MINAHARKER'SMEMORANDUM
　　ENTEREDINHERJOURNAL
　　Groundofinquiry——CountDracula'sproblemistogetbacktohisownplace。
　　aHemustbebroughtbackbysomeone。Thisisevident。
　　Forhadhepowertomovehimselfashewishedhecouldgoeitherasman，orwolf，orbat，orinsomeotherway。
　　Heevidentlyfearsdiscoveryorinterference，inthestateofhelplessnessinwhichhemustbe，confinedasheisbetweendawnandsunsetinhiswoodenbox。
　　bHowishetobetaken？——Hereaprocessofexclusionsmayhelpus。
　　Byroad，byrail，bywater？
　　1。ByRoad——Thereareendlessdifficulties，especiallyinleavingthecity。
　　xTherearepeople。Andpeoplearecurious，andinvestigate。
　　Ahint，asurmise，adoubtastowhatmightbeinthebox，woulddestroyhim。
　　yThereare，ortheremaybe，customsandoctroiofficerstopass。
　　zHispursuersmightfollow。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