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