Reading Help DRACULA by Bram Stoker Ch.13-27
`
` 30 October, evening.--They were so tired and worn out and dispirited `
` that there was nothing to be done till they had some rest, so I asked `
` them all to lie down for half an hour whilst I should enter everything `
` up to the moment. I feel so grateful to the man who invented the `
` "Traveller's" typewriter, and to Mr. Morris for getting this one for `
` me. I should have felt quite astray doing the work if I had to write `
` with a pen . . . `
` `
` It is all done. Poor dear, dear Jonathan, what he must have suffered, `
` what he must be suffering now. He lies on the sofa hardly seeming to `
` breathe, and his whole body appears in collapse. His brows are knit. `
` His face is drawn with pain. Poor fellow, maybe he is thinking, and I `
` can see his face all wrinkled up with the concentration of his `
` thoughts. Oh! if I could only help at all. I shall do what I can. `
` `
` I have asked Dr. Van Helsing, and he has got me all the papers that I `
` have not yet seen. Whilst they are resting, I shall go over all `
` carefully, and perhaps I may arrive at some conclusion. I shall try `
` to follow the Professor's example, and think without prejudice on the `
` facts before me . . . `
` `
` I do believe that under God's providence I have made a discovery. I `
` shall get the maps and look over them. `
` `
` I am more than ever sure that I am right. My new conclusion is ready, `
` so I shall get our party together and read it. They can judge it. It `
` is well to be accurate, and every minute is precious. `
` `
` `
` `
` MINA HARKER'S MEMORANDUM `
` `
` (ENTERED IN HER JOURNAL) `
` `
` `
` Ground of inquiry.--Count Dracula's problem is to get back `
` to his own place. `
` `
` (a) He must be brought back by some one. This is evident; `
` for had he power to move himself as he wished he could go `
` either as man, or wolf, or bat, or in some other way. He `
` evidently fears discovery or interference, in the state of `
` helplessness in which he must be, confined as he is between `
` dawn and sunset in his wooden box. `
` `
` (b) How is he to be taken?--Here a process of exclusions may `
` help us. By road, by rail, by water? `
` `
` 1. By Road.--There are endless difficulties, especially in `
` leaving the city. `
` `
` (x) There are people. And people are curious, and `
` investigate. A hint, a surmise, a doubt as to what might `
` be in the box, would destroy him. `
` `
` (y) There are, or there may be, customs and octroi officers `
` to pass. `
` `
` (z) His pursuers might follow. This is his highest fear. `
` And in order to prevent his being betrayed he has repelled, `
` so far as he can, even his victim, me! `
` `
` 2. By Rail.--There is no one in charge of the box. It `
` would have to take its chance of being delayed, and delay `
` would be fatal, with enemies on the track. True, he might `
` escape at night. But what would he be, if left in a strange `
` place with no refuge that he could fly to? This is not what he `
` intends, and he does not mean to risk it. `
` `
` 3. By Water.--Here is the safest way, in one respect, but `
` with most danger in another. On the water he is powerless `
` except at night. Even then he can only summon fog and storm and `
` snow and his wolves. But were he wrecked, the living water would `
` engulf him, helpless, and he would indeed be lost. He could have `
` the vessel drive to land, but if it were unfriendly land, wherein `
` he was not free to move, his position would still be desperate. `
` `
` We know from the record that he was on the water, so what `
` we have to do is to ascertain what water. `
` `
` The first thing is to realize exactly what he has done as `
` yet. We may, then, get a light on what his task is to be. `
` `
` Firstly.--We must differentiate between what he did in `
` London as part of his general plan of action, when he was `
` pressed for moments and had to arrange as best he could. `
` `
` Secondly.--We must see, as well as we can surmise it from the `
` facts we know of, what he has done here. `
` `
` As to the first, he evidently intended to arrive at Galatz, `
` and sent invoice to Varna to deceive us lest we should ascertain `
` his means of exit from England. His immediate and sole purpose `
` then was to escape. The proof of this, is the letter of `
` instructions sent to Immanuel Hildesheim to clear and take away `
` the box before sunrise. There is also the instruction to Petrof `
` Skinsky. These we must only guess at, but there must have been `
` some letter or message, since Skinsky came to Hildesheim. `
` `
` That, so far, his plans were successful we know. The Czarina `
` Catherine made a phenomenally quick journey. So much so that `
` Captain Donelson's suspicions were aroused. But his superstition `
` united with his canniness played the Count's game for him, and he `
` ran with his favouring wind through fogs and all till he brought `
` up blindfold at Galatz. That the Count's arrangements were well `
` made, has been proved. Hildesheim cleared the box, took it off, `
` and gave it to Skinsky. Skinsky took it, and here we lose the `
` trail. We only know that the box is somewhere on the water, `
` moving along. The customs and the octroi, if there be any, have `
` been avoided. `
` `
` Now we come to what the Count must have done after his `
` arrival, on land, at Galatz. `
` `
` The box was given to Skinsky before sunrise. At sunrise `
` the Count could appear in his own form. Here, we ask why `
` Skinsky was chosen at all to aid in the work? In my husband's `
` diary, Skinsky is mentioned as dealing with the Slovaks who trade `
` down the river to the port. And the man's remark, that the `
` murder was the work of a Slovak, showed the general feeling `
` against his class. The Count wanted isolation. `
` `
` My surmise is this, that in London the Count decided to get `
` back to his castle by water, as the most safe and secret `
` way. He was brought from the castle by Szgany, and probably they `
` delivered their cargo to Slovaks who took the boxes to Varna, for `
` there they were shipped to London. Thus the Count had knowledge `
` of the persons who could arrange this service. When the box was `
` on land, before sunrise or after sunset, he came out from his `
` box, met Skinsky and instructed him what to do as to arranging `
` the carriage of the box up some river. When this was done, and `
` he knew that all was in train, he blotted out his traces, as he `
` thought, by murdering his agent. `
` `
` I have examined the map and find that the river most `
` suitable for the Slovaks to have ascended is either the `
` Pruth or the Sereth. I read in the typescript that in my `
` trance I heard cows low and water swirling level with my `
` ears and the creaking of wood. The Count in his box, then, `
` was on a river in an open boat, propelled probably either `
` by oars or poles, for the banks are near and it is working `
` against stream. There would be no such if floating down `
` stream. `
` `
` Of course it may not be either the Sereth or the Pruth, but `
` we may possibly investigate further. Now of these two, the `
` Pruth is the more easily navigated, but the Sereth is, at `
` Fundu, joined by the Bistritza which runs up round the Borgo `
` Pass. The loop it makes is manifestly as close to Dracula's `
` castle as can be got by water. `
` `
` `
` `
` MINA HARKER'S JOURNAL--CONTINUED `
` `
` When I had done reading, Jonathan took me in his arms and kissed me. `
` The others kept shaking me by both hands, and Dr. Van Helsing said, `
` "Our dear Madam Mina is once more our teacher. Her eyes have been `
` where we were blinded. Now we are on the track once again, and this `
` time we may succeed. Our enemy is at his most helpless. And if we `
` can come on him by day, on the water, our task will be over. He has a `
` start, but he is powerless to hasten, as he may not leave this box `
` lest those who carry him may suspect. For them to suspect would be to `
` prompt them to throw him in the stream where he perish. This he `
` knows, and will not. Now men, to our Council of War, for here and `
` now, we must plan what each and all shall do." `
` `
` "I shall get a steam launch and follow him," said Lord Godalming. `
` `
` "And I, horses to follow on the bank lest by chance he land," said Mr. `
` Morris. `
` `
` "Good!" said the Professor, "both good. But neither must go alone. `
` There must be force to overcome force if need be. The Slovak is `
` strong and rough, and he carries rude arms." All the men smiled, for `
` amongst them they carried a small arsenal. `
` `
` Said Mr. Morris, "I have brought some Winchesters. They are pretty `
` handy in a crowd, and there may be wolves. The Count, if you `
` remember, took some other precautions. He made some requisitions on `
` others that Mrs. Harker could not quite hear or understand. We must `
` be ready at all points." `
` `
` Dr. Seward said, "I think I had better go with Quincey. We have been `
` accustomed to hunt together, and we two, well armed, will be a match `
` for whatever may come along. You must not be alone, Art. It may be `
` necessary to fight the Slovaks, and a chance thrust, for I don't `
` suppose these fellows carry guns, would undo all our plans. There `
` must be no chances, this time. We shall not rest until the Count's `
` head and body have been separated, and we are sure that he cannot `
` reincarnate." `
` `
` He looked at Jonathan as he spoke, and Jonathan looked at me. I could `
` see that the poor dear was torn about in his mind. Of course he `
` wanted to be with me. But then the boat service would, most likely, `
` be the one which would destroy the . . . the . . . Vampire. (Why did `
` I hesitate to write the word?) `
` `
` He was silent awhile, and during his silence Dr. Van Helsing spoke, `
` "Friend Jonathan, this is to you for twice reasons. First, because `
`
` 30 October, evening.--They were so tired and worn out and dispirited `
` that there was nothing to be done till they had some rest, so I asked `
` them all to lie down for half an hour whilst I should enter everything `
` up to the moment. I feel so grateful to the man who invented the `
` "Traveller's" typewriter, and to Mr. Morris for getting this one for `
` me. I should have felt quite astray doing the work if I had to write `
` with a pen . . . `
` `
` It is all done. Poor dear, dear Jonathan, what he must have suffered, `
` what he must be suffering now. He lies on the sofa hardly seeming to `
` breathe, and his whole body appears in collapse. His brows are knit. `
` His face is drawn with pain. Poor fellow, maybe he is thinking, and I `
` can see his face all wrinkled up with the concentration of his `
` thoughts. Oh! if I could only help at all. I shall do what I can. `
` `
` I have asked Dr. Van Helsing, and he has got me all the papers that I `
` have not yet seen. Whilst they are resting, I shall go over all `
` carefully, and perhaps I may arrive at some conclusion. I shall try `
` to follow the Professor's example, and think without prejudice on the `
` facts before me . . . `
` `
` I do believe that under God's providence I have made a discovery. I `
` shall get the maps and look over them. `
` `
` I am more than ever sure that I am right. My new conclusion is ready, `
` so I shall get our party together and read it. They can judge it. It `
` is well to be accurate, and every minute is precious. `
` `
` `
` `
` MINA HARKER'S MEMORANDUM `
` `
` (ENTERED IN HER JOURNAL) `
` `
` `
` Ground of inquiry.--Count Dracula's problem is to get back `
` to his own place. `
` `
` (a) He must be brought back by some one. This is evident; `
` for had he power to move himself as he wished he could go `
` either as man, or wolf, or bat, or in some other way. He `
` evidently fears discovery or interference, in the state of `
` helplessness in which he must be, confined as he is between `
` dawn and sunset in his wooden box. `
` `
` (b) How is he to be taken?--Here a process of exclusions may `
` help us. By road, by rail, by water? `
` `
` 1. By Road.--There are endless difficulties, especially in `
` leaving the city. `
` `
` (x) There are people. And people are curious, and `
` investigate. A hint, a surmise, a doubt as to what might `
` be in the box, would destroy him. `
` `
` (y) There are, or there may be, customs and octroi officers `
` to pass. `
` `
` (z) His pursuers might follow. This is his highest fear. `
` And in order to prevent his being betrayed he has repelled, `
` so far as he can, even his victim, me! `
` `
` 2. By Rail.--There is no one in charge of the box. It `
` would have to take its chance of being delayed, and delay `
` would be fatal, with enemies on the track. True, he might `
` escape at night. But what would he be, if left in a strange `
` place with no refuge that he could fly to? This is not what he `
` intends, and he does not mean to risk it. `
` `
` 3. By Water.--Here is the safest way, in one respect, but `
` with most danger in another. On the water he is powerless `
` except at night. Even then he can only summon fog and storm and `
` snow and his wolves. But were he wrecked, the living water would `
` engulf him, helpless, and he would indeed be lost. He could have `
` the vessel drive to land, but if it were unfriendly land, wherein `
` he was not free to move, his position would still be desperate. `
` `
` We know from the record that he was on the water, so what `
` we have to do is to ascertain what water. `
` `
` The first thing is to realize exactly what he has done as `
` yet. We may, then, get a light on what his task is to be. `
` `
` Firstly.--We must differentiate between what he did in `
` London as part of his general plan of action, when he was `
` pressed for moments and had to arrange as best he could. `
` `
` Secondly.--We must see, as well as we can surmise it from the `
` facts we know of, what he has done here. `
` `
` As to the first, he evidently intended to arrive at Galatz, `
` and sent invoice to Varna to deceive us lest we should ascertain `
` his means of exit from England. His immediate and sole purpose `
` then was to escape. The proof of this, is the letter of `
` instructions sent to Immanuel Hildesheim to clear and take away `
` the box before sunrise. There is also the instruction to Petrof `
` Skinsky. These we must only guess at, but there must have been `
` some letter or message, since Skinsky came to Hildesheim. `
` `
` That, so far, his plans were successful we know. The Czarina `
` Catherine made a phenomenally quick journey. So much so that `
` Captain Donelson's suspicions were aroused. But his superstition `
` united with his canniness played the Count's game for him, and he `
` ran with his favouring wind through fogs and all till he brought `
` up blindfold at Galatz. That the Count's arrangements were well `
` made, has been proved. Hildesheim cleared the box, took it off, `
` and gave it to Skinsky. Skinsky took it, and here we lose the `
` trail. We only know that the box is somewhere on the water, `
` moving along. The customs and the octroi, if there be any, have `
` been avoided. `
` `
` Now we come to what the Count must have done after his `
` arrival, on land, at Galatz. `
` `
` The box was given to Skinsky before sunrise. At sunrise `
` the Count could appear in his own form. Here, we ask why `
` Skinsky was chosen at all to aid in the work? In my husband's `
` diary, Skinsky is mentioned as dealing with the Slovaks who trade `
` down the river to the port. And the man's remark, that the `
` murder was the work of a Slovak, showed the general feeling `
` against his class. The Count wanted isolation. `
` `
` My surmise is this, that in London the Count decided to get `
` back to his castle by water, as the most safe and secret `
` way. He was brought from the castle by Szgany, and probably they `
` delivered their cargo to Slovaks who took the boxes to Varna, for `
` there they were shipped to London. Thus the Count had knowledge `
` of the persons who could arrange this service. When the box was `
` on land, before sunrise or after sunset, he came out from his `
` box, met Skinsky and instructed him what to do as to arranging `
` the carriage of the box up some river. When this was done, and `
` he knew that all was in train, he blotted out his traces, as he `
` thought, by murdering his agent. `
` `
` I have examined the map and find that the river most `
` suitable for the Slovaks to have ascended is either the `
` Pruth or the Sereth. I read in the typescript that in my `
` trance I heard cows low and water swirling level with my `
` ears and the creaking of wood. The Count in his box, then, `
` was on a river in an open boat, propelled probably either `
` by oars or poles, for the banks are near and it is working `
` against stream. There would be no such if floating down `
` stream. `
` `
` Of course it may not be either the Sereth or the Pruth, but `
` we may possibly investigate further. Now of these two, the `
` Pruth is the more easily navigated, but the Sereth is, at `
` Fundu, joined by the Bistritza which runs up round the Borgo `
` Pass. The loop it makes is manifestly as close to Dracula's `
` castle as can be got by water. `
` `
` `
` `
` MINA HARKER'S JOURNAL--CONTINUED `
` `
` When I had done reading, Jonathan took me in his arms and kissed me. `
` The others kept shaking me by both hands, and Dr. Van Helsing said, `
` "Our dear Madam Mina is once more our teacher. Her eyes have been `
` where we were blinded. Now we are on the track once again, and this `
` time we may succeed. Our enemy is at his most helpless. And if we `
` can come on him by day, on the water, our task will be over. He has a `
` start, but he is powerless to hasten, as he may not leave this box `
` lest those who carry him may suspect. For them to suspect would be to `
` prompt them to throw him in the stream where he perish. This he `
` knows, and will not. Now men, to our Council of War, for here and `
` now, we must plan what each and all shall do." `
` `
` "I shall get a steam launch and follow him," said Lord Godalming. `
` `
` "And I, horses to follow on the bank lest by chance he land," said Mr. `
` Morris. `
` `
` "Good!" said the Professor, "both good. But neither must go alone. `
` There must be force to overcome force if need be. The Slovak is `
` strong and rough, and he carries rude arms." All the men smiled, for `
` amongst them they carried a small arsenal. `
` `
` Said Mr. Morris, "I have brought some Winchesters. They are pretty `
` handy in a crowd, and there may be wolves. The Count, if you `
` remember, took some other precautions. He made some requisitions on `
` others that Mrs. Harker could not quite hear or understand. We must `
` be ready at all points." `
` `
` Dr. Seward said, "I think I had better go with Quincey. We have been `
` accustomed to hunt together, and we two, well armed, will be a match `
` for whatever may come along. You must not be alone, Art. It may be `
` necessary to fight the Slovaks, and a chance thrust, for I don't `
` suppose these fellows carry guns, would undo all our plans. There `
` must be no chances, this time. We shall not rest until the Count's `
` head and body have been separated, and we are sure that he cannot `
` reincarnate." `
` `
` He looked at Jonathan as he spoke, and Jonathan looked at me. I could `
` see that the poor dear was torn about in his mind. Of course he `
` wanted to be with me. But then the boat service would, most likely, `
` be the one which would destroy the . . . the . . . Vampire. (Why did `
` I hesitate to write the word?) `
` `
` He was silent awhile, and during his silence Dr. Van Helsing spoke, `
` "Friend Jonathan, this is to you for twice reasons. First, because `
`