WhentheCountsawmyface，hiseyesblazedwithasortofdemoniacfury，andhesuddenlymadeagrabatmythroat。
　　Idrewawayandhishandtouchedthestringofbeadswhichheldthecrucifix。Itmadeaninstantchangeinhim，forthefurypassedsoquicklythatIcouldhardlybelievethatitwaseverthere。
　　“Takecare，“hesaid，“takecarehowyoucutyourself。
　　Itismoredangerousthatyouthinkinthiscountry。“
　　Thenseizingtheshavingglass，hewenton，“Andthisisthewretchedthingthathasdonethemischief。Itisafoulbaubleofman'svanity。Awaywithit！”Andopeningthewindowwithonewrenchofhisterriblehand，heflungouttheglass，whichwasshatteredintoathousandpiecesonthestonesofthecourtyardfarbelow。Thenhewithdrewwithoutaword。
　　Itisveryannoying，forIdonotseehowIamtoshave，unlessinmywatch-caseorthebottomoftheshavingpot，whichisfortunatelyofmetal。
　　WhenIwentintothediningroom，breakfastwasprepared，butIcouldnotfindtheCountanywhere。SoIbreakfastedalone。
　　ItisstrangethatasyetIhavenotseentheCounteatordrink。
　　Hemustbeaverypeculiarman！AfterbreakfastIdidalittleexploringinthecastle。Iwentoutonthestairs，andfoundaroomlookingtowardstheSouth。
　　Theviewwasmagnificent，andfromwhereIstoodtherewaseveryopportunityofseeingit。Thecastleisontheveryedgeofaterrificprecipice。Astonefallingfromthewindowwouldfallathousandfeetwithouttouchinganything！
　　Asfarastheeyecanreachisaseaofgreentreetops，withoccasionallyadeepriftwherethereisachasm。
　　Hereandtherearesilverthreadswheretheriverswindindeepgorgesthroughtheforests。
　　ButIamnotinhearttodescribebeauty，forwhenIhadseentheviewIexploredfurther。Doors，doors，doorseverywhere，andalllockedandbolted。Innoplacesavefromthewindowsinthecastlewallsisthereanavailableexit。
　　Thecastleisaveritableprison，andIamaprisoner！
　　CHAPTER3
　　JonathanHarker'sJournalContinuedWhenIfoundthatIwasaprisonerasortofwildfeelingcameoverme。Irushedupanddownthestairs，tryingeverydoorandpeeringoutofeverywindowIcouldfind，butafteralittletheconvictionofmyhelplessnessoverpoweredallotherfeelings。
　　WhenIlookbackafterafewhoursIthinkImusthavebeenmadforthetime，forIbehavedmuchasaratdoesinatrap。
　　When，however，theconvictionhadcometomethatIwashelplessIsatdownquietly，asquietlyasIhaveeverdoneanythinginmylife，andbegantothinkoverwhatwasbesttobedone。
　　Iamthinkingstill，andasyethavecometonodefiniteconclusion。
　　OfonethingonlyamIcertain。ThatitisnousemakingmyideasknowntotheCount。HeknowswellthatIamimprisoned，andashehasdoneithimself，andhasdoubtlesshisownmotivesforit，hewouldonlydeceivemeifItrustedhimfullywiththefacts。
　　SofarasIcansee，myonlyplanwillbetokeepmyknowledgeandmyfearstomyself，andmyeyesopen。Iam，Iknow，eitherbeingdeceived，likeababy，bymyownfears，orelseIamindesperatestraits，andifthelatterbeso，Ineed，andshallneed，allmybrainstogetthrough。
　　IhadhardlycometothisconclusionwhenIheardthegreatdoorbelowshut，andknewthattheCounthadreturned。Hedidnotcomeatonceintothelibrary，soIwentcautiouslytomyownroomandfoundhimmakingthebed。Thiswasodd，butonlyconfirmedwhatI
　　hadallalongthought，thattherearenoservantsinthehouse。
　　WhenlaterIsawhimthroughthechinkofthehingesofthedoorlayingthetableinthediningroom，Iwasassuredofit。
　　Forifhedoeshimselfallthesemenialoffices，surelyitisproofthatthereisnooneelseinthecastle，itmusthavebeentheCounthimselfwhowasthedriverofthecoachthatbroughtmehere。
　　Thisisaterriblethought，forifso，whatdoesitmeanthathecouldcontrolthewolves，ashedid，byonlyholdinguphishandforsilence？
　　HowwasitthatallthepeopleatBistritzandonthecoachhadsometerriblefearforme？Whatmeantthegivingofthecrucifix，ofthegarlic，ofthewildrose，ofthemountainash？
　　Blessthatgood，goodwomanwhohungthecrucifixroundmyneck！
　　ForitisacomfortandastrengthtomewheneverItouchit。
　　ItisoddthatathingwhichIhavebeentaughttoregardwithdisfavourandasidolatrousshouldinatimeoflonelinessandtroublebeofhelp。
　　Isitthatthereissomethingintheessenceofthethingitself，orthatitisamedium，atangiblehelp，inconveyingmemoriesofsympathyandcomfort？Sometime，ifitmaybe，Imustexaminethismatterandtrytomakeupmymindaboutit。InthemeantimeImustfindoutallIcanaboutCountDracula，asitmayhelpmetounderstand。
　　Tonighthemaytalkofhimself，ifIturntheconversationthatway。
　　Imustbeverycareful，however，nottoawakehissuspicion。
　　Midnight——IhavehadalongtalkwiththeCount。
　　IaskedhimafewquestionsonTransylvaniahistory，andhewarmeduptothesubjectwonderfully。Inhisspeakingofthingsandpeople，andespeciallyofbattles，hespokeasifhehadbeenpresentatthemall。ThisheafterwardsexplainedbysayingthattoaBoyartheprideofhishouseandnameishisownpride，thattheirgloryishisglory，thattheirfateishisfate。Wheneverhespokeofhishousehealwayssaid“we“，andspokealmostintheplural，likeakingspeaking。IwishIcouldputdownallhesaidexactlyashesaidit，fortomeitwasmostfascinating。
　　Itseemedtohaveinitawholehistoryofthecountry。
　　Hegrewexcitedashespoke，andwalkedabouttheroompullinghisgreatwhitemoustacheandgraspinganythingonwhichhelaidhishandsasthoughhewouldcrushitbymainstrength。
　　OnethinghesaidwhichIshallputdownasnearlyasIcan，forittellsinitswaythestoryofhisrace。
　　“WeSzekelyshavearighttobeproud，forinourveinsflowsthebloodofmanybraveraceswhofoughtasthelionfights，forlordship。
　　Here，inthewhirlpoolofEuropeanraces，theUgrictribeboredownfromIcelandthefightingspiritwhichThorandWodingamethem，whichtheirBerserkersdisplayedtosuchfellintentontheseaboardsofEurope，aye，andofAsiaandAfricatoo，tillthepeoplesthoughtthatthewerewolvesthemselveshadcome。Here，too，whentheycame，theyfoundtheHuns，whosewarlikefuryhadswepttheearthlikealivingflame，tillthedyingpeoplesheldthatintheirveinsranthebloodofthoseoldwitches，who，expelledfromScythiahadmatedwiththedevilsinthedesert。Fools，fools！WhatdevilorwhatwitchwaseversogreatasAttila，whosebloodisintheseveins？”
　　Hehelduphisarms。“Isitawonderthatwewereaconqueringrace，thatwewereproud，thatwhentheMagyar，theLombard，theAvar，theBulgar，ortheTurkpouredhisthousandsonourfrontiers，wedrovethemback？
　　IsitstrangethatwhenArpadandhislegionssweptthroughtheHungarianfatherlandhefoundusherewhenhereachedthefrontier，thattheHonfoglalaswascompletedthere？AndwhentheHungarianfloodswepteastward，theSzekelyswereclaimedaskindredbythevictoriousMagyars，andtousforcenturieswastrustedtheguardingofthefrontierofTurkeyland。
　　Aye，andmorethanthat，endlessdutyofthefrontierguard，forastheTurkssay，`watersleeps，andtheenemyissleepless。'WhomoregladlythanwethroughouttheFourNationsreceivedthe`bloodysword，'
　　oratitswarlikecallflockedquickertothestandardoftheKing？
　　Whenwasredeemedthatgreatshameofmynation，theshameofCassova，whentheflagsoftheWallachandtheMagyarwentdownbeneaththeCrescent？
　　WhowasitbutoneofmyownracewhoasVoivodecrossedtheDanubeandbeattheTurkonhisownground？ThiswasaDraculaindeed！
　　Woewasitthathisownunworthybrother，whenhehadfallen，soldhispeopletotheTurkandbroughttheshameofslaveryonthem！
　　WasitnotthisDracula，indeed，whoinspiredthatotherofhisracewhoinalaterageagainandagainbroughthisforcesoverthegreatriverintoTurkeyland，who，whenhewasbeatenback，cameagain，andagain，thoughhehadtocomealonefromthebloodyfieldwherehistroopswerebeingslaughtered，sinceheknewthathealonecouldultimatelytriumph！
　　Theysaidthathethoughtonlyofhimself。Bah！Whatgoodarepeasantswithoutaleader？Whereendsthewarwithoutabrainandhearttoconductit？Again，when，afterthebattleofMohacs，wethrewofftheHungarianyoke，weoftheDraculabloodwereamongsttheirleaders，forourspiritwouldnotbrookthatwewerenotfree。Ah，youngsir，theSzekelys，andtheDraculaastheirheart'sblood，theirbrains，andtheirswords，canboastarecordthatmushroomgrowthsliketheHapsburgsandtheRomanoffscanneverreach。Thewarlikedaysareover。
　　Bloodistoopreciousathinginthesedaysofdishonourablepeace，andthegloriesofthegreatracesareasatalethatistold。“
　　Itwasbythistimecloseonmorning，andwewenttobed。
　　Mem。，thisdiaryseemshorriblylikethebeginningofthe“ArabianNights，“foreverythinghastobreakoffatcockcrow，orliketheghostofHamlet'sfather。
　　12May——Letmebeginwithfacts，bare，meagerfacts，verifiedbybooksandfigures，andofwhichtherecanbenodoubt。
　　Imustnotconfusethemwithexperienceswhichwillhavetorestonmyownobservation，ormymemoryofthem。
　　LasteveningwhentheCountcamefromhisroomhebeganbyaskingmequestionsonlegalmattersandonthedoingofcertainkindsofbusiness。Ihadspentthedaywearilyoverbooks，and，simplytokeepmymindoccupied，wentoversomeofthemattersIhadbeenexaminedinatLincoln'sInn。
　　TherewasacertainmethodintheCount'sinquiries，soIshalltrytoputthemdowninsequence。Theknowledgemaysomehoworsometimebeusefultome。
　　First，heaskedifamaninEnglandmighthavetwosolicitorsormore。
　　Itoldhimhemighthaveadozenifhewished，butthatitwouldnotbewisetohavemorethanonesolicitorengagedinonetransaction，asonlyonecouldactatatime，andthattochangewouldbecertaintomilitateagainsthisinterest。Heseemedthoroughlytounderstand，andwentontoaskiftherewouldbeanypracticaldifficultyinhavingonemantoattend，say，tobanking，andanothertolookaftershipping，incaselocalhelpwereneededinaplacefarfromthehomeofthebankingsolicitor。
　　Iaskedtoexplainmorefully，sothatImightnotbyanychancemisleadhim，sohesaid，“Ishallillustrate。Yourfriendandmine，Mr。PeterHawkins，fromundertheshadowofyourbeautifulcathedralatExeter，whichisfarfromLondon，buysformethroughyourgoodselfmyplaceatLondon。Good！Nowhereletmesayfrankly，lestyoushouldthinkitstrangethatIhavesoughttheservicesofonesofarofffromLondoninsteadofsomeoneresidentthere，thatmymotivewasthatnolocalinterestmightbeservedsavemywishonly，andasoneofLondonresidencemight，perhaps，havesomepurposeofhimselforfriendtoserve，Iwentthusafieldtoseekmyagent，whoselaboursshouldbeonlytomyinterest。Now，supposeI，whohavemuchofaffairs，wishtoshipgoods，say，toNewcastle，orDurham，orHarwich，orDover，mightitnotbethatitcouldwithmoreeasebedonebyconsigningtooneintheseports？”
　　Iansweredthatcertainlyitwouldbemosteasy，butthatwesolicitorshadasystemofagencyonefortheother，sothatlocalworkcouldbedonelocallyoninstructionfromanysolicitor，sothattheclient，simplyplacinghimselfinthehandsofoneman，couldhavehiswishescarriedoutbyhimwithoutfurthertrouble。
　　“But，“saidhe，“Icouldbeatlibertytodirectmyself。
　　Isitnotso？”
　　“Ofcourse，“Ireplied，and“Suchisoftendonebymenofbusiness，whodonotlikethewholeoftheiraffairstobeknownbyanyoneperson。“
　　“Good！”hesaid，andthenwentontoaskaboutthemeansofmakingconsignmentsandtheformstobegonethrough，andofallsortsofdifficultieswhichmightarise，butbyforethoughtcouldbeguardedagainst。
　　Iexplainedallthesethingstohimtothebestofmyability，andhecertainlyleftmeundertheimpressionthathewouldhavemadeawonderfulsolicitor，fortherewasnothingthathedidnotthinkoforforesee。
　　Foramanwhowasneverinthecountry，andwhodidnotevidentlydomuchinthewayofbusiness，hisknowledgeandacumenwerewonderful。
　　Whenhehadsatisfiedhimselfonthesepointsofwhichhehadspoken，andIhadverifiedallaswellasIcouldbythebooksavailable，hesuddenlystoodupandsaid，“HaveyouwrittensinceyourfirstlettertoourfriendMr。PeterHawkins，ortoanyother？”
　　ItwaswithsomebitternessinmyheartthatIansweredthatIhadnot，thatasyetIhadnotseenanyopportunityofsendingletterstoanybody。
　　“Thenwritenow，myyoungfriend，“hesaid，layingaheavyhandonmyshoulder，“writetoourfriendandtoanyother，andsay，ifitwillpleaseyou，thatyoushallstaywithmeuntilamonthfromnow。“
　　“Doyouwishmetostaysolong？”Iasked，formyheartgrewcoldatthethought。
　　“Idesireitmuch，nayIwilltakenorefusal。Whenyourmaster，employer，whatyouwill，engagedthatsomeoneshouldcomeonhisbehalf，itwasunderstoodthatmyneedsonlyweretobeconsulted。
　　Ihavenotstinted。Isitnotso？”
　　WhatcouldIdobutbowacceptance？ItwasMr。Hawkins'
　　interest，notmine，andIhadtothinkofhim，notmyself，andbesides，whileCountDraculawasspeaking，therewasthatinhiseyesandinhisbearingwhichmademerememberthatI
　　wasaprisoner，andthatifIwisheditIcouldhavenochoice。
　　TheCountsawhisvictoryinmybow，andhismasteryinthetroubleofmyface，forhebeganatoncetousethem，butinhisownsmooth，resistlessway。
　　“Iprayyou，mygoodyoungfriend，thatyouwillnotdiscourseofthingsotherthanbusinessinyourletters。
　　Itwilldoubtlesspleaseyourfriendstoknowthatyouarewell，andthatyoulookforwardtogettinghometothem。Isitnotso？”
　　Ashespokehehandedmethreesheetsofnotepaperandthreeenvelopes。Theywereallofthethinnestforeignpost，andlookingatthem，thenathim，andnoticinghisquietsmile，withthesharp，canineteethlyingovertheredunderlip，IunderstoodaswellasifhehadspokenthatIshouldbemorecarefulwhatIwrote，forhewouldbeabletoreadit。
　　SoIdeterminedtowriteonlyformalnotesnow，buttowritefullytoMr。Hawkinsinsecret，andalsotoMina，fortoherIcouldwriteshorthand，whichwouldpuzzletheCount，ifhedidseeit。
　　WhenIhadwrittenmytwolettersIsatquiet，readingabookwhilsttheCountwroteseveralnotes，referringashewrotethemtosomebooksonhistable。Thenhetookupmytwoandplacedthemwithhisown，andputbyhiswritingmaterials，afterwhich，theinstantthedoorhadclosedbehindhim，Ileanedoverandlookedattheletters，whichwerefacedownonthetable。
　　IfeltnocompunctionindoingsoforunderthecircumstancesIfeltthatIshouldprotectmyselfineverywayIcould。
　　OneoftheletterswasdirectedtoSamuelF。Billington，No。7，TheCrescent，Whitby，anothertoHerrLeutner，Varna。ThethirdwastoCoutts&Co。，London，andthefourthtoHerrenKlopstock&Billreuth，bankers，BudaPesth。Thesecondandfourthwereunsealed。
　　IwasjustabouttolookatthemwhenIsawthedoorhandlemove。
　　Isankbackinmyseat，havingjusthadtimetoresumemybookbeforetheCount，holdingstillanotherletterinhishand，enteredtheroom。
　　Hetookupthelettersonthetableandstampedthemcarefully，andthenturningtome，said，“Itrustyouwillforgiveme，butIhavemuchworktodoinprivatethisevening。Youwill，Ihope，findallthingsasyouwish。“
　　Atthedoorheturned，andafteramoment'spausesaid，“Letmeadviseyou，mydearyoungfriend。Nay，letmewarnyouwithallseriousness，thatshouldyouleavetheseroomsyouwillnotbyanychancegotosleepinanyotherpartofthecastle。Itisold，andhasmanymemories，andtherearebaddreamsforthosewhosleepunwisely。Bewarned！
　　Shouldsleepnoworeverovercomeyou，orbeliketodo，thenhastetoyourownchamberortotheserooms，foryourrestwillthenbesafe。
　　Butifyoubenotcarefulinthisrespect，then，“Hefinishedhisspeechinagruesomeway，forhemotionedwithhishandsasifhewerewashingthem。
　　Iquiteunderstood。Myonlydoubtwasastowhetheranydreamcouldbemoreterriblethantheunnatural，horriblenetofgloomandmysterywhichseemedclosingaroundme。
　　Later——Iendorsethelastwordswritten，butthistimethereisnodoubtinquestion。Ishallnotfeartosleepinanyplacewhereheisnot。
　　Ihaveplacedthecrucifixovertheheadofmybed，Iimaginethatmyrestisthusfreerfromdreams，andthereitshallremain。
　　WhenheleftmeIwenttomyroom。Afteralittlewhile，nothearinganysound，IcameoutandwentupthestonestairtowhereIcouldlookouttowardstheSouth。Therewassomesenseoffreedominthevastexpanse，inaccessiblethoughitwastome，ascomparedwiththenarrowdarknessofthecourtyard。
　　Lookingoutonthis，IfeltthatIwasindeedinprison，andI
　　seemedtowantabreathoffreshair，thoughitwereofthenight。
　　Iambeginningtofeelthisnocturnalexistencetellonme。
　　Itisdestroyingmynerve。Istartatmyownshadow，andamfullofallsortsofhorribleimaginings。Godknowsthatthereisgroundformyterriblefearinthisaccursedplace！
　　Ilookedoutoverthebeautifulexpanse，bathedinsoftyellowmoonlighttillitwasalmostaslightasday。
　　Inthesoftlightthedistanthillsbecamemelted，andtheshadowsinthevalleysandgorgesofvelvetyblackness。
　　Themerebeautyseemedtocheerme。TherewaspeaceandcomfortineverybreathIdrew。AsIleanedfromthewindowmyeyewascaughtbysomethingmovingastoreybelowme，andsomewhattomyleft，whereIimagined，fromtheorderoftherooms，thatthewindowsoftheCount'sownroomwouldlookout。
　　ThewindowatwhichIstoodwastallanddeep，stone-mullioned，andthoughweatherworn，wasstillcomplete。
　　Butitwasevidentlymanyadaysincethecasehadbeenthere。
　　Idrewbackbehindthestonework，andlookedcarefullyout。
　　WhatIsawwastheCount'sheadcomingoutfromthewindow。
　　Ididnotseetheface，butIknewthemanbytheneckandthemovementofhisbackandarms。InanycaseIcouldnotmistakethehandswhichIhadhadsomemanyopportunitiesofstudying。
　　Iwasatfirstinterestedandsomewhatamused，foritiswonderfulhowsmallamatterwillinterestandamuseamanwhenheisaprisoner。
　　ButmyveryfeelingschangedtorepulsionandterrorwhenIsawthewholemanslowlyemergefromthewindowandbegintocrawldownthecastlewalloverthedreadfulabyss，facedownwithhiscloakspreadingoutaroundhimlikegreatwings。AtfirstIcouldnotbelievemyeyes。
　　Ithoughtitwassometrickofthemoonlight，someweirdeffectofshadow，butIkeptlooking，anditcouldbenodelusion。
　　Isawthefingersandtoesgraspthecornersofthestones，wornclearofthemortarbythestressofyears，andbythususingeveryprojectionandinequalitymovedownwardswithconsiderablespeed，justasalizardmovesalongawall。
　　Whatmannerofmanisthis，orwhatmannerofcreature，isitinthesemblanceofman？Ifeelthedreadofthishorribleplaceoverpoweringme。
　　Iaminfear，inawfulfear，andthereisnoescapeforme。
　　IamencompassedaboutwithterrorsthatIdarenotthinkof。
　　15May——OncemoreIhaveseenthecountgooutinhislizardfashion。
　　Hemoveddownwardsinasidelongway，somehundredfeetdown，andagooddealtotheleft。Hevanishedintosomeholeorwindow。
　　Whenhisheadhaddisappeared，Ileanedouttotryandseemore，butwithoutavail。Thedistancewastoogreattoallowaproperangleofsight。Iknewhehadleftthecastlenow，andthoughttousetheopportunitytoexploremorethanIhaddaredtodoasyet。
　　Iwentbacktotheroom，andtakingalamp，triedallthedoors。
　　Theywerealllocked，asIhadexpected，andthelockswerecomparativelynew。ButIwentdownthestonestairstothehallwhereIhadenteredoriginally。IfoundIcouldpullbacktheboltseasilyenoughandunhookthegreatchains。Butthedoorwaslocked，andthekeywasgone！ThatkeymustbeintheCount'sroom。
　　Imustwatchshouldhisdoorbeunlocked，sothatImaygetitandescape。
　　Iwentontomakeathoroughexaminationofthevariousstairsandpassages，andtotrythedoorsthatopenedfromthem。
　　Oneortwosmallroomsnearthehallwereopen，buttherewasnothingtoseeinthemexceptoldfurniture，dustywithageandmoth-eaten。
　　Atlast，however，Ifoundonedooratthetopofthestairwaywhich，thoughitseemedlocked，gavealittleunderpressure。
　　Itrieditharder，andfoundthatitwasnotreallylocked，butthattheresistancecamefromthefactthatthehingeshadfallensomewhat，andtheheavydoorrestedonthefloor。
　　HerewasanopportunitywhichImightnothaveagain，soIexertedmyself，andwithmanyeffortsforceditbacksothatIcouldenter。
　　IwasnowinawingofthecastlefurthertotherightthantheroomsIknewandastoreylowerdown。FromthewindowsIcouldseethatthesuiteofroomslayalongtothesouthofthecastle，thewindowsoftheendroomlookingoutbothwestandsouth。
　　Onthelatterside，aswellastotheformer，therewasagreatprecipice。
　　Thecastlewasbuiltonthecornerofagreatrock，sothatonthreesidesitwasquiteimpregnable，andgreatwindowswereplacedherewheresling，orbow，orculverincouldnotreach，andconsequentlylightandcomfort，impossibletoapositionwhichhadtobeguarded，weresecured。Tothewestwasagreatvalley，andthen，risingfaraway，greatjaggedmountainfastnesses，risingpeakonpeak，thesheerrockstuddedwithmountainashandthorn，whoserootsclungincracksandcrevicesandcranniesofthestone。
　　Thiswasevidentlytheportionofthecastleoccupiedbytheladiesinbygonedays，forthefurniturehadmoreanairofcomfortthananyIhadseen。
　　Thewindowswerecurtainless，andtheyellowmoonlight，floodinginthroughthediamondpanes，enabledonetoseeevencolours，whilstitsoftenedthewealthofdustwhichlayoverallanddisguisedinsomemeasuretheravagesoftimeandmoth。
　　Mylampseemedtobeoflittleeffectinthebrilliantmoonlight，butIwasgladtohaveitwithme，fortherewasadreadlonelinessintheplacewhichchilledmyheartandmademynervestremble。
　　Still，itwasbetterthanlivingaloneintheroomswhichIhadcometohatefromthepresenceoftheCount，andaftertryingalittletoschoolmynerves，Ifoundasoftquietudecomeoverme。
　　HereIam，sittingatalittleoaktablewhereinoldtimespossiblysomefairladysattopen，withmuchthoughtandmanyblushes，herill-speltloveletter，andwritinginmydiaryinshorthandallthathashappenedsinceIcloseditlast。
　　Itisthenineteenthcenturyup-to-datewithavengeance。
　　Andyet，unlessmysensesdeceiveme，theoldcenturieshad，andhave，powersoftheirownwhichmere“modernity“cannotkill。
　　Later：Themorningof16May——Godpreservemysanity，fortothisI
　　amreduced。Safetyandtheassuranceofsafetyarethingsofthepast。
　　WhilstIliveonherethereisbutonethingtohopefor，thatImaynotgomad，if，indeed，Ibenotmadalready。
　　IfIbesane，thensurelyitismaddeningtothinkthatofallthefoulthingsthatlurkinthishatefulplacetheCountistheleastdreadfultome，thattohimaloneIcanlookforsafety，eventhoughthisbeonlywhilstIcanservehispurpose。GreatGod！
　　MercifulGod，letmebecalm，foroutofthatwayliesmadnessindeed。
　　Ibegintogetnewlightsoncertainthingswhichhavepuzzledme。
　　UptonowIneverquiteknewwhatShakespearemeantwhenhemadeHamletsay，“Mytablets！Quick，mytablets！`tismeetthatI
　　putitdown，“etc。，Fornow，feelingasthoughmyownbrainwereunhingedorasiftheshockhadcomewhichmustendinitsundoing，Iturntomydiaryforrepose。Thehabitofenteringaccuratelymusthelptosootheme。
　　TheCount'smysteriouswarningfrightenedmeatthetime。ItfrightensmemorenotwhenIthinkofit，forinthefuturehehasafearfulholduponme。
　　Ishallfeartodoubtwhathemaysay！
　　WhenIhadwritteninmydiaryandhadfortunatelyreplacedthebookandpeninmypocketIfeltsleepy。TheCount'swarningcameintomymind，butItookpleasureindisobeyingit。
　　Thesenseofsleepwasuponme，andwithittheobstinacywhichsleepbringsasoutrider。Thesoftmoonlightsoothed，andthewideexpansewithoutgaveasenseoffreedomwhichrefreshedme。
　　Ideterminednottoreturntonighttothegloom-hauntedrooms，buttosleephere，where，ofold，ladieshadsatandsungandlivedsweetliveswhilsttheirgentlebreastsweresadfortheirmenfolkawayinthemidstofremorselesswars。
　　Idrewagreatcouchoutofitsplacenearthecorner，sothatasIlay，Icouldlookatthelovelyviewtoeastandsouth，andunthinkingofanduncaringforthedust，composedmyselfforsleep。
　　IsupposeImusthavefallenasleep。Ihopeso，butIfear，forallthatfollowedwasstartlinglyreal，sorealthatnowsittinghereinthebroad，fullsunlightofthemorning，Icannotintheleastbelievethatitwasallsleep。
　　Iwasnotalone。Theroomwasthesame，unchangedinanywaysinceIcameintoit。Icouldseealongthefloor，inthebrilliantmoonlight，myownfootstepsmarkedwhereIhaddisturbedthelongaccumulationofdust。Inthemoonlightoppositemewerethreeyoungwomen，ladiesbytheirdressandmanner。
　　IthoughtatthetimethatImustbedreamingwhenIsawthem，theythrewnoshadowonthefloor。Theycameclosetome，andlookedatmeforsometime，andthenwhisperedtogether。
　　Twoweredark，andhadhighaquilinenoses，liketheCount，andgreatdark，piercingeyes，thatseemedtobealmostredwhencontrastedwiththepaleyellowmoon。Theotherwasfair，asfairascanbe，withgreatmassesofgoldenhairandeyeslikepalesapphires。Iseemedsomehowtoknowherface，andtoknowitinconnectionwithsomedreamyfear，butIcouldnotrecollectatthemomenthoworwhere。
　　Allthreehadbrilliantwhiteteeththatshonelikepearlsagainsttherubyoftheirvoluptuouslips。Therewassomethingaboutthemthatmademeuneasy，somelongingandatthesametimesomedeadlyfear。Ifeltinmyheartawicked，burningdesirethattheywouldkissmewiththoseredlips。
　　Itisnotgoodtonotethisdown，lestsomedayitshouldmeetMina'seyesandcauseherpain，butitisthetruth。
　　Theywhisperedtogether，andthentheyallthreelaughed，suchasilvery，musicallaugh，butashardasthoughthesoundnevercouldhavecomethroughthesoftnessofhumanlips。
　　Itwasliketheintolerable，tinglingsweetnessofwaterglasseswhenplayedonbyacunninghand。Thefairgirlshookherheadcoquettishly，andtheothertwourgedheron。
　　Onesaid，“Goon！Youarefirst，andweshallfollow。
　　Yours'istherighttobegin。“
　　Theotheradded，“Heisyoungandstrong。Therearekissesforusall。“
　　Ilayquiet，lookingoutfromundermyeyelashesinanagonyofdelightfulanticipation。ThefairgirladvancedandbentovermetillIcouldfeelthemovementofherbreathuponme。
　　Sweetitwasinonesense，honey-sweet，andsentthesametinglingthroughthenervesashervoice，butwithabitterunderlyingthesweet，abitteroffensiveness，asonesmellsinblood。
　　Iwasafraidtoraisemyeyelids，butlookedoutandsawperfectlyunderthelashes。Thegirlwentonherknees，andbentoverme，simplygloating。
　　Therewasadeliberatevoluptuousnesswhichwasboththrillingandrepulsive，andasshearchedhernecksheactuallylickedherlipslikeananimal，tillIcouldseeinthemoonlightthemoistureshiningonthescarletlipsandontheredtongueasitlappedthewhitesharpteeth。
　　Lowerandlowerwentherheadasthelipswentbelowtherangeofmymouthandchinandseemedtofastenonmythroat。Thenshepaused，andIcouldhearthechurningsoundofhertongueasitlickedherteethandlips，andIcouldfeelthehotbreathonmyneck。
　　Thentheskinofmythroatbegantotingleasone'sfleshdoeswhenthehandthatistotickleitapproachesnearer，nearer。Icouldfeelthesoft，shiveringtouchofthelipsonthesupersensitiveskinofmythroat，andtheharddentsoftwosharpteeth，justtouchingandpausingthere。
　　Iclosedmyeyesinlanguorousecstasyandwaited，waitedwithbeatingheart。
　　Butatthatinstant，anothersensationsweptthroughmeasquickaslightning。IwasconsciousofthepresenceoftheCount，andofhisbeingasiflappedinastormoffury。AsmyeyesopenedinvoluntarilyIsawhisstronghandgrasptheslenderneckofthefairwomanandwithgiant'spowerdrawitback，theblueeyestransformedwithfury，thewhiteteethchampingwithrage，andthefaircheeksblazingredwithpassion。
　　ButtheCount！NeverdidIimaginesuchwrathandfury，eventothedemonsofthepit。Hiseyeswerepositivelyblazing。
　　Theredlightinthemwaslurid，asiftheflamesofhellfireblazedbehindthem。Hisfacewasdeathlypale，andthelinesofitwerehardlikedrawnwires。Thethickeyebrowsthatmetoverthenosenowseemedlikeaheavingbarofwhitehotmetal。
　　Withafiercesweepofhisarm，hehurledthewomanfromhim，andthenmotionedtotheothers，asthoughhewerebeatingthemback。
　　ItwasthesameimperiousgesturethatIhadseenusedtothewolves。
　　Inavoicewhich，thoughlowandalmostinawhisperseemedtocutthroughtheairandthenringintheroomhesaid，“Howdareyoutouchhim，anyofyou？HowdareyoucasteyesonhimwhenIhadforbiddenit？Back，Itellyouall！
　　Thismanbelongstome！Bewarehowyoumeddlewithhim，oryou'llhavetodealwithme。“
　　Thefairgirl，withalaughofribaldcoquetry，turnedtoanswerhim。
　　“Youyourselfneverloved。Youneverlove！”Onthistheotherwomenjoined，andsuchamirthless，hard，soullesslaughterrangthroughtheroomthatitalmostmademefainttohear。
　　Itseemedlikethepleasureoffiends。
　　ThentheCountturned，afterlookingatmyfaceattentively，andsaidinasoftwhisper，“Yes，Itoocanlove。
　　Youyourselvescantellitfromthepast。Isitnotso？
　　Well，nowIpromiseyouthatwhenIamdonewithhimyoushallkisshimatyourwill。Nowgo！Go！Imustawakenhim，forthereisworktobedone。“
　　“Arewetohavenothingtonight？”saidoneofthem，withalowlaugh，asshepointedtothebagwhichhehadthrownuponthefloor，andwhichmovedasthoughthereweresomelivingthingwithinit。
　　Foranswerhenoddedhishead。Oneofthewomenjumpedforwardandopenedit。Ifmyearsdidnotdeceivemetherewasagaspandalowwail，asofahalfsmotheredchild。
　　Thewomenclosedround，whilstIwasaghastwithhorror。
　　ButasIlooked，theydisappeared，andwiththemthedreadfulbag。
　　Therewasnodoornearthem，andtheycouldnothavepassedmewithoutmynoticing。Theysimplyseemedtofadeintotheraysofthemoonlightandpassoutthroughthewindow，forIcouldseeoutsidethedim，shadowyformsforamomentbeforetheyentirelyfadedaway。
　　Thenthehorrorovercameme，andIsankdownunconscious。
　　CHAPTER4
　　JonathanHarker'sJournalContinuedIawokeinmyownbed。IfitbethatIhadnotdreamt，theCountmusthavecarriedmehere。Itriedtosatisfymyselfonthesubject，butcouldnotarriveatanyunquestionableresult。
　　Tobesure，therewerecertainsmallevidences，suchasthatmyclotheswerefoldedandlaidbyinamannerwhichwasnotmyhabit。
　　Mywatchwasstillunwound，andIamrigorouslyaccustomedtowinditthelastthingbeforegoingtobed，andmanysuchdetails。
　　Butthesethingsarenoproof，fortheymayhavebeenevidencesthatmymindwasnotasusual，and，forsomecauseoranother，Ihadcertainlybeenmuchupset。Imustwatchforproof。OfonethingIamglad。
　　IfitwasthattheCountcarriedmehereandundressedme，hemusthavebeenhurriedinhistask，formypocketsareintact。
　　Iamsurethisdiarywouldhavebeenamysterytohimwhichhewouldnothavebrooked。Hewouldhavetakenordestroyedit。
　　AsIlookroundthisroom，althoughithasbeentomesofulloffear，itisnowasortofsanctuary，fornothingcanbemoredreadfulthanthoseawfulwomen，whowere，whoare，waitingtosuckmyblood。
　　18May——Ihavebeendowntolookatthatroomagainindaylight，forImustknowthetruth。WhenIgottothedoorwayatthetopofthestairsIfounditclosed。Ithadbeensoforciblydrivenagainstthejambthatpartofthewoodworkwassplintered。
　　Icouldseethattheboltofthelockhadnotbeenshot，butthedoorisfastenedfromtheinside。Ifearitwasnodream，andmustactonthissurmise。
　　19May——Iamsurelyinthetoils。LastnighttheCountaskedmeinthesauvesttonestowritethreeletters，onesayingthatmyworkherewasnearlydone，andthatI
　　shouldstartforhomewithinafewdays，anotherthatIwasstartingonthenextmorningfromthetimeoftheletter，andthethirdthatIhadleftthecastleandarrivedatBistritz。
　　Iwouldfainhaverebelled，butfeltthatinthepresentstateofthingsitwouldbemadnesstoquarrelopenlywiththeCountwhilstIamsoabsolutelyinhispower。Andtorefusewouldbetoexcitehissuspicionandtoarousehisanger。
　　HeknowsthatIknowtoomuch，andthatImustnotlive，lestIbedangeroustohim。Myonlychanceistoprolongmyopportunities。
　　Somethingmayoccurwhichwillgivemaachancetoescape。
　　Isawinhiseyessomethingofthatgatheringwrathwhichwasmanifestwhenhehurledthatfairwomanfromhim。
　　Heexplainedtomethatpostswerefewanduncertain，andthatmywritingnowwouldensureeaseofmindtomyfriends。
　　Andheassuredmewithsomuchimpressivenessthathewouldcountermandthelaterletters，whichwouldbeheldoveratBistritzuntilduetimeincasechancewouldadmitofmyprolongingmystay，thattoopposehimwouldhavebeentocreatenewsuspicion。
　　Ithereforepretendedtofallinwithhisviews，andaskedhimwhatdatesIshouldputontheletters。
　　Hecalculatedaminute，andthensaid，“ThefirstshouldbeJune12，thesecondJune19，andthethirdJune29。“
　　Iknownowthespanofmylife。Godhelpme！
　　28May——Thereisachanceofescape，oratanyrateofbeingabletosendwordhome。AbandofSzganyhavecometothecastle，andareencampedinthecourtyard。Thesearegipsies。
　　Ihavenotesoftheminmybook。Theyarepeculiartothispartoftheworld，thoughalliedtotheordinarygipsiesalltheworldover。
　　TherearethousandsoftheminHungaryandTransylvania，whoarealmostoutsidealllaw。Theyattachthemselvesasaruletosomegreatnobleorboyar，andcallthemselvesbyhisname。
　　Theyarefearlessandwithoutreligion，savesuperstition，andtheytalkonlytheirownvarietiesoftheRomanytongue。
　　Ishallwritesomelettershome，andshalltrytogetthemtohavethemposted。Ihavealreadyspokentothemthroughmywindowtobeginacquaintanceship。Theytooktheirhatsoffandmadeobeisanceandmanysigns，whichhowever，IcouldnotunderstandanymorethanIcouldtheirspokenlanguage……
　　Ihavewrittentheletters。Mina'sisinshorthand，andIsimplyaskMr。Hawkinstocommunicatewithher。ToherIhaveexplainedmysituation，butwithoutthehorrorswhichImayonlysurmise。
　　ItwouldshockandfrightenhertodeathwereItoexposemyhearttoher。
　　Shouldthelettersnotcarry，thentheCountshallnotyetknowmysecretortheextentofmyknowledge……
　　Ihavegiventheletters。Ithrewthemthroughthebarsofmywindowwithagoldpiece，andmadewhatsignsIcouldtohavethemposted。Themanwhotookthempressedthemtohisheartandbowed，andthenputtheminhiscap。
　　Icoulddonomore。Istolebacktothestudy，andbegantoread。
　　AstheCountdidnotcomein，Ihavewrittenhere……
　　TheCounthascome。Hesatdownbesideme，andsaidinhissmoothestvoiceasheopenedtwoletters，“TheSzganyhasgivenmethese，ofwhich，thoughIknownotwhencetheycome，Ishall，ofcourse，takecare。See！”——Hemusthavelookedatit——“Oneisfromyou，andtomyfriendPeterHawkins。
　　Theother，“——herehecaughtsightofthestrangesymbolsasheopenedtheenvelope，andthedarklookcameintohisface，andhiseyesblazedwickedly，——“Theotherisavilething，anoutrageuponfriendshipandhospitality！
　　Itisnotsigned。Well！Soitcannotmattertous。“Andhecalmlyheldletterandenvelopeintheflameofthelamptilltheywereconsumed。
　　Thenhewenton，“ThelettertoHawkins，thatIshall，ofcoursesendon，sinceitisyours。Yourlettersaresacredtome。
　　Yourpardon，myfriend，thatunknowinglyIdidbreaktheseal。
　　Willyounotcoveritagain？”Heheldoutthelettertome，andwithacourteousbowhandedmeacleanenvelope。
　　Icouldonlyredirectitandhandittohiminsilence。
　　WhenhewentoutoftheroomIcouldhearthekeyturnsoftly。
　　AminutelaterIwentoverandtriedit，andthedoorwaslocked。
　　When，anhourortwoafter，theCountcamequietlyintotheroom，hiscomingawakenedme，forIhadgonetosleeponthesofa。
　　Hewasverycourteousandverycheeryinhismanner，andseeingthatIhadbeensleeping，hesaid，“So，myfriend，youaretired？Gettobed。Thereisthesurestrest。
　　Imaynothavethepleasureoftalktonight，sincetherearemanylabourstome，butyouwillsleep，Ipray。“
　　Ipassedtomyroomandwenttobed，and，strangetosay，sleptwithoutdreaming。Despairhasitsowncalms。
　　31May——ThismorningwhenIwokeIthoughtIwouldprovidemyselfwithsomepapersandenvelopesfrommybagandkeeptheminmypocket，sothatImightwriteincaseIshouldgetanopportunity，butagainasurprise，againashock！
　　Everyscrapofpaperwasgone，andwithitallmynotes，mymemoranda，relatingtorailwaysandtravel，myletterofcredit，infactallthatmightbeusefultomewereIonceoutsidethecastle。
　　Isatandponderedawhile，andthensomethoughtoccurredtome，andImadesearchofmyportmanteauandinthewardrobewhereI
　　hadplacedmyclothes。
　　ThesuitinwhichIhadtravelledwasgone，andalsomyovercoatandrug。
　　Icouldfindnotraceofthemanywhere。Thislookedlikesomenewschemeofvillainy……
　　17June——Thismorning，asIwassittingontheedgeofmybedcudgellingmybrains，Iheardwithoutacracklingofwhipsandpoundingandscrapingofhorses'feetuptherockypathbeyondthecourtyard。WithjoyIhurriedtothewindow，andsawdriveintotheyardtwogreatleiter-wagons，eachdrawnbyeightsturdyhorses，andattheheadofeachpairaSlovak，withhiswidehat，greatnail-studdedbelt，dirtysheepskin，andhighboots。Theyhadalsotheirlongstavesinhand。
　　Irantothedoor，intendingtodescendandtryandjointhemthroughthemainhall，asIthoughtthatwaymightbeopenedforthem。
　　Againashock，mydoorwasfastenedontheoutside。
　　ThenIrantothewindowandcriedtothem。Theylookedupatmestupidlyandpointed，butjustthenthe“hetman“oftheSzganycameout，andseeingthempointingtomywindow，saidsomething，atwhichtheylaughed。
　　Henceforthnoeffortofmine，nopiteouscryoragonizedentreaty，wouldmakethemevenlookatme。Theyresolutelyturnedaway。
　　Theleiter-wagonscontainedgreat，squareboxes，withhandlesofthickrope。
　　ThesewereevidentlyemptybytheeasewithwhichtheSlovakshandledthem，andbytheirresonanceastheywereroughlymoved。
　　Whentheywereallunloadedandpackedinagreatheapinonecorneroftheyard，theSlovaksweregivensomemoneybytheSzgany，andspittingonitforluck，lazilywenteachtohishorse'shead。
　　Shortlyafterwards，Iheardthecracklingoftheirwhipsdieawayinthedistance。
　　24June——LastnighttheCountleftmeearly，andlockedhimselfintohisownroom。AssoonasIdaredIranupthewindingstair，andlookedoutofthewindow，whichopenedSouth。IthoughtI
　　wouldwatchfortheCount，forthereissomethinggoingon。
　　TheSzganyarequarteredsomewhereinthecastleandaredoingworkofsomekind。Iknowit，fornowandthen，Ihearafar-awaymuffledsoundasofmattockandspade，and，whateveritis，itmustbetheendofsomeruthlessvillainy。
　　Ihadbeenatthewindowsomewhatlessthanhalfanhour，whenIsawsomethingcomingoutoftheCount'swindow。
　　Idrewbackandwatchedcarefully，andsawthewholemanemerge。
　　ItwasanewshocktometofindthathehadonthesuitofclotheswhichIhadwornwhilsttravellinghere，andslungoverhisshouldertheterriblebagwhichIhadseenthewomentakeaway。
　　Therecouldbenodoubtastohisquest，andinmygarb，too！
　　This，then，ishisnewschemeofevil，thathewillallowotherstoseeme，astheythink，sothathemaybothleaveevidencethatIhavebeenseeninthetownsorvillagespostingmyownletters，andthatanywickednesswhichhemaydoshallbythelocalpeoplebeattributedtome。
　　Itmakesmeragetothinkthatthiscangoon，andwhilstIamshutuphere，averitableprisoner，butwithoutthatprotectionofthelawwhichisevenacriminal'srightandconsolation。
　　IthoughtIwouldwatchfortheCount'sreturn，andforalongtimesatdoggedlyatthewindow。ThenIbegantonoticethatthereweresomequaintlittlespecksfloatingintheraysofthemoonlight。
　　Theywerelikethetiniestgrainsofdust，andtheywhirledroundandgatheredinclustersinanebuloussortofway。Iwatchedthemwithasenseofsoothing，andasortofcalmstoleoverme。
　　Ileanedbackintheembrasureinamorecomfortableposition，sothatIcouldenjoymorefullytheaerialgambolling。
　　Somethingmademestartup，alow，piteoushowlingofdogssomewherefarbelowinthevalley，whichwashiddenfrommysight。
　　Louderitseemedtoringinmyears，andthefloatingmoatsofdusttotakenewshapestothesoundastheydancedinthemoonlight。
　　Ifeltmyselfstrugglingtoawaketosomecallofmyinstincts。
　　Nay，myverysoulwasstruggling，andmyhalf-rememberedsensibilitieswerestrivingtoanswerthecall。Iwasbecominghypnotised！
　　Quickerandquickerdancedthedust。Themoonbeamsseemedtoquiverastheywentbymeintothemassofgloombeyond。
　　Moreandmoretheygatheredtilltheyseemedtotakedimphantomshapes。
　　AndthenIstarted，broadawakeandinfullpossessionofmysenses，andranscreamingfromtheplace。
　　Thephantomshapes，whichwerebecominggraduallymaterialisedfromthemoonbeams，werethosethreeghostlywomentowhomIwasdoomed。
　　Ifled，andfeltsomewhatsaferinmyownroom，wheretherewasnomoonlight，andwherethelampwasburningbrightly。
　　WhenacoupleofhourshadpassedIheardsomethingstirringintheCount'sroom，somethinglikeasharpwailquicklysuppressed。
　　Andthentherewassilence，deep，awfulsilence，whichchilledme。
　　Withabeatingheart，Itriedthedoor，butIwaslockedinmyprison，andcoulddonothing。Isatdownandsimplycried。
　　AsIsatIheardasoundinthecourtyardwithout，theagonisedcryofawoman。Irushedtothewindow，andthrowingitup，peeredbetweenthebars。
　　There，indeed，wasawomanwithdishevelledhair，holdingherhandsoverherheartasonedistressedwithrunning。
　　Shewasleaningagainstthecornerofthegateway。
　　Whenshesawmyfaceatthewindowshethrewherselfforward，andshoutedinavoiceladenwithmenace，“Monster，givememychild！”
　　Shethrewherselfonherknees，andraisingupherhands，criedthesamewordsintoneswhichwrungmyheart。
　　Thenshetoreherhairandbeatherbreast，andabandonedherselftoalltheviolencesofextravagantemotion。
　　Finally，shethrewherselfforward，andthoughIcouldnotseeher，Icouldhearthebeatingofhernakedhandsagainstthedoor。
　　Somewherehighoverhead，probablyonthetower，IheardthevoiceoftheCountcallinginhisharsh，metallicwhisper。Hiscallseemedtobeansweredfromfarandwidebythehowlingofwolves。
　　Beforemanyminuteshadpassedapackofthempoured，likeapent-updamwhenliberated，throughthewideentranceintothecourtyard。
　　Therewasnocryfromthewoman，andthehowlingofthewolveswasbutshort。
　　Beforelongtheystreamedawaysingly，lickingtheirlips。
　　Icouldnotpityher，forIknewnowwhathadbecomeofherchild，andshewasbetterdead。
　　WhatshallIdo？WhatcanIdo？HowcanIescapefromthisdreadfulthingofnight，gloom，andfear？
　　25June——Nomanknowstillhehassufferedfromthenighthowsweetanddeartohisheartandeyethemorningcanbe。
　　Whenthesungrewsohighthismorningthatitstruckthetopofthegreatgatewayoppositemywindow，thehighspotwhichittouchedseemedtomeasifthedovefromthearkhadlightedthere。
　　Myfearfellfrommeasifithadbeenavaporousgarmentwhichdissolvedinthewarmth。
　　Imusttakeactionofsomesortwhilstthecourageofthedayisuponme。
　　Lastnightoneofmypost-datedletterswenttopost，thefirstofthatfatalserieswhichistoblotouttheverytracesofmyexistencefromtheearth。
　　Letmenotthinkofit。Action！
　　Ithasalwaysbeenatnight-timethatIhavebeenmolestedorthreatened，orinsomewayindangerorinfear。
　　IhavenotyetseentheCountinthedaylight。Canitbethathesleepswhenotherswake，thathemaybeawakewhilsttheysleep？
　　IfIcouldonlygetintohisroom！Butthereisnopossibleway。
　　Thedoorisalwayslocked，nowayforme。
　　Yes，thereisaway，ifonedarestotakeit。Wherehisbodyhasgonewhymaynotanotherbodygo？Ihaveseenhimmyselfcrawlfromhiswindow。WhyshouldnotIimitatehim，andgoinbyhiswindow？
　　Thechancesaredesperate，butmyneedismoredesperatestill。
　　Ishallriskit。Attheworstitcanonlybedeath，andaman'sdeathisnotacalf's，andthedreadedHereaftermaystillbeopentome。
　　Godhelpmeinmytask！Goodbye，Mina，ifIfail。Goodbye，myfaithfulfriendandsecondfather。Goodbye，all，andlastofallMina！
　　Sameday，later——Ihavemadetheeffort，andGodhelpingme，havecomesafelybacktothisroom。Imustputdowneverydetailinorder。
　　Iwentwhilstmycouragewasfreshstraighttothewindowonthesouthside，andatoncegotoutsideonthisside。Thestonesarebigandroughlycut，andthemortarhasbyprocessoftimebeenwashedawaybetweenthem。
　　Itookoffmyboots，andventuredoutonthedesperateway。
　　Ilookeddownonce，soastomakesurethatasuddenglimpseoftheawfuldepthwouldnotovercomeme，butafterthatkeptmyeyesawayfromit。
　　IknowprettywellthedirectionanddistanceoftheCount'swindow，andmadeforitaswellasIcould，havingregardtotheopportunitiesavailable。
　　Ididnotfeeldizzy，IsupposeIwastooexcited，andthetimeseemedridiculouslyshorttillIfoundmyselfstandingonthewindowsillandtryingtoraiseupthesash。Iwasfilledwithagitation，however，whenI
　　bentdownandslidfeetforemostinthroughthewindow。ThenIlookedaroundfortheCount，butwithsurpriseandgladness，madeadiscovery。
　　Theroomwasempty！Itwasbarelyfurnishedwithoddthings，whichseemedtohaveneverbeenused。
　　Thefurniturewassomethingthesamestyleasthatinthesouthrooms，andwascoveredwithdust。Ilookedforthekey，butitwasnotinthelock，andIcouldnotfinditanywhere。
　　TheonlythingIfoundwasagreatheapofgoldinonecorner，goldofallkinds，Roman，andBritish，andAustrian，andHungarian，andGreekandTurkishmoney，coveredwithafilmofdust，asthoughithadlainlongintheground。
　　NoneofitthatInoticedwaslessthanthreehundredyearsold。
　　Therewerealsochainsandornaments，somejewelled，butallofthemoldandstained。
　　Atonecorneroftheroomwasaheavydoor。Itriedit，for，sinceI
　　couldnotfindthekeyoftheroomorthekeyoftheouterdoor，whichwasthemainobjectofmysearch，Imustmakefurtherexamination，orallmyeffortswouldbeinvain。Itwasopen，andledthroughastonepassagetoacircularstairway，whichwentsteeplydown。
　　Idescended，mindingcarefullywhereIwentforthestairsweredark，beingonlylitbyloopholesintheheavymasonry。
　　Atthebottomtherewasadark，tunnel-likepassage，throughwhichcameadeathly，sicklyodour，theodourofoldearthnewlyturned。
　　AsIwentthroughthepassagethesmellgrewcloserandheavier。
　　AtlastIpulledopenaheavydoorwhichstoodajar，andfoundmyselfinanoldruinedchapel，whichhadevidentlybeenusedasagraveyard。
　　Theroofwasbroken，andintwoplaceswerestepsleadingtovaults，butthegroundhadrecentlybeendugover，andtheearthplacedingreatwoodenboxes，manifestlythosewhichhadbeenbroughtbytheSlovaks。
　　Therewasnobodyabout，andImadeasearchovereveryinchoftheground，soasnottoloseachance。Iwentdownevenintothevaults，wherethedimlightstruggled，althoughtodosowasadreadtomyverysoul。IntotwooftheseIwent，butsawnothingexceptfragmentsofoldcoffinsandpilesofdust。
　　Inthethird，however，Imadeadiscovery。
　　There，inoneofthegreatboxes，ofwhichtherewerefiftyinall，onapileofnewlydugearth，laytheCount！
　　Hewaseitherdeadorasleep。Icouldnotsaywhich，foreyeswereopenandstony，butwithouttheglassinessofdeath，andthecheekshadthewarmthoflifethroughalltheirpallor。
　　Thelipswereasredasever。Buttherewasnosignofmovement，nopulse，nobreath，nobeatingoftheheart。
　　Ibentoverhim，andtriedtofindanysignoflife，butinvain。
　　Hecouldnothavelaintherelong，fortheearthysmellwouldhavepassedawayinafewhours。Bythesideoftheboxwasitscover，piercedwithholeshereandthere。Ithoughthemighthavethekeysonhim，butwhenIwenttosearchIsawthedeadeyes，andinthemdeadthoughtheywere，suchalookofhate，thoughunconsciousofmeormypresence，thatIfledfromtheplace，andleavingtheCount'sroombythewindow，crawledagainupthecastlewall。
　　Regainingmyroom，Ithrewmyselfpantinguponthebedandtriedtothink。
　　29June——Todayisthedateofmylastletter，andtheCounthastakenstepstoprovethatitwasgenuine，foragainIsawhimleavethecastlebythesamewindow，andinmyclothes。Ashewentdownthewall，lizardfashion，IwishedIhadagunorsomelethalweapon，thatImightdestroyhim。ButI
　　fearthatnoweaponwroughtalongbyman'shandwouldhaveanyeffectonhim。
　　Idarednotwaittoseehimreturn，forIfearedtoseethoseweirdsisters。
　　Icamebacktothelibrary，andreadtheretillIfellasleep。
　　IwasawakenedbytheCount，wholookedatmeasgrimlyasamancouldlookashesaid，“Tomorrow，myfriend，wemustpart。YoureturntoyourbeautifulEngland，Itosomeworkwhichmayhavesuchanendthatwemaynevermeet。
　　Yourletterhomehasbeendespatched。TomorrowIshallnotbehere，butallshallbereadyforyourjourney。InthemorningcometheSzgany，whohavesomelaboursoftheirownhere，andalsocomesomeSlovaks。
　　Whentheyhavegone，mycarriageshallcomeforyou，andshallbearyoutotheBorgoPasstomeetthediligencefromBukovinatoBistritz。
　　ButIaminhopesthatIshallseemoreofyouatCastleDracula。“
　　Isuspectedhim，anddeterminedtotesthissincerity。Sincerity！Itseemslikeaprofanationofthewordtowriteitinconnectionwithsuchamonster，soIaskedhimpoint-blank，“WhymayInotgotonight？”
　　“Because，dearsir，mycoachmanandhorsesareawayonamission。“
　　“ButIwouldwalkwithpleasure。Iwanttogetawayatonce。“
　　Hesmiled，suchasoft，smooth，diabolicalsmilethatI
　　knewtherewassometrickbehindhissmoothness。Hesaid，“Andyourbaggage？”
　　“Idonotcareaboutit。Icansendforitsomeothertime。“
　　TheCountstoodup，andsaid，withasweetcourtesywhichmademerubmyeyes，itseemedsoreal，“YouEnglishhaveasayingwhichisclosetomyheart，foritsspiritisthatwhichrulesourboyars，`Welcomethecoming，speedthepartingguest。'
　　Comewithme，mydearyoungfriend。Notanhourshallyouwaitinmyhouseagainstyourwill，thoughsadamIatyourgoing，andthatyousosuddenlydesireit。Come！”Withastatelygravity，he，withthelamp，precededmedownthestairsandalongthehall。
　　Suddenlyhestopped。“Hark！”