags，closedthedoor，andcrossingtheroom，openedanotherdoor，whichledintoasmalloctagonalroomlitbyasinglelamp，andseeminglywithoutawindowofanysort。
　　Passingthroughthis，heopenedanotherdoor，andmotionedmetoenter。
　　Itwasawelcomesight。Forherewasagreatbedroomwelllightedandwarmedwithanotherlogfire，alsoaddedtobutlately，forthetoplogswerefresh，whichsentahollowroarupthewidechimney。
　　TheCounthimselfleftmyluggageinsideandwithdrew，saying，beforeheclosedthedoor。
　　“Youwillneed，afteryourjourney，torefreshyourselfbymakingyourtoilet。Itrustyouwillfindallyouwish。
　　Whenyouareready，comeintotheotherroom，whereyouwillfindyoursupperprepared。“
　　ThelightandwarmthandtheCount'scourteouswelcomeseemedtohavedissipatedallmydoubtsandfears。Havingthenreachedmynormalstate，IdiscoveredthatIwashalffamishedwithhunger。
　　Somakingahastytoilet，Iwentintotheotherroom。
　　Ifoundsupperalreadylaidout。Myhost，whostoodononesideofthegreatfireplace，leaningagainstthestonework，madeagracefulwaveofhishandtothetable，andsaid，“Iprayyou，beseatedandsuphowyouplease。YouwillItrust，excusemethatIdonotjoinyou，butIhavedinedalready，andIdonotsup。“
　　IhandedtohimthesealedletterwhichMr。Hawkinshadentrustedtome。
　　Heopeneditandreaditgravely。Then，withacharmingsmile，hehandedittometoread。Onepassageofit，atleast，gavemeathrillofpleasure。
　　“Imustregretthatanattackofgout，fromwhichmaladyIamaconstantsufferer，forbidsabsolutelyanytravellingonmypartforsometimetocome。
　　ButIamhappytosayIcansendasufficientsubstitute，oneinwhomIhaveeverypossibleconfidence。Heisayoungman，fullofenergyandtalentinhisownway，andofaveryfaithfuldisposition。
　　Heisdiscreetandsilent，andhasgrownintomanhoodinmyservice。
　　Heshallbereadytoattendonyouwhenyouwillduringhisstay，andshalltakeyourinstructionsinallmatters。“
　　Thecounthimselfcameforwardandtookoffthecoverofadish，andIfelltoatonceonanexcellentroastchicken。
　　This，withsomecheeseandasaladandabottleofoldtokay，ofwhichIhadtwoglasses，wasmysupper。DuringthetimeI
　　waseatingittheCountaskedmemanyquestionastomyjourney，andItoldhimbydegreesallIhadexperienced。
　　BythistimeIhadfinishedmysupper，andbymyhost'sdesirehaddrawnupachairbythefireandbeguntosmokeacigarwhichheofferedme，atthesametimeexcusinghimselfthathedidnotsmoke。
　　Ihadnowanopportunityofobservinghim，andfoundhimofaverymarkedphysiognomy。
　　Hisfacewasastrong，averystrong，aquiline，withhighbridgeofthethinnoseandpeculiarlyarchednostrils，withloftydomedforehead，andhairgrowingscantilyroundthetemplesbutprofuselyelsewhere。
　　Hiseyebrowswereverymassive，almostmeetingoverthenose，andwithbushyhairthatseemedtocurlinitsownprofusion。
　　Themouth，sofarasIcouldseeitundertheheavymoustache，wasfixedandrathercruel-looking，withpeculiarlysharpwhiteteeth。Theseprotrudedoverthelips，whoseremarkableruddinessshowedastonishingvitalityinamanofhisyears。
　　Fortherest，hisearswerepale，andatthetopsextremelypointed。
　　Thechinwasbroadandstrong，andthecheeksfirmthoughthin。
　　Thegeneraleffectwasoneofextraordinarypallor。
　　HithertoIhadnoticedthebacksofhishandsastheylayonhiskneesinthefirelight，andtheyhadseemedratherwhiteandfine。
　　Butseeingthemnowclosetome，Icouldnotbutnoticethattheywererathercoarse，broad，withsquatfingers。
　　Strangetosay，therewerehairsinthecentreofthepalm。
　　Thenailswerelongandfine，andcuttoasharppoint。
　　AstheCountleanedovermeandhishandstouchedme，Icouldnotrepressashudder。Itmayhavebeenthathisbreathwasrank，butahorriblefeelingofnauseacameoverme，which，dowhatIwould，Icouldnotconceal。
　　TheCount，evidentlynoticingit，drewback。Andwithagrimsortofsmile，whichshowedmorethanhehadyetdonehisprotruberantteeth，sathimselfdownagainonhisownsideofthefireplace。
　　Wewerebothsilentforawhile，andasIlookedtowardsthewindowIsawthefirstdimstreakofthecomingdawn。
　　Thereseemedastrangestillnessovereverything。ButasIlistened，Iheardasiffromdownbelowinthevalleythehowlingofmanywolves。
　　TheCount'seyesgleamed，andhesaid。
　　“Listentothem，thechildrenofthenight。Whatmusictheymake！”
　　Seeing，Isuppose，someexpressioninmyfacestrangetohim，headded，“Ah，sir，youdwellersinthecitycannotenterintothefeelingsofthehunter。“Thenheroseandsaid。
　　“Butyoumustbetired。Yourbedroomisallready，andtomorrowyoushallsleepaslateasyouwill。Ihavetobeawaytilltheafternoon，sosleepwellanddreamwell！”
　　Withacourteousbow，heopenedformehimselfthedoortotheoctagonalroom，andIenteredmybedroom。
　　Iamallinaseaofwonders。Idoubt。Ifear。
　　Ithinkstrangethings，whichIdarenotconfesstomyownsoul。
　　Godkeepme，ifonlyforthesakeofthosedeartome！
　　7May——Itisagainearlymorning，butIhaverestedandenjoyedthelasttwenty-fourhours。Islepttilllateintheday，andawokeofmyownaccord。WhenIhaddressedmyselfI
　　wentintotheroomwherewehadsupped，andfoundacoldbreakfastlaidout，withcoffeekepthotbythepotbeingplacedonthehearth。Therewasacardonthetable，onwhichwaswritten——“Ihavetobeabsentforawhile。
　　Donotwaitforme。D。“Isettoandenjoyedaheartymeal。
　　WhenIhaddone，Ilookedforabell，sothatImightlettheservantsknowIhadfinished，butIcouldnotfindone。
　　Therearecertainlyodddeficienciesinthehouse，consideringtheextraordinaryevidencesofwealthwhichareroundme。
　　Thetableserviceisofgold，andsobeautifullywroughtthatitmustbeofimmensevalue。Thecurtainsandupholsteryofthechairsandsofasandthehangingsofmybedareofthecostliestandmostbeautifulfabrics，andmusthavebeenoffabulousvaluewhentheyweremade，fortheyarecenturiesold，thoughinexcellentorder。IsawsomethingliketheminHamptonCourt，buttheywerewornandfrayedandmoth-eaten。Butstillinnoneoftheroomsisthereamirror。
　　Thereisnotevenatoiletglassonmytable，andIhadtogetthelittleshavingglassfrommybagbeforeIcouldeithershaveorbrushmyhair。Ihavenotyetseenaservantanywhere，orheardasoundnearthecastleexceptthehowlingofwolves。
　　SometimeafterIhadfinishedmymeal，Idonotknowwhethertocallitbreakfastofdinner，foritwasbetweenfiveandsixo'clockwhenIhadit，Ilookedaboutforsomethingtoread，forIdidnotliketogoaboutthecastleuntilIhadaskedtheCount'spermission。Therewasabsolutelynothingintheroom，book，newspaper，orevenwritingmaterials，soI
　　openedanotherdoorintheroomandfoundasortoflibrary。
　　ThedooroppositemineItried，butfoundlocked。
　　InthelibraryIfound，tomygreatdelight，avastnumberofEnglishbooks，wholeshelvesfullofthem，andboundvolumesofmagazinesandnewspapers。
　　AtableinthecenterwaslitteredwithEnglishmagazinesandnewspapers，thoughnoneofthemwereofveryrecentdate。Thebookswereofthemostvariedkind，history，geography，politics，politicaleconomy，botany，geology，law，allrelatingtoEnglandandEnglishlifeandcustomsandmanners。
　　TherewereevensuchbooksofreferenceastheLondonDirectory，the“Red“
　　and“Blue“books，Whitaker'sAlmanac，theArmyandNavyLists，anditsomehowgladdenedmyhearttoseeit，theLawList。
　　WhilstIwaslookingatthebooks，thedooropened，andtheCountentered。
　　Hesalutedmeinaheartyway，andhopedthatIhadhadagoodnight'srest。
　　Thenhewenton。
　　“Iamgladyoufoundyourwayinhere，forIamsurethereismuchthatwillinterestyou。Thesecompanions，“andhelaidhishandonsomeofthebooks，“havebeengoodfriendstome，andforsomeyearspast，eversinceIhadtheideaofgoingtoLondon，havegivenmemany，manyhoursofpleasure。ThroughthemIhavecometoknowyourgreatEngland，andtoknowheristoloveher。
　　IlongtogothroughthecrowdedstreetsofyourmightyLondon，tobeinthemidstofthewhirlandrushofhumanity，toshareitslife，itschange，itsdeath，andallthatmakesitwhatitis。
　　Butalas！AsyetIonlyknowyourtonguethroughbooks。
　　Toyou，myfriend，IlookthatIknowittospeak。“
　　“But，Count，“Isaid，“YouknowandspeakEnglishthoroughly！”
　　Hebowedgravely。
　　“Ithankyou，myfriend，foryouralltoo-flatteringestimate，butyetIfearthatIambutalittlewayontheroadIwouldtravel。
　　True，Iknowthegrammarandthewords，butyetIknownothowtospeakthem。
　　“Indeed，“Isaid，“Youspeakexcellently。“
　　“Notso，“heanswered。“Well，Iknowthat，didImoveandspeakinyourLondon，nonetherearewhowouldnotknowmeforastranger。Thatisnotenoughforme。HereIamnoble。
　　IamaBoyar。Thecommonpeopleknowme，andIammaster。
　　Butastrangerinastrangeland，heisnoone。Menknowhimnot，andtoknownotistocarenotfor。IamcontentifIamliketherest，sothatnomanstopsifheseesme，orpausesinhisspeakingifhehearsmywords，`Ha，ha！Astranger！'
　　IhavebeensolongmasterthatIwouldbemasterstill，oratleastthatnoneothershouldbemasterofme。
　　YoucometomenotaloneasagentofmyfriendPeterHawkins，ofExeter，totellmeallaboutmynewestateinLondon。
　　Youshall，Itrust，restherewithmeawhile，sothatbyourtalkingImaylearntheEnglishintonation。AndIwouldthatyoutellmewhenImakeerror，evenofthesmallest，inmyspeaking。
　　IamsorrythatIhadtobeawaysolongtoday，butyouwill，Iknowforgiveonewhohassomanyimportantaffairsinhand。“
　　OfcourseIsaidallIcouldaboutbeingwilling，andaskedifImightcomeintothatroomwhenIchose。
　　Heanswered，“Yes，certainly，“andadded。
　　“Youmaygoanywhereyouwishinthecastle，exceptwherethedoorsarelocked，whereofcourseyouwillnotwishtogo。Thereisreasonthatallthingsareastheyare，anddidyouseewithmyeyesandknowwithmyknowledge，youwouldperhapsbetterunderstand。“
　　IsaidIwassureofthis，andthenhewenton。
　　“WeareinTransylvania，andTransylvaniaisnotEngland。
　　Ourwaysarenotyourways，andthereshallbetoyoumanystrangethings。Nay，fromwhatyouhavetoldmeofyourexperiencesalready，youknowsomethingofwhatstrangethingstheremaybe。“
　　Thisledtomuchconversation，andasitwasevidentthathewantedtotalk，ifonlyfortalking'ssake，Iaskedhimmanyquestionsregardingthingsthathadalreadyhappenedtomeorcomewithinmynotice。
　　Sometimeshesheeredoffthesubject，orturnedtheconversationbypretendingnottounderstand，butgenerallyheansweredallIaskedmostfrankly。
　　Thenastimewenton，andIhadgotsomewhatbolder，Iaskedhimofsomeofthestrangethingsoftheprecedingnight，asforinstance，whythecoachmanwenttotheplaceswherehehadseentheblueflames。
　　Hethenexplainedtomethatitwascommonlybelievedthatonacertainnightoftheyear，lastnight，infact，whenallevilspiritsaresupposedtohaveuncheckedsway，ablueflameisseenoveranyplacewheretreasurehasbeenconcealed。
　　“Thattreasurehasbeenhidden，“hewenton，“intheregionthroughwhichyoucamelastnight，therecanbebutlittledoubt。
　　ForitwasthegroundfoughtoverforcenturiesbytheWallachian，theSaxon，andtheTurk。Why，thereishardlyafootofsoilinallthisregionthathasnotbeenenrichedbythebloodofmen，patriotsorinvaders。Intheolddaystherewerestirringtimes，whentheAustrianandtheHungariancameupinhordes，andthepatriotswentouttomeetthem，menandwomen，theagedandthechildrentoo，andwaitedtheircomingontherocksabovethepasses，thattheymightsweepdestructiononthemwiththeirartificialavalanches。
　　Whentheinvaderwastriumphanthefoundbutlittle，forwhatevertherewashadbeenshelteredinthefriendlysoil。“
　　“Buthow，“saidI，“canithaveremainedsolongundiscovered，whenthereisasureindextoitifmenwillbuttakethetroubletolook？
　　“TheCountsmiled，andashislipsranbackoverhisgums，thelong，sharp，canineteethshowedoutstrangely。Heanswered。
　　“Becauseyourpeasantisatheartacowardandafool！
　　Thoseflamesonlyappearononenight，andonthatnightnomanofthislandwill，ifhecanhelpit，stirwithouthisdoors。
　　And，dearsir，evenifhedidhewouldnotknowwhattodo。
　　Why，eventhepeasantthatyoutellmeofwhomarkedtheplaceoftheflamewouldnotknowwheretolookindaylightevenforhisownwork。Evenyouwouldnot，Idarebesworn，beabletofindtheseplacesagain？”
　　“Thereyouareright，“Isaid。“Iknownomorethanthedeadwhereeventolookforthem。“Thenwedriftedintoothermatters。
　　“Come，“hesaidatlast，“tellmeofLondonandofthehousewhichyouhaveprocuredforme。“Withanapologyformyremissness，Iwentintomyownroomtogetthepapersfrommybag。
　　WhilstIwasplacingtheminorderIheardarattlingofchinaandsilverinthenextroom，andasIpassedthrough，noticedthatthetablehadbeenclearedandthelamplit，foritwasbythistimedeepintothedark。Thelampswerealsolitinthestudyorlibrary，andIfoundtheCountlyingonthesofa，reading，ofallthingsintheworld，andEnglishBradshaw'sGuide。
　　WhenIcameinheclearedthebooksandpapersfromthetable，andwithhimIwentintoplansanddeedsandfiguresofallsorts。
　　Hewasinterestedineverything，andaskedmeamyriadquestionsabouttheplaceanditssurroundings。Heclearlyhadstudiedbeforehandallhecouldgetonthesubjectoftheneighborhood，forheevidentlyattheendknewverymuchmorethanIdid。
　　WhenIremarkedthis，heanswered。
　　“Well，but，myfriend，isitnotneedfulthatIshould？WhenIgothereIshallbeallalone，andmyfriendHarkerJonathan，nay，pardonme。
　　Ifallintomycountry'shabitofputtingyourpatronymicfirst，myfriendJonathanHarkerwillnotbebymysidetocorrectandaidme。
　　HewillbeinExeter，milesaway，probablyworkingatpapersofthelawwithmyotherfriend，PeterHawkins。So！”
　　WewentthoroughlyintothebusinessofthepurchaseoftheestateatPurfleet。WhenIhadtoldhimthefactsandgothissignaturetothenecessarypapers，andhadwrittenaletterwiththemreadytoposttoMr。Hawkins，hebegantoaskmehowIhadcomeacrosssosuitableaplace。
　　IreadtohimthenoteswhichIhadmadeatthetime，andwhichIinscribehere。
　　“AtPurfleet，onabyroad，Icameacrossjustsuchaplaceasseemedtoberequired，andwherewasdisplayedadilapidatednoticethattheplacewasforsale。Itwassurroundedbyahighwall，ofancientstructure，builtofheavystones，andhasnotbeenrepairedforalargenumberofyears。
　　Theclosedgatesareofheavyoldoakandiron，alleatenwithrust。
　　“TheestateiscalledCarfax，nodoubtacorruptionoftheoldQuatreFace，asthehouseisfoursided，agreeingwiththecardinalpointsofthecompass。
　　Itcontainsinallsometwentyacres，quitesurroundedbythesolidstonewallabovementioned。Therearemanytreesonit，whichmakeitinplacesgloomy，andthereisadeep，dark-lookingpondorsmalllake，evidentlyfedbysomesprings，asthewaterisclearandflowsawayinafair-sizedstream。Thehouseisverylargeandofallperiodsback，Ishouldsay，tomediaevaltimes，foronepartisofstoneimmenselythick，withonlyafewwindowshighupandheavilybarredwithiron。
　　Itlookslikepartofakeep，andisclosetoanoldchapelorchurch。
　　Icouldnotenterit，asIhadnotthekeyofthedoorleadingtoitfromthehouse，butIhavetakenwithmyKodakviewsofitfromvariouspoints。
　　Thehousehadbeenaddedto，butinaverystragglingway，andIcanonlyguessattheamountofgrounditcovers，whichmustbeverygreat。
　　Therearebutfewhousescloseathand，onebeingaverylargehouseonlyrecentlyaddedtoandformedintoaprivatelunaticasylum。
　　Itisnot，however，visiblefromthegrounds。“
　　WhenIhadfinished，hesaid，“Iamgladthatitisoldandbig。
　　Imyselfamofanoldfamily，andtoliveinanewhousewouldkillme。Ahousecannotbemadehabitableinaday，andafterall，howfewdaysgotomakeupacentury。
　　Irejoicealsothatthereisachapelofoldtimes。
　　WeTransylvaniannobleslovenottothinkthatourbonesmaylieamongstthecommondead。Iseeknotgaietynormirth，notthebrightvoluptuousnessofmuchsunshineandsparklingwaterswhichpleasetheyoungandgay。Iamnolongeryoung，andmyheart，throughwearyyearsofmourningoverthedead，isattunedtomirth。Moreover，thewallsofmycastlearebroken。
　　Theshadowsaremany，andthewindbreathescoldthroughthebrokenbattlementsandcasements。Ilovetheshadeandtheshadow，andwouldbealonewithmythoughtswhenImay。“
　　Somehowhiswordsandhislookdidnotseemtoaccord，orelseitwasthathiscastoffacemadehissmilelookmalignantandsaturnine。
　　Presently，withanexcuse，heleftme，askingmetopullmypaperstogether。
　　Hewassomelittletimeaway，andIbegantolookatsomeofthebooksaroundme。Onewasanatlas，whichIfoundopenednaturallytoEngland，asifthatmaphadbeenmuchused。OnlookingatitIfoundincertainplaceslittleringsmarked，andonexaminingtheseInoticedthatonewasnearLondonontheeastside，manifestlywherehisnewestatewassituated。
　　TheothertwowereExeter，andWhitbyontheYorkshirecoast。
　　ItwasthebetterpartofanhourwhentheCountreturned。
　　“Aha！”hesaid。“Stillatyourbooks？Good！Butyoumustnotworkalways。Come！Iaminformedthatyoursupperisready。“
　　Hetookmyarm，andwewentintothenextroom，whereIfoundanexcellentsupperreadyonthetable。TheCountagainexcusedhimself，ashehaddinedoutonhisbeingawayfromhome。
　　Buthesatasonthepreviousnight，andchattedwhilstIate。
　　AftersupperIsmoked，asonthelastevening，andtheCountstayedwithme，chattingandaskingquestionsoneveryconceivablesubject，hourafterhour。Ifeltthatitwasgettingverylateindeed，butIdidnotsayanything，forI
　　feltunderobligationtomeetmyhost'swishesineveryway。
　　Iwasnotsleepy，asthelongsleepyesterdayhadfortifiedme，butIcouldnothelpexperiencingthatchillwhichcomesoveroneatthecomingofthedawn，whichislike，initsway，theturnofthetide。Theysaythatpeoplewhoareneardeathdiegenerallyatthechangetodawnorattheturnofthetide。
　　Anyonewhohaswhentired，andtiedasitweretohispost，experiencedthischangeintheatmospherecanwellbelieveit。
　　Allatonceweheardthecrowofthecockcomingupwithpreternaturalshrillnessthroughtheclearmorningair。
　　CountDracula，jumpingtohisfeet，said，“Whythereisthemorningagain！
　　HowremissIamtoletyoustayupsolong。YoumustmakeyourconversationregardingmydearnewcountryofEnglandlessinteresting，sothatImaynotforgethowtimefliesbyus，“andwithacourtlybow，hequicklyleftme。
　　Iwentintomyroomanddrewthecurtains，buttherewaslittletonotice。
　　Mywindowopenedintothecourtyard，allIcouldseewasthewarmgreyofquickeningsky。SoIpulledthecurtainsagain，andhavewrittenofthisday。
　　8May——IbegantofearasIwroteinthisbookthatI
　　wasgettingtoodiffuse。ButnowIamgladthatIwentintodetailfromthefirst，forthereissomethingsostrangeaboutthisplaceandallinitthatIcannotbutfeeluneasy。
　　IwishIweresafeoutofit，orthatIhadnevercome。
　　Itmaybethatthisstrangenightexistenceistellingonme，butwouldthatthatwereall！IftherewereanyonetotalktoIcouldbearit，butthereisnoone。IhaveonlytheCounttospeakwith，andhe——IfearIammyselftheonlylivingsoulwithintheplace。Letmebeprosaiacsofarasfactscanbe。
　　Itwillhelpmetobearup，andimaginationmustnotrunriotwithme。IfitdoesIamlost。LetmesayatoncehowIstand，orseemto。
　　IonlysleptafewhourswhenIwenttobed，andfeelingthatI
　　couldnotsleepanymore，gotup。Ihadhungmyshavingglassbythewindow，andwasjustbeginningtoshave。SuddenlyIfeltahandonmyshoulder，andheardtheCount'svoicesayingtome，“Goodmorning。“Istarted，foritamazedmethatIhadnotseenhim，sincethereflectionoftheglasscoveredthewholeroombehindme。
　　InstartingIhadcutmyselfslightly，butdidnotnoticeitatthemoment。HavingansweredtheCount'ssalutation，IturnedtotheglassagaintoseehowIhadbeenmistaken。
　　Thistimetherecouldbenoerror，forthemanwasclosetome，andIcouldseehimovermyshoulder。Buttherewasnoreflectionofhiminthemirror！Thewholeroombehindmewasdisplayed，buttherewasnosignofamaninit，exceptmyself。
　　Thiswasstartling，andcomingonthetopofsomanystrangethings，wasbeginningtoincreasethatvaguefeelingofuneasinesswhichIalwayshavewhentheCountisnear。
　　ButattheinstantIsawthethecuthadbledalittle，andthebloodwastricklingovermychin。Ilaiddowntherazor，turningasIdidsohalfroundtolookforsomestickingplaster。