CHAPTER15
　　DR。SEWARD'SDIARY-cont。
　　Forawhilesheerangermasteredme。ItwasasifhehadduringherlifestruckLucyontheface。IsmotethetablehardandroseupasIsaidtohim，“Dr。VanHelsing，areyoumad？”
　　Heraisedhisheadandlookedatme，andsomehowthetendernessofhisfacecalmedmeatonce。“WouldIwere！”hesaid。
　　“Madnesswereeasytobearcomparedwithtruthlikethis。
　　Oh，myfriend，whey，thinkyou，didIgosofarround，whytakesolongtotellsosimpleathing？
　　WasitbecauseIhateyouandhavehatedyouallmylife？
　　WasitbecauseIwishedtogiveyoupain？WasitthatIwanted，nosolate，revengeforthattimewhenyousavedmylife，andfromafearfuldeath？Ahno！”
　　“Forgiveme，“saidI。
　　Hewenton，“Myfriend，itwasbecauseIwishedtobegentleinthebreakingtoyou，forIknowyouhavelovedthatsosweetlady。
　　ButevenyetIdonotexpectyoutobelieve。Itissohardtoacceptatonceanyabstracttruth，thatwemaydoubtsuchtobepossiblewhenwehavealwaysbelievedthe`no'ofit。
　　Itismorehardstilltoacceptsosadaconcretetruth，andofsuchaoneasMissLucy。TonightIgotoproveit。
　　Dareyoucomewithme？”
　　Thisstaggeredme。Amandoesnotliketoprovesuchatruth，Byronexceptedfromthecatagory，jealousy。
　　“Andprovetheverytruthhemostabhorred。“
　　Hesawmyhesitation，andspoke，“Thelogicissimple，nomadman'slogicthistime，jumpingfromtussocktotussockinamistybog。
　　Ifitnotbetrue，thenproofwillberelief。Atworstitwillnotharm。
　　Ifitbetrue！Ah，thereisthedread。Yeteverydreadshouldhelpmycause，forinitissomeneedofbelief。Come，ItellyouwhatIpropose。
　　First，thatwegooffnowandseethatchildinthehospital。Dr。Vincent，oftheNorthHospital，wherethepaperssaythechildis，isafriendofmine，andIthinkofyourssinceyouwereinclassatAmsterdam。
　　Hewilllettwoscientistsseehiscase，ifhewillnotlettwofriends。
　　Weshalltellhimnothing，butonlythatwewishtolearn。
　　Andthen……“
　　“Andthen？”
　　Hetookakeyfromhispocketandhelditup。“Andthenwespendthenight，youandI，inthechurchyardwhereLucylies。
　　Thisisthekeythatlockthetomb。IhaditfromthecoffinmantogivetoArthur。“
　　Myheartsankwithinme，forIfeltthattherewassomefearfulordealbeforeus。Icoulddonothing，however，soIpluckedupwhatheartIcouldandsaidthatwehadbetterhasten，astheafternoonwaspassing。
　　Wefoundthechildawake。Ithadhadasleepandtakensomefood，andaltogetherwasgoingonwell。Dr，Vincenttookthebandagefromitsthroat，andshowedusthepunctures。TherewasnomistakingthesimilaritytothosewhichhadbeenonLucy'sthroat。
　　Theyweresmaller，andtheedgeslookedfresher，thatwasall。
　　WeaskedVincenttowhatheattributedthem，andherepliedthatitmusthavebeenabiteofsomeanimal，perhapsarat，butforhisownpart，hewasinclinedtothinkitwasoneofthebatswhicharesonumerousonthenorthernheightsofLondon。
　　“Outofsomanyharmlessones，“hesaid，“theremaybesomewildspecimenfromtheSouthofamoremalignantspecies。
　　Somesailormayhavebroughtonehome，anditmanagedtoescape，orevenfromtheZoologicalGardensayoungonemayhavegotloose，oronebebredtherefromavampire。
　　Thesethingsdooccur，you，know。Onlytendaysagoawolfgotout，andwas，Ibelieve，tracedupinthisdirection。
　　Foraweekafter，thechildrenwereplayingnothingbutRedRidingHoodontheHeathandineveryalleyintheplaceuntilthis`blooferlady'scarecamealong，sincethenithasbeenquiteagalatimewiththem。Eventhispoorlittlemite，whenhewokeuptoday，askedthenurseifhemightgoaway。
　　Whensheaskedhimwhyhewantedtogo，hesaidhewantedtoplaywiththe`blooferlady'。“
　　“Ihope，“saidVanHelsing，“thatwhenyouaresendingthechildhomeyouwillcautionitsparentstokeepstrictwatchoverit。
　　Thesefanciestostrayaremostdangerous，andifthechildweretoremainoutanothernight，itwouldprobablybefatal。
　　ButinanycaseIsupposeyouwillnotletitawayforsomedays？”
　　“Certainlynot，notforaweekatleast，longerifthewoundisnothealed。“
　　Ourvisittothehospitaltookmoretimethanwehadreckonedon，andthesunhaddippedbeforewecameout。
　　WhenVanHelsingsawhowdarkitwas，hesaid，“Thereisnothurry。ItismorelatethanIthought。
　　Come，letusseeksomewherethatwemayeat，andthenweshallgoonourway。“
　　Wedinedat`JackStraw'sCastle'alongwithalittlecrowdofbicyclistsandotherswhoweregeniallynoisy。Aboutteno'clockwestartedfromtheinn。
　　Itwasthenverydark，andthescatteredlampsmadethedarknessgreaterwhenwewereonceoutsidetheirindividualradius。TheProfessorhadevidentlynotedtheroadweweretogo，forhewentonunhesitatingly，but，asforme，Iwasinquiteamixupastolocality。Aswewentfurther，wemetfewerandfewerpeople，tillatlastweweresomewhatsurprisedwhenwemeteventhepatrolofhorsepolicegoingtheirusualsuburbanround。
　　Atlastwereachedthewallofthechurchyard，whichweclimbedover。
　　Withsomelittledifficulty，foritwasverydark，andthewholeplaceseemedsostrangetous，wefoundtheWestenratomb。TheProfessortookthekey，openedthecreakydoor，andstandingback，politely，butquiteunconsciously，motionedmetoprecedehim。Therewasadeliciousironyintheoffer，inthecourtlinessofgivingpreferenceonsuchaghastlyoccasion。
　　Mycompanionfollowedmequickly，andcautiouslydrewthedoorto，aftercarefullyascertainingthatthelockwasafalling，andnotaspringone。Inthelattercaseweshouldhavebeeninabadplight。
　　Thenhefumbledinhisbag，andtakingoutamatchboxandapieceofcandle，proceededtomakealight。Thetombinthedaytime，andwhenwreathedwithfreshflowers，hadlookedgrimandgruesomeenough，butnow，somedaysafterwards，whentheflowershunglankanddead，theirwhitesturningtorustandtheirgreenstobrowns，whenthespiderandthebeetlehadresumedtheiraccustomeddominance，whenthetime-discoloredstone，anddust-encrustedmortar，andrusty，dankiron，andtarnishedbrass，andcloudedsilver-platinggavebackthefeebleglimmerofacandle，theeffectwasmoremiserableandsordidthancouldhavebeenimagined。
　　Itconveyedirresistiblytheideathatlife，animallife，wasnottheonlythingwhichcouldpassaway。
　　VanHelsingwentabouthisworksystematically。Holdinghiscandlesothathecouldreadthecoffinplates，andsoholdingitthatthespermdroppedinwhitepatcheswhichcongealedastheytouchedthemetal，hemadeassuranceofLucy'scoffin。
　　Anothersearchinhisbag，andhetookoutaturnscrew。
　　“Whatareyougoingtodo？”Iasked。
　　“Toopenthecoffin。Youshallyetbeconvinced。“
　　Straightwayhebegantakingoutthescrews，andfinallyliftedoffthelid，showingthecasingofleadbeneath。Thesightwasalmosttoomuchforme。
　　Itseemedtobeasmuchanaffronttothedeadasitwouldhavebeentohavestrippedoffherclothinginhersleepwhilstliving。
　　Iactuallytookholdofhishandtostophim。
　　Heonlysaid，“Youshallsee，“andagainfumblinginhisbagtookoutatinyfretsaw。Strikingtheturnscrewthroughtheleadwithaswiftdownwardstab，whichmademewince，hemadeasmallhole，whichwas，however，bigenoughtoadmitthepointofthesaw。
　　Ihadexpectedarushofgasfromtheweek-oldcorpse。
　　Wedoctors，whohavehadtostudyourdangers，havetobecomeaccustomedtosuchthings，andIdrewbacktowardsthedoor。
　　ButtheProfessorneverstoppedforamoment。Hesaweddownacoupleoffeetalongonesideoftheleadcoffin，andthenacross，anddowntheotherside。Takingtheedgeofthelooseflange，hebentitbacktowardsthefootofthecoffin，andholdingupthecandleintotheaperture，motionedtometolook。
　　Idrewnearandlooked。Thecoffinwasempty。Itwascertainlyasurprisetome，andgavemeaconsiderableshock，butVanHelsingwasunmoved。
　　Hewasnowmoresurethaneverofhisground，andsoemboldenedtoproceedinhistask。“Areyousatisfiednow，friendJohn？”heasked。
　　IfeltallthedoggedargumentativenessofmynatureawakewithinmeasI
　　answeredhim，“IamsatisfiedthatLucy'sbodyisnotinthatcoffin，butthatonlyprovesonething。“
　　“Andwhatisthat，friendJohn？”
　　“Thatitisnotthere。“
　　“Thatisgoodlogic，“hesaid，“sofarasitgoes。
　　Buthowdoyou，howcanyou，accountforitnotbeingthere？”
　　“Perhapsabody-snatcher，“Isuggested。“Someoftheundertaker'speoplemayhavestolenit。“IfeltthatIwasspeakingfolly，andyetitwastheonlyrealcausewhichIcouldsuggest。
　　TheProfessorsighed。“Ahwell！”hesaid，“wemusthavemoreproof。
　　Comewithme。“
　　Heputonthecoffinlidagain，gatheredupallhisthingsandplacedtheminthebag，blewoutthelight，andplacedthecandlealsointhebag。
　　Weopenedthedoor，andwentout。Behindusheclosedthedoorandlockedit。Hehandedmethekey，saying，“Willyoukeepit？
　　Youhadbetterbeassured。“
　　Ilaughed，itwasnotaverycheerfullaugh，Iamboundtosay，asImotionedhimtokeepit。“Akeyisnothing，“Isaid，“theearemanyduplicates，andanyhowitisnotdifficulttopickalockofthiskind。“
　　Hesaidnothing，butputthekeyinhispocket。
　　Thenhetoldmetowatchatonesideofthechurchyardwhilsthewouldwatchattheother。
　　Itookupmyplacebehindayewtree，andIsawhisdarkfiguremoveuntiltheinterveningheadstonesandtreeshiditfrommysight。
　　Itwasalonelyvigil。JustafterIhadtakenmyplaceIheardadistantclockstriketwelve，andintimecameoneandtwo。
　　Iwaschilledandunnerved，andangrywiththeProfessorfortakingmeonsuchanerrandandwithmyselfforcoming。
　　Iwastoocoldandtoosleepytobekeenlyobservant，andnotsleepyenoughtobetraymytrust，soaltogetherI
　　hadadreary，miserabletime。
　　Suddenly，asIturnedround，IthoughtIsawsomethinglikeawhitestreak，movingbetweentwodarkyewtreesatthesideofthechurchyardfarthestfromthetomb。AtthesametimeadarkmassmovedfromtheProfessor'ssideoftheground，andhurriedlywenttowardsit。ThenItoomoved，butIhadtogoroundheadstonesandrailed-offtombs，andIstumbledovergraves。
　　Theskywasovercast，andsomewherefaroffanearlycockcrew。
　　Alittlewaysoff，beyondalineofscatteredjunipertrees，whichmarkedthepathwaytothechurch，awhitedimfigureflittedinthedirectionofthetomb。Thetombitselfwashiddenbytrees，andIcouldnotseewherethefigurehaddisappeared。
　　IheardtherustleofactualmovementwhereIhadfirstseenthewhitefigure，andcomingover，foundtheProfessorholdinginhisarmsatinychild。Whenhesawmehehelditouttome，andsaid，“Areyousatisfiednow？”
　　“No，“Isaid，inawaythatIfeltwasaggressive。
　　“Doyounotseethechild？”
　　“Yes，itisachild，butwhobroughtithere？Andisitwounded？”
　　“Weshallsee，“saidtheProfessor，andwithoneimpulsewetookourwayoutofthechurchyard，hecarryingthesleepingchild。
　　Whenwehadgotsomelittledistanceaway，wewentintoaclumpoftrees，andstruckamatch，andlookedatthechild'sthroat。
　　Itwaswithoutascratchorscarofanykind。
　　“WasIright？”Iaskedtriumphantly。
　　“Wewerejustintime，“saidtheProfessorthankfully。
　　Wehadnowtodecidewhatweweretodowiththechild，andsoconsultedaboutit。Ifweweretotakeittoapolicestationweshouldhavetogivesomeaccountofourmovementsduringthenight。
　　Atleast，weshouldhavehadtomakesomestatementastohowwehadcometofindthechild。SofinallywedecidedthatwewouldtakeittotheHeath，andwhenweheardapolicemancoming，wouldleaveitwherehecouldnotfailtofindit。Wewouldthenseekourwayhomeasquicklyaswecould。Allfelloutwell。
　　AttheedgeofHampsteadHeathweheardapoliceman'sheavytramp，andlayingthechildonthepathway，wewaitedandwatcheduntilhesawitasheflashedhislanterntoandfro。Weheardhisexclamationofastonishment，andthenwewentawaysilently。
　　Bygoodchancewegotacabnearthe`Spainiards，'anddrovetotown。
　　Icannotsleep，soImakethisentry。ButImusttrytogetafewhours'sleep，asVanHelsingistocallformeatnoon。
　　HeinsiststhatIgowithhimonanotherexpedition。
　　27September——Itwastwoo'clockbeforewefoundasuitableopportunityforourattempt。Thefuneralheldatnoonwasallcompleted，andthelaststragglersofthemournershadtakenthemselveslazilyaway，when，lookingcarefullyfrombehindaclumpofaldertrees，wesawthesextonlockthegateafterhim。
　　Weknewthatweweresafetillmorningdidwedesireit，buttheProfessortoldmethatweshouldnotwantmorethananhouratmost。
　　AgainIfeltthathorridsenseoftherealityofthings，inwhichanyeffortofimaginationseemedoutofplace，andIrealizeddistinctlytheperilsofthelawwhichwewereincurringinourunhallowedwork。
　　Besides，Ifeltitwasallsouseless。Outrageousasitwastoopenaleadencoffin，toseeifawomandeadnearlyaweekwerereallydead，itnowseemedtheheightoffollytoopenthetombagain，whenweknew，fromtheevidenceofourowneyesight，thatthecoffinwasempty。
　　Ishruggedmyshoulders，however，andrestedsilent，forVanHelsinghadawayofgoingonhisownroad，nomatterwhoremonstrated。
　　Hetookthekey，openedthevault，andagaincourteouslymotionedmetoprecede。Theplacewasnotsogruesomeaslastnight，butoh，howunutterablymeanlookingwhenthesunshinestreamedin。
　　VanHelsingwalkedovertoLucy'scoffin，andIfollowed。
　　Hebentoverandagainforcedbacktheleadenflange，andashockofsurpriseanddismayshotthroughme。
　　TherelayLucy，seeminglyjustaswehadseenherthenightbeforeherfuneral。Shewas，ifpossible，moreradiantlybeautifulthanever，andIcouldnotbelievethatshewasdead。
　　Thelipswerered，nayredderthanbefore，andonthecheekswasadelicatebloom。
　　“Isthisajuggle？”Isaidtohim。
　　“Areyouconvincednow？”saidtheProfessor，inresponse，andashespokeheputoverhishand，andinawaythatmademeshudder，pulledbackthedeadlipsandshowedthewhiteteeth。
　　“See，“hewenton，“theyareevensharperthanbefore。
　　Withthisandthis，“andhetouchedoneofthecanineteethandthatbelowit，“thelittlechildrencanbebitten。
　　Areyouofbeliefnow，friendJohn？”
　　Oncemoreargumentativehostilitywokewithinme。Icouldnotacceptsuchanoverwhelmingideaashesuggested。So，withanattempttoargueofwhichIwasevenatthemomentashamed，Isaid，“Shemayhavebeenplacedheresincelastnight。“
　　“Indeed？Thatisso，andbywhom？”
　　“Idonotknow。Someonehasdoneit。“
　　“Andyetshehasbeendeadoneweek。Mostpeoplesinthattimewouldnotlookso。“
　　Ihadnoanswerforthis，sowassilent。VanHelsingdidnotseemtonoticemysilence。Atanyrate，heshowedneitherchagrinnortriumph。
　　Hewaslookingintentlyatthefaceofthedeadwoman，raisingtheeyelidsandlookingattheeyes，andoncemoreopeningthelipsandexaminingtheteeth。
　　Thenheturnedtomeandsaid，“Here，thereisonethingwhichisdifferentfromallrecorded。
　　Hereissomeduallifethatisnotasthecommon。Shewasbittenbythevampirewhenshewasinatrance，sleep-walking，oh，youstart。Youdonotknowthat，friendJohn，butyoushallknowitlater，andintrancecouldhebestcometotakemoreblood。
　　Intranceshedies，andintrancesheisUnDead，too。Soitisthatshedifferfromallother。UsuallywhentheUnDeadsleepathome，“ashespokehemadeacomprehensivesweepofhisarmtodesignatewhattoavampirewas`home'，“theirfaceshowwhattheyare，butthissosweetthatwaswhenshenotUnDeadshegobacktothenothingsofthecommondead。
　　Thereisnomalignthere，see，andsoitmakehardthatImustkillherinhersleep。“
　　Thisturnedmybloodcold，anditbegantodawnuponmethatI
　　wasacceptingVanHelsing'stheories。Butifshewerereallydead，whatwasthereofterrorintheideaofkillingher？
　　Helookedupatme，andevidentlysawthechangeinmyface，forhesaidalmostjoyously，“Ah，youbelievenow？”
　　Ianswered，“Donotpressmetoohardallatonce。Iamwillingtoaccept。
　　Howwillyoudothisbloodywork？”
　　“Ishallcutoffherheadandfillhermouthwithgarlic，andIshalldriveastakethroughherbody。“
　　ItmademeshuddertothinkofsomutilatingthebodyofthewomanwhomIhadloved。AndyetthefeelingwasnotsostrongasIhadexpected。
　　Iwas，infact，beginningtoshudderatthepresenceofthisbeing，thisUnDead，asVanHelsingcalledit，andtoloatheit。
　　Isitpossiblethatloveisallsubjective，orallobjective？
　　IwaitedaconsiderabletimeforVanHelsingtobegin，buthestoodasifwrappedinthought。Presentlyheclosedthecatchofhisbagwithasnap，andsaid，“Ihavebeenthinking，andhavemadeupmymindastowhatisbest。
　　IfIdidsimplyfollowmyincliningIwoulddonow，atthismoment，whatistobedone。Butthereareotherthingstofollow，andthingsthatarethousandtimesmoredifficultinthatthemwedonotknow。
　　Thisissimple。Shehaveyetnolifetaken，thoughthatisoftime，andtoactnowwouldbetotakedangerfromherforever。
　　ButthenwemayhavetowantArthur，andhowshallwetellhimofthis？
　　Ifyou，whosawthewoundsonLucy'sthroat，andsawthewoundssosimilaronthechild'satthehospital，ifyou，whosawthecoffinemptylastnightandfulltodaywithawomanwhohavenotchangeonlytobemoreroseandmorebeautifulinawholeweek，aftershedie，ifyouknowofthisandknowofthewhitefigurelastnightthatbroughtthechildtothechurchyard，andyetofyourownsensesyoudidnotbelieve，howthen，canIexpectArthur，whoknownoneofthosethings，tobelieve？
　　“HedoubtedmewhenItookhimfromherkisswhenshewasdying。
　　IknowhehasforgivenmebecauseinsomemistakenideaI
　　havedonethingsthatpreventhimsaygoodbyeasheought，andhemaythinkthatinsomemoremistakenideathiswomanwasburiedalive，andthatinmostmistakeofallwehavekilledher。
　　Hewillthenarguebackthatitiswe，mistakenones，thathavekilledherbyourideas，andsohewillbemuchunhappyalways。
　　Yethenevercanbesure，andthatistheworstofall。
　　Andhewillsometimesthinkthatshehelovedwasburiedalive，andthatwillpainthisdreamswithhorrorsofwhatshemusthavesuffered，andagain，hewillthinkthatwemayberight，andthathissobelovedwas，afterall，anUnDead。No！Itoldhimonce，andsincethenIlearnmuch。
　　Now，sinceIknowitisalltrue，ahundredthousandtimesmoredoIknowthathemustpassthroughthebitterwaterstoreachthesweet。He，poorfellow，musthaveonehourthatwillmaketheveryfaceofheavengrowblacktohim，thenwecanactforgoodallroundandsendhimpeace。
　　Mymindismadeup。Letusgo。Youreturnhomefortonighttoyourasylum，andseethatallbewell。Asforme，Ishallspendthenighthereinthischurchyardinmyownway。
　　TomorrownightyouwillcometometotheBerkeleyHotelattenoftheclock。IshallsendforArthurtocometoo，andalsothatsofineyoungmanofAmericathatgavehisblood。
　　Laterweshallallhaveworktodo。IcomewithyousofarasPiccadillyandtheredine，forImustbebackherebeforethesunset。“
　　Sowelockedthetombandcameaway，andgotoverthewallofthechurchyard，whichwasnotmuchofatask，anddrovebacktoPiccadilly。
　　NOTELEFTBYVANHELSINGINHISPORTMANTEAU，BERKELEYHOTELDIRECTEDTO
　　JOHNSEWARD，M。D。NotDelivered
　　27September“FriendJohn，“Iwritethisincaseanythingshouldhappen。Igoalonetowatchinthatchurchyard。ItpleasesmethattheUnDead，MissLucy，shallnotleavetonight，thatsoonthemorrownightshemaybemoreeager。ThereforeIshallfixsomethingsshelikenot，garlicandacrucifix，andsosealupthedoorofthetomb。
　　SheisyoungasUnDead，andwillheed。Moreover，theseareonlytopreventhercomingout。Theymaynotprevailonherwantingtogetin，forthentheUnDeadisdesperate，andmustfindthelineofleastresistance，whatsoeveritmaybe。
　　Ishallbeathandallthenightfromsunsettillaftersunrise，andiftherebeaughtthatmaybelearnedIshalllearnit。
　　ForMissLucyorfromher，Ihavenofear，butthatothertowhomistherethatsheisUnDead，hehavenotthepowertoseekhertombandfindshelter。Heiscunning，asIknowfromMr。JonathanandfromthewaythatallalonghehavefooleduswhenheplayedwithusforMissLucy'slife，andwelost，andinmanywaystheUnDeadarestrong。
　　Hehavealwaysthestrengthinhishandoftwentymen，evenwefourwhogaveourstrengthtoMissLucyitalsoisalltohim。
　　Besides，hecansummonhiswolfandIknownotwhat。
　　Soifitbethathecamethitheronthisnightheshallfindme。
　　Butnoneothershall，untilitbetoolate。Butitmaybethathewillnotattempttheplace。Thereisnoreasonwhyheshould。
　　HishuntinggroundismorefullofgamethanthechurchyardwheretheUnDeadwomansleeps，andtheoneoldmanwatch。
　　“ThereforeIwritethisincase……Takethepapersthatarewiththis，thediariesofHarkerandtherest，andreadthem，andthenfindthisgreatUnDead，andcutoffhisheadandburnhisheartordriveastakethroughit，sothattheworldmayrestfromhim。
　　“Ifitbeso，farewell。
　　“VANHELSING。“
　　DR。SEWARD'SDIARY
　　28September——Itiswonderfulwhatagoodnight'ssleepwilldoforone。
　　YesterdayIwasalmostwillingtoacceptVanHelsing'smonstrousideas，butnowtheyseemtostartoutluridbeforemeasoutragesoncommonsense。Ihavenodoubtthathebelievesitall。
　　Iwonderifhismindcanhavebecomeinanywayunhinged。Surelytheremustbesomerationalexplanationofallthesemysteriousthings。
　　IsitpossiblethattheProfessorcanhavedoneithimself？
　　Heissoabnormallycleverthatifhewentoffhisheadhewouldcarryouthisintentwithregardtosomefixedideainawonderfulway。
　　Iamloathetothinkit，andindeeditwouldbealmostasgreatamarvelastheothertofindthatVanHelsingwasmad，butanyhowIshallwatchhimcarefully。Imaygetsomelightonthemystery。
　　29September——Lastnight，atalittlebeforeteno'clock，ArthurandQuinceycameintoVanHelsing'sroom。
　　Hetoldusallwhathewantedustodo，butespeciallyaddressinghimselftoArthur，asifallourwillswerecenteredinhis。
　　Hebeganbysayingthathehopedwewouldallcomewithhimtoo，“for，“hesaid，“thereisagravedutytobedonethere。
　　Youweredoubtlesssurprisedatmyletter？”ThisquerywasdirectlyaddressedtoLordGodalming。
　　“Iwas。Itratherupsetmeforabit。TherehasbeensomuchtroublearoundmyhouseoflatethatIcoulddowithoutanymore。
　　Ihavebeencurious，too，astowhatyoumean。
　　“QuinceyandItalkeditover，butthemorewetalked，themorepuzzledwegot，tillnowIcansayformyselfthatI'maboutupatreeastoanymeaningaboutanything。“
　　“Metoo，“saidQuinceyMorrislaconically。
　　“Oh，“saidtheProfessor，“thenyouarenearerthebeginning，bothofyou，thanfriendJohnhere，whohastogoalongwaybackbeforehecanevengetsofarastobegin。“
　　Itwasevidentthatherecognizedmyreturntomyolddoubtingframeofmindwithoutmysayingaword。Then，turningtotheothertwo，hesaidwithintensegravity，“IwantyourpermissiontodowhatIthinkgoodthisnight。
　　Itis，Iknow，muchtoask，andwhenyouknowwhatitisI
　　proposetodoyouwillknow，andonlythenhowmuch。
　　ThereforemayIaskthatyoupromisemeinthedark，sothatafterwards，thoughyoumaybeangrywithmeforatime，Imustnotdisguisefrommyselfthepossibilitythatsuchmaybe，youshallnotblameyourselvesforanything。“
　　“That'sfrankanyhow，“brokeinQuincey。“I'llanswerfortheProfessor。
　　Idon'tquiteseehisdrift，butIswearhe'shonest，andthat'sgoodenoughforme。“
　　“Ithankyou，Sir，“saidVanHelsingproudly。“Ihavedonemyselfthehonorofcountingyouonetrustingfriend，andsuchendorsementisdeartome。“
　　Heheldoutahand，whichQuinceytook。
　　ThenArthurspokeout，“Dr。VanHelsing，Idon'tquiteliketo`buyapiginapoke'，astheysayinScotland，andifitbeanythinginwhichmyhonourasagentlemanormyfaithasaChristianisconcerned，Icannotmakesuchapromise。
　　Ifyoucanassuremethatwhatyouintenddoesnotviolateeitherofthesetwo，thenIgivemyconsentatonce，thoughforthelifeofme，Icannotunderstandwhatyouaredrivingat。“
　　“Iacceptyourlimitation，“saidVanHelsing，“andallIaskofyouisthatifyoufeelitnecessarytocondemnanyactofmine，youwillfirstconsideritwellandbesatisfiedthatitdoesnotviolateyourreservations。“
　　“Agreed！”saidArthur。“Thatisonlyfair。Andnowthatthepourparlersareover，mayIaskwhatitiswearetodo？”
　　“Iwantyoutocomewithme，andtocomeinsecret，tothechurchyardatKingstead。“
　　Arthur'sfacefellashesaidinanamazedsortofway，“WherepoorLucyisburied？”
　　TheProfessorbowed。
　　Arthurwenton，“Andwhenthere？”
　　“Toenterthetomb！”
　　Arthurstoodup。“Professor，areyouinearnest，orisitsomemonstrousjoke？Pardonme，Iseethatyouareinearnest。“
　　Hesatdownagain，butIcouldseethathesatfirmlyandproudly，asonewhoisonhisdignity。Therewassilenceuntilheaskedagain，“Andwheninthetomb？”
　　“Toopenthecoffin。“
　　“Thisistoomuch！”hesaid，angrilyrisingagain。
　　“Iamwillingtobepatientinallthingsthatarereasonable，butinthis，thisdesecrationofthegrave，ofonewho……“Hefairlychokedwithindignation。
　　TheProfessorlookedpityinglyathim。“IfIcouldspareyouonepang，mypoorfriend，“hesaid，“GodknowsIwould。
　　Butthisnightourfeetmusttreadinthornypaths，orlater，andforever，thefeetyoulovemustwalkinpathsofflame！”
　　Arthurlookedupwithsetwhitefaceandsaid，“Takecare，sir，takecare！”
　　“WoulditnotbewelltohearwhatIhavetosay？”saidVanHelsing。
　　“Andthenyouwillatleastknowthelimitofmypurpose。
　　ShallIgoon？”
　　“That'sfairenough，“brokeinMorris。
　　AfterapauseVanHelsingwenton，evidentlywithaneffort，“MissLucyisdead，isitnotso？Yes！Thentherecanbenowrongtoher。
　　Butifshebenotdead……“
　　Arthurjumpedtohisfeet，“GoodGod！”hecried。“Whatdoyoumean？
　　Hastherebeenanymistake，hasshebeenburiedalive？”
　　Hegroanedinanguishthatnotevenhopecouldsoften。
　　“Ididnotsayshewasalive，mychild。Ididnotthinkit。
　　IgonofurtherthantosaythatshemightbeUnDead。“
　　“UnDead！Notalive！Whatdoyoumean？Isthisallanightmare，orwhatisit？”
　　“Therearemysterieswhichmencanonlyguessat，whichagebyagetheymaysolveonlyinpart。Believeme，wearenowonthevergeofone。
　　ButIhavenotdone。MayIcutofftheheadofdeadMissLucy？”
　　“Heavensandearth，no！”criedArthurinastormofpassion。
　　“NotforthewideworldwillIconsenttoanymutilationofherdeadbody。Dr。VanHelsing，youtrymetoofar。
　　WhathaveIdonetoyouthatyoushouldtorturemeso？
　　Whatdidthatpoor，sweetgirldothatyoushouldwanttocastsuchdishonoronhergrave？Areyoumad，thatyouspeakofsuchthings，oramImadtolistentothem？Don'tdarethinkmoreofsuchadesecration。Ishallnotgivemyconsenttoanythingyoudo。
　　Ihaveadutytodoinprotectinghergravefromoutrage，andbyGod，Ishalldoit！”
　　VanHelsingroseupfromwherehehadallthetimebeenseated，andsaid，gravelyandsternly，“MyLordGodalming，Itoo，haveadutytodo，adutytoothers，adutytoyou，adutytothedead，andbyGod，Ishalldoit！
　　AllIaskyounowisthatyoucomewithme，thatyoulookandlisten，andifwhenlaterImakethesamerequestyoudonotbemoreeagerforitsfulfillmenteventhanIam，then，Ishalldomyduty，whateveritmayseemtome。Andthen，tofollowyourLordship'swishesIshallholdmyselfatyourdisposaltorenderanaccounttoyou，whenandwhereyouwill。“
　　Hisvoicebrokealittle，andhewentonwithavoicefullofpity。
　　“ButIbeseechyou，donotgoforthinangerwithme。Inalonglifeofactswhichwereoftennotpleasanttodo，andwhichsometimesdidwringmyheart，Ihaveneverhadsoheavyataskasnow。
　　Believemethatifthetimecomesforyoutochangeyourmindtowardsme，onelookfromyouwillwipeawayallthissosadhour，forIwoulddowhatamancantosaveyoufromsorrow。Justthink。
　　ForwhyshouldIgivemyselfsomuchlaborandsomuchofsorrow？
　　IhavecomeherefrommyownlandtodowhatIcanofgood，atthefirsttopleasemyfriendJohn，andthentohelpasweetyounglady，whomtoo，Icometolove。Forher，Iamashamedtosaysomuch，butIsayitinkindness，Igavewhatyougave，thebloodofmyveins。
　　Igaveit，Iwhowasnot，likeyou，herlover，butonlyherphysicianandherfriend。Igavehermynightsanddays，beforedeath，afterdeath，andifmydeathcandohergoodevennow，whensheisthedeadUnDead，sheshallhaveitfreely。“
　　Hesaidthiswithaverygrave，sweetpride，andArthurwasmuchaffectedbyit。
　　Hetooktheoldman'shandandsaidinabrokenvoice，“Oh，itishardtothinkofit，andIcannotunderstand，butatleastIshallgowithyouandwait。“
　　CHAPTER16
　　DRSEWARD'SDIARY-cont。
　　Itwasjustaquarterbeforetwelveo'clockwhenwegotintothechurchyardoverthelowwall。Thenightwasdarkwithoccasionalgleamsofmoonlightbetweenthedentsoftheheavycloudsthatscuddedacrossthesky。
　　Weallkeptsomehowclosetogether，withVanHelsingslightlyinfrontasheledtheway。WhenwehadcomeclosetothetombIlookedwellatArthur，forIfearedtheproximitytoaplaceladenwithsosorrowfulamemorywouldupsethim，butheborehimselfwell。Itookitthattheverymysteryoftheproceedingwasinsomewayacounteractanttohisgrief。
　　TheProfessorunlockedthedoor，andseeinganaturalhesitationamongstusforvariousreasons，solvedthedifficultybyenteringfirsthimself。
　　Therestofusfollowed，andheclosedthedoor。Hethenlitadarklanternandpointedtoacoffin。Arthursteppedforwardhesitatingly。
　　VanHelsingsaidtome，“Youwerewithmehereyesterday。
　　WasthebodyofMissLucyinthatcoffin？”
　　“Itwas。“
　　TheProfessorturnedtotherestsaying，“Youhear，andyetthereisnoonewhodoesnotbelievewithme。'
　　Hetookhisscrewdriverandagaintookoffthelidofthecoffin。
　　Arthurlookedon，verypalebutsilent。Whenthelidwasremovedhesteppedforward。Heevidentlydidnotknowthattherewasaleadencoffin，oratanyrate，hadnotthoughtofit。
　　Whenhesawtherentinthelead，thebloodrushedtohisfaceforaninstant，butasquicklyfellawayagain，sothatheremainedofaghastlywhiteness。Hewasstillsilent。
　　VanHelsingforcedbacktheleadenflange，andwealllookedinandrecoiled。
　　Thecoffinwasempty！
　　Forseveralminutesnoonespokeaword。ThesilencewasbrokenbyQuinceyMorris，“Professor，Iansweredforyou。
　　YourwordisallIwant。Iwouldn'tasksuchathingordinarily，Iwouldn'tsodishonoryouastoimplyadoubt，butthisisamysterythatgoesbeyondanyhonorordishonor。
　　Isthisyourdoing？”
　　“IsweartoyoubyallthatIholdsacredthatIhavenotremovedortouchedher。Whathappenedwasthis。
　　TwonightsagomyfriendSewardandIcamehere，withgoodpurpose，believeme。Iopenedthatcoffin，whichwasthensealedup，andwefounditasnow，empty。
　　Wethenwaited，andsawsomethingwhitecomethroughthetrees。
　　Thenextdaywecamehereindaytimeandshelaythere。
　　Didshenot，friendJohn？
　　“Yes。“
　　“Thatnightwewerejustintime。Onemoresosmallchildwasmissing，andwefindit，thankGod，unharmedamongstthegraves。
　　YesterdayIcameherebeforesundown，foratsundowntheUnDeadcanmove。
　　Iwaitedhereallnighttillthesunrose，butIsawnothing。
　　ItwasmostprobablethatitwasbecauseIhadlaidovertheclampsofthosedoorsgarlic，whichtheUnDeadcannotbear，andotherthingswhichtheyshun。Lastnighttherewasnoexodus，sotonightbeforethesundownItookawaymygarlicandotherthings。
　　Andsoitiswefindthiscoffinempty。Butbearwithme。
　　Sofarthereismuchthatisstrange。Waityouwithmeoutside，unseenandunheard，andthingsmuchstrangerareyettobe。
　　So，“hereheshutthedarkslideofhislantern，“nowtotheoutside。“
　　Heopenedthedoor，andwefiledout，hecominglastandlockingthedoorbehindhim。
　　Oh！Butitseemedfreshandpureinthenightairaftertheterrorofthatvault。Howsweetitwastoseethecloudsraceby，andthepassinggleamsofthemoonlightbetweenthescuddingcloudscrossingandpassing，likethegladnessandsorrowofaman'slife。Howsweetitwastobreathethefreshair，thathadnotaintofdeathanddecay。
　　Howhumanizingtoseetheredlightingoftheskybeyondthehill，andtohearfarawaythemuffledroarthatmarksthelifeofagreatcity。Eachinhisownwaywassolemnandovercome。
　　Arthurwassilent，andwas，Icouldsee，strivingtograspthepurposeandtheinnermeaningofthemystery。
　　Iwasmyselftolerablypatient，andhalfinclinedagaintothrowasidedoubtandtoacceptVanHelsing'sconclusions。
　　QuinceyMorriswasphlegmaticinthewayofamanwhoacceptsallthings，andacceptstheminthespiritofcoolbravery，withhazardofallhehasatstake。Notbeingabletosmoke，hecuthimselfagood-sizedplugoftobaccoandbegantochew。
　　AstoVanHelsing，hewasemployedinadefiniteway。
　　Firsthetookfromhisbagamassofwhatlookedlikethin，wafer-likebiscuit，whichwascarefullyrolledupinawhitenapkin。
　　Nexthetookoutadoublehandfulofsomewhitishstuff，likedoughorputty。Hecrumbledthewaferupfineandworkeditintothemassbetweenhishands。Thishethentook，androllingitintothinstrips，begantolaythemintothecrevicesbetweenthedooranditssettinginthetomb。
　　Iwassomewhatpuzzledatthis，andbeingclose，askedhimwhatitwasthathewasdoing。ArthurandQuinceydrewnearalso，astheytoowerecurious。
　　Heanswered，“IamclosingthetombsothattheUnDeadmaynotenter。“
　　“Andisthatstuffyouhavetheregoingtodoit？”
　　“ItIs。“
　　“Whatisthatwhichyouareusing？”ThistimethequestionwasbyArthur。
　　VanHelsingreverentlyliftedhishatasheanswered。
　　“TheHost。IbroughtitfromAmsterdam。IhaveanIndulgence。“
　　Itwasananswerthatappalledthemostscepticalofus，andwefeltindividuallythatinthepresenceofsuchearnestpurposeastheProfessor's，apurposewhichcouldthususethetohimmostsacredofthings，itwasimpossibletodistrust。
　　Inrespectfulsilencewetooktheplacesassignedtouscloseroundthetomb，buthiddenfromthesightofanyoneapproaching。Ipitiedtheothers，especiallyArthur。
　　Ihadmyselfbeenapprenticedbymyformervisitstothiswatchinghorror，andyetI，whohaduptoanhouragorepudiatedtheproofs，feltmyheartsinkwithinme。
　　Neverdidtombslooksoghastlywhite。Neverdidcypress，oryew，orjunipersoseemtheembodimentoffuneralgloom。
　　Neverdidtreeorgrasswaveorrustlesoominously。
　　Neverdidboughcreaksomysteriously，andneverdidthefar-awayhowlingofdogssendsuchawoefulpresagethroughthenight。
　　Therewasalongspellofsilence，big，aching，void，andthenfromtheProfessorakeen“S-s-s-s！”Hepointed，andfardowntheavenueofyewswesawawhitefigureadvance，adimwhitefigure，whichheldsomethingdarkatitsbreast。
　　Thefigurestopped，andatthemomentarayofmoonlightfelluponthemassesofdrivingclouds，andshowedinstartlingprominenceadark-hairedwoman，dressedinthecerementsofthegrave。Wecouldnotseetheface，foritwasbentdownoverwhatwesawtobeafair-hairedchild。
　　Therewasapauseandasharplittlecry，suchasachildgivesinsleep，oradogasitliesbeforethefireanddreams。
　　Wewerestartingforward，buttheProfessor'swarninghand，seenbyusashestoodbehindayewtree，keptusback。
　　Andthenaswelookedthewhitefiguremovedforwardsagain。
　　Itwasnownearenoughforustoseeclearly，andthemoonlightstillheld。Myownheartgrewcoldasice，andIcouldhearthegaspofArthur，aswerecognizedthefeaturesofLucyWestenra。LucyWestenra，butyethowchanged。
　　Thesweetnesswasturnedtoadamantine，heartlesscruelty，andthepuritytovoluptuouswantonness。
　　VanHelsingsteppedout，andobedienttohisgesture，wealladvancedtoo。
　　Thefourofusrangedinalinebeforethedoorofthetomb。VanHelsingraisedhislanternanddrewtheslide。BytheconcentratedlightthatfellonLucy'sfacewecouldseethatthelipswerecrimsonwithfreshblood，andthatthestreamhadtrickledoverherchinandstainedthepurityofherlawndeathrobe。
　　Weshudderedwithhorror。IcouldseebythetremulouslightthatevenVanHelsing'sironnervehadfailed。
　　Arthurwasnexttome，andifIhadnotseizedhisarmandheldhimup，hewouldhavefallen。
　　WhenLucy，IcallthethingthatwasbeforeusLucybecauseitborehershape，sawusshedrewbackwithanangrysnarl，suchasacatgiveswhentakenunawares，thenhereyesrangedoverus。
　　Lucy'seyesinformandcolor，butLucy'seyesuncleanandfullofhellfire，insteadofthepure，gentleorbsweknew。
　　Atthatmomenttheremnantofmylovepassedintohateandloathing。
　　Hadshethentobekilled，Icouldhavedoneitwithsavagedelight。
　　Asshelooked，hereyesblazedwithunholylight，andthefacebecamewreathedwithavoluptuoussmile。Oh，God，howitmademeshuddertoseeit！Withacarelessmotion，sheflungtotheground，callousasadevil，thechildthatuptonowshehadclutchedstrenuouslytoherbreast，growlingoveritasadoggrowlsoverabone。
　　Thechildgaveasharpcry，andlaytheremoaning。Therewasacold-bloodednessintheactwhichwrungagroanfromArthur。
　　Whensheadvancedtohimwithoutstretchedarmsandawantonsmilehefellbackandhidhisfaceinhishands。
　　Shestilladvanced，however，andwithalanguorous，voluptuousgrace，said，“Cometome，Arthur。Leavetheseothersandcometome。
　　Myarmsarehungryforyou。Come，andwecanresttogether。
　　Come，myhusband，come！”
　　Therewassomethingdiabolicallysweetinhertones，somethingofthetinklingofglasswhenstruck，whichrangthroughthebrainsevenofuswhoheardthewordsaddressedtoanother。
　　AsforArthur，heseemedunderaspell，movinghishandsfromhisface，heopenedwidehisarms。Shewasleapingforthem，whenVanHelsingsprangforwardandheldbetweenthemhislittlegoldencrucifix。
　　Sherecoiledfromit，and，withasuddenlydistortedface，fullofrage，dashedpasthimasiftoenterthetomb。
　　Whenwithinafootortwoofthedoor，however，shestopped，asifarrestedbysomeirresistibleforce。Thensheturned，andherfacewasshownintheclearburstofmoonlightandbythelamp，whichhadnownoquiverfromVanHelsing'snerves。
　　NeverdidIseesuchbaffledmaliceonaface，andnever，Itrust，shallsucheverbeseenagainbymortaleyes。
　　Thebeautifulcolorbecamelivid，theeyesseemedtothrowoutsparksofhellfire，thebrowswerewrinkledasthoughthefoldsoffleshwerethecoilsofMedusa'ssnakes，andthelovely，blood-stainedmouthgrewtoanopensquare，asinthepassionmasksoftheGreeksandJapanese。
　　Ifeverafacemeantdeath，iflookscouldkill，wesawitatthatmoment。
　　Andsoforfullhalfaminute，whichseemedaneternity，seremainedbetweentheliftedcrucifixandthesacredclosingofhermeansofentry。
　　VanHelsingbrokethesilencebyaskingArthur，“Answerme，ohmyfriend！
　　AmItoproceedinmywork？”
　　“Doasyouwill，friend。Doasyouwill。Therecanbenohorrorlikethiseveranymore。“Andhegroanedinspirit。
　　QuinceyandIsimultaneouslymovedtowardshim，andtookhisarms。
　　WecouldheartheclickoftheclosinglanternasVanHelsinghelditdown。Comingclosetothetomb，hebegantoremovefromthechinkssomeofthesacredemblemwhichhehadplacedthere。
　　Wealllookedonwithhorrifiedamazementaswesaw，whenhestoodback，thewoman，withacorporealbodyasrealatthatmomentasourown，passthroughtheintersticewherescarceaknifebladecouldhavegone。
　　WeallfeltagladsenseofreliefwhenwesawtheProfessorcalmlyrestoringthestringsofputtytotheedgesofthedoor。
　　Whenthiswasdone，heliftedthechildandsaid，“Comenow，myfriends。
　　Wecandonomoretilltomorrow。Thereisafuneralatnoon，sohereweshallallcomebeforelongafterthat。Thefriendsofthedeadwillallbegonebytwo，andwhenthesextonlocksthegateweshallremain。
　　Thenthereismoretodo，butnotlikethisoftonight。Asforthislittleone，heisnotmuchharmed，andbytomorrownightheshallbewell。
　　Weshallleavehimwherethepolicewillfindhim，asontheothernight，andthentohome。“
　　ComingclosetoArthur，hesaid，“MyfriendArthur，youhavehadasoretrial，butafter，whenyoulookback，youwillseehowitwasnecessary。
　　Youarenowinthebitterwaters，mychild。Bythistimetomorrowyouwill，pleaseGod，havepassedthem，andhavedrunkofthesweetwaters。
　　Sodonotmournover-much。TillthenIshallnotaskyoutoforgiveme。“
　　ArthurandQuinceycamehomewithme，andwetriedtocheereachotherontheway。Wehadleftbehindthechildinsafety，andweretired。
　　Soweallsleptwithmoreorlessrealityofsleep。
　　29September，night——Alittlebeforetwelveo'clockwethree，Arthur，QuinceyMorris，andmyself，calledfortheProfessor。
　　Itwasoddtonoticethatbycommonconsentwehadallputonblackclothes。Ofcourse，Arthurworeblack，forhewasindeepmourning，buttherestofusworeitbyinstinct。
　　Wegottothegraveyardbyhalf-pastone，andstrolledabout，keepingoutofofficialobservation，sothatwhenthegravediggershadcompletedtheirtaskandthesextonunderthebeliefthateveryonehadgone，hadlockedthegate，wehadtheplacealltoourselves。VanHelsing，insteadofhislittleblackbag，hadwithhimalongleatherone，somethinglikeacricketingbag。
　　Itwasmanifestlyoffairweight。
　　Whenwewerealoneandhadheardthelastofthefootstepsdieoutuptheroad，wesilently，andasifbyorderedintention，followedtheProfessortothetomb。
　　Heunlockedthedoor，andweentered，closingitbehindus。
　　Thenhetookfromhisbagthelantern，whichhelit，andalsotwowaxcandles，which，whenlighted，hestuckbymeltingtheirownends，onothercoffins，sothattheymightgivelightsufficienttoworkby。WhenheagainliftedthelidoffLucy'scoffinwealllooked，Arthurtremblinglikeanaspen，andsawthatthecorpselaythereinallitsdeathbeauty。
　　Buttherewasnoloveinmyownheart，nothingbutloathingforthefoulThingwhichhadtakenLucy'sshapewithouthersoul。
　　IcouldseeevenArthur'sfacegrowhardashelooked。
　　PresentlyhesaidtoVanHelsing，“IsthisreallyLucy'sbody，oronlyademoninhershape？”
　　“Itisherbody，andyetnotit。Butwaitawhile，andyoushallseeherasshewas，andis。“
　　SheseemedlikeanightmareofLucyasshelaythere，thepointedteeth，thebloodstained，voluptuousmouth，whichmadeoneshuddertosee，thewholecarnalandunspiritedappearance，seeminglikeadevilishmockeryofLucy'ssweetpurity。
　　VanHelsing，withhisusualmethodicalness，begantakingthevariouscontentsfromhisbagandplacingthemreadyforuse。
　　Firsthetookoutasolderingironandsomeplumbingsolder，andthensmalloillamp，whichgaveout，whenlitinacornerofthetomb，gaswhichburnedatafierceheatwithablueflame，thenhisoperatingknives，whichheplacedtohand，andlastaroundwoodenstake，sometwoandahalforthreeinchesthickandaboutthreefeetlong。Oneendofitwashardenedbycharringinthefire，andwassharpenedtoafinepoint。
　　Withthisstakecameaheavyhammer，suchasinhouseholdsisusedinthecoalcellarforbreakingthelumps。Tome，adoctor'spreperationsforworkofanykindarestimulatingandbracing，buttheeffectofthesethingsonbothArthurandQuinceywastocausethemasortofconsternation。
　　Theyboth，however，kepttheircourage，andremainedsilentandquiet。
　　Whenallwasready，VanHelsingsaid，“Beforewedoanything，letmetellyouthis。ItisoutoftheloreandexperienceoftheancientsandofallthosewhohavestudiedthepowersoftheUnDead。
　　Whentheybecomesuch，therecomeswiththechangethecurseofimmortality。Theycannotdie，butmustgoonageafterageaddingnewvictimsandmultiplyingtheevilsoftheworld。
　　ForallthatdiefromthepreyingoftheUndeadbecomethemselvesUndead，andpreyontheirkind。Andsothecirclegoesoneverwidening，likeastheripplesfromastonethrowninthewater。
　　FriendArthur，ifyouhadmetthatkisswhichyouknowofbeforepoorLucydie，oragain，lastnightwhenyouopenyourarmstoher，youwouldintime，whenyouhaddied，havebecomenosferatu，astheycallitinEasterneurope，andwouldforalltimemakemoreofthoseUn-Deadsthatsohavefilleduswithhorror。
　　Thecareerofthissounhappydearladyisbutjustbegun。
　　Thosechildrenwhosebloodshesuckedarenotasyetsomuchtheworse，butifsheliveson，UnDead，moreandmoretheylosetheirbloodandbyherpoweroverthemtheycometoher，andsoshedrawtheirbloodwiththatsowickedmouth。Butifshedieintruth，thenallcease。
　　Thetinywoundsofthethroatsdisappear，andtheygobacktotheirplayunknowingeverofwhathasbeen。Butofthemostblessedofall，whenthisnowUnDeadbemadetorestastruedead，thenthesoulofthepoorladywhomweloveshallagainbefree。
　　Insteadofworkingwickednessbynightandgrowingmoredebasedintheassimilatingofitbyday，sheshalltakeherplacewiththeotherAngels。Sothat，myfriend，itwillbeablessedhandforherthatshallstriketheblowthatsetsherfree。
　　TothisIamwilling，butistherenoneamongstuswhohasabetterright？
　　Willitbenojoytothinkofhereafterinthesilenceofthenightwhensleepisnot，`Itwasmyhandthatsenthertothestars。
　　Itwasthehandofhimthatlovedherbest，thehandthatofallshewouldherselfhavechosen，haditbeentohertochoose？'
　　Tellmeiftherebesuchaoneamongstus？”
　　WealllookedatArthur。Hesawtoo，whatwealldid，theinfinitekindnesswhichsuggestedthathisshouldbethehandwhichwouldrestoreLucytousasaholy，andnotanunholy，memory。Hesteppedforwardandsaidbravely，thoughhishandtrembled，andhisfacewasaspaleassnow，“Mytruefriend，fromthebottomofmybrokenheartIthankyou。
　　TellmewhatIamtodo，andIshallnotfalter！”
　　VanHelsinglaidahandonhisshoulder，andsaid，“Bravelad！
　　Amoment'scourage，anditisdone。Thisstakemustbedriventhroughher。
　　Itwellbeafearfulordeal，benotdeceivedinthat，butitwillbeonlyashorttime，andyouwillthenrejoicemorethanyourpainwasgreat。
　　Fromthisgrimtombyouwillemergeasthoughyoutreadonair。
　　Butyoumustnotfalterwhenonceyouhavebegun。Onlythinkthatwe，yourtruefriends，areroundyou，andthatweprayforyouallthetime。“
　　“Goon，“saidArthurhoarsely。“TellmewhatIamtodo。“
　　“Takethisstakeinyourlefthand，readytoplacetothepointovertheheart，andthehammerinyourright。
　　Thenwhenwebeginourprayerforthedead，Ishallreadhim，Ihaveherethebook，andtheothersshallfollow，strikeinGod'sname，thatsoallmaybewellwiththedeadthatweloveandthattheUnDeadpassaway。“
　　Arthurtookthestakeandthehammer，andwhenoncehismindwassetonactionhishandsnevertremblednorevenquivered。
　　VanHelsingopenedhismissalandbegantoread，andQuinceyandIfollowedaswellaswecould。
　　Arthurplacedthepointovertheheart，andasIlookedIcouldseeitsdintinthewhiteflesh。Thenhestruckwithallhismight。
　　Thethinginthecoffinwrithed，andahideous，blood-curdlingscreechcamefromtheopenedredlips。
　　Thebodyshookandquiveredandtwistedinwildcontortions。
　　Thesharpwhitechampedtogethertillthelipswerecut，andthemouthwassmearedwithacrimsonfoam。ButArthurneverfaltered。
　　HelookedlikeafigureofThorashisuntremblingarmroseandfell，drivingdeeperanddeeperthemercy-bearingstake，whilstthebloodfromthepiercedheartwelledandspurteduparoundit。
　　Hisfacewasset，andhighdutyseemedtoshinethroughit。
　　Thesightofitgaveuscouragesothatourvoicesseemedtoringthroughthelittlevault。
　　Andthenthewrithingandquiveringofthebodybecameless，andtheteethseemedtochamp，andthefacetoquiver。
　　Finallyitlaystill。Theterribletaskwasover。
　　ThehammerfellfromArthur'shand。Hereeledandwouldhavefallenhadwenotcaughthim。Thegreatdropsofsweatsprangfromhisforehead，andhisbreathcameinbrokengasps。
　　Ithadindeedbeenanawfulstrainonhim，andhadhenotbeenforcedtohistaskbymorethanhumanconsiderationshecouldneverhavegonethroughwithit。Forafewminutesweweresotakenupwithhimthatwedidnotlooktowardsthecoffin。
　　Whenwedid，however，amurmurofstartledsurpriseranfromonetotheotherofus。WegazedsoeagerlythatArthurrose，forhehadbeenseatedontheground，andcameandlookedtoo，andthenagladstrangelightbrokeoverhisfaceanddispelledaltogetherthegloomofhorrorthatlayuponit。
　　There，inthecoffinlaynolongerthefoulThingthatwehassodreadedandgrowntohatethattheworkofherdestructionwasyieldedasaprivilegetotheonebestentitledtoit，butLucyaswehadseenherinlife，withherfaceofunequalledsweetnessandpurity。Truethattherewerethere，aswehadseentheminlife，thetracesofcareandpainandwaste。