Reading Help DRACULA by Bram Stoker Ch.1-12
I shall send, in time for your next issue, further details `
` of the derelict ship which found her way so miraculously `
` into harbour in the storm. `
` `
` `
` 9 August.--The sequel to the strange arrival of the derelict in the `
` storm last night is almost more startling than the thing itself. It `
` turns out that the schooner is Russian from Varna, and is called the `
` Demeter. She is almost entirely in ballast of silver sand, with `
` only a small amount of cargo, a number of great wooden boxes filled `
` with mould. `
` `
` This cargo was consigned to a Whitby solicitor, Mr. S.F. Billington, `
` of 7, The Crescent, who this morning went aboard and took formal `
` possession of the goods consigned to him. `
` `
` The Russian consul, too, acting for the charter-party, took formal `
` possession of the ship, and paid all harbour dues, etc. `
` `
` Nothing is talked about here today except the strange coincidence. `
` The officials of the Board of Trade have been most exacting in `
` seeing that every compliance has been made with existing `
` regulations. As the matter is to be a 'nine days wonder', they are `
` evidently determined that there shall be no cause of other `
` complaint. `
` `
` A good deal of interest was abroad concerning the dog which landed `
` when the ship struck, and more than a few of the members of the `
` S.P.C.A., which is very strong in Whitby, have tried to befriend the `
` animal. To the general disappointment, however, it was not to be `
` found. It seems to have disappeared entirely from the town. It may `
` be that it was frightened and made its way on to the moors, where it `
` is still hiding in terror. `
` `
` There are some who look with dread on such a possibility, lest later `
` on it should in itself become a danger, for it is evidently a fierce `
` brute. Early this morning a large dog, a half-bred mastiff `
` belonging to a coal merchant close to Tate Hill Pier, was found dead `
` in the roadway opposite its master's yard. It had been fighting, `
` and manifestly had had a savage opponent, for its throat was torn `
` away, and its belly was slit open as if with a savage claw. `
` `
` Later.--By the kindness of the Board of Trade inspector, I have been `
` permitted to look over the log book of the Demeter, which was in `
` order up to within three days, but contained nothing of special `
` interest except as to facts of missing men. The greatest interest, `
` however, is with regard to the paper found in the bottle, which was `
` today produced at the inquest. And a more strange narrative than `
` the two between them unfold it has not been my lot to come across. `
` `
` As there is no motive for concealment, I am permitted to use them, `
` and accordingly send you a transcript, simply omitting technical `
` details of seamanship and supercargo. It almost seems as though the `
` captain had been seized with some kind of mania before he had got `
` well into blue water, and that this had developed persistently `
` throughout the voyage. Of course my statement must be taken cum `
` grano, since I am writing from the dictation of a clerk of the `
` Russian consul, who kindly translated for me, time being short. `
` `
` `
` `
` LOG OF THE "DEMETER" Varna to Whitby `
` `
` `
` Written 18 July, things so strange happening, that I shall `
` keep accurate note henceforth till we land. `
` `
` `
` On 6 July we finished taking in cargo, silver sand and boxes `
` of earth. At noon set sail. East wind, fresh. Crew, five `
` hands . . . two mates, cook, and myself, (captain). `
` `
` `
` On 11 July at dawn entered Bosphorus. Boarded by Turkish `
` Customs officers. Backsheesh. All correct. Under way at `
` 4 p.m. `
` `
` `
` On 12 July through Dardanelles. More Customs officers and `
` flagboat of guarding squadron. Backsheesh again. Work of `
` officers thorough, but quick. Want us off soon. At dark `
` passed into Archipelago. `
` `
` `
` On 13 July passed Cape Matapan. Crew dissatisfied about `
` something. Seemed scared, but would not speak out. `
` `
` `
` On 14 July was somewhat anxious about crew. Men all steady `
` fellows, who sailed with me before. Mate could not make out what `
` was wrong. They only told him there was SOMETHING, and crossed `
` themselves. Mate lost temper with one of them that day and struck `
` him. Expected fierce quarrel, but all was quiet. `
` `
` `
` On 16 July mate reported in the morning that one of the `
` crew, Petrofsky, was missing. Could not account for it. `
` Took larboard watch eight bells last night, was relieved by `
` Amramoff, but did not go to bunk. Men more downcast than `
` ever. All said they expected something of the kind, but `
` would not say more than there was SOMETHING aboard. Mate `
` getting very impatient with them. Feared some trouble `
` ahead. `
` `
` `
` On 17 July, yesterday, one of the men, Olgaren, came to my cabin, `
` and in an awestruck way confided to me that he thought there was a `
` strange man aboard the ship. He said that in his watch he had `
` been sheltering behind the deckhouse, as there was a rain storm, `
` when he saw a tall, thin man, who was not like any of the crew, `
` come up the companionway, and go along the deck forward and `
` disappear. He followed cautiously, but when he got to bows found `
` no one, and the hatchways were all closed. He was in a panic of `
` superstitious fear, and I am afraid the panic may spread. To `
` allay it, I shall today search the entire ship carefully from stem `
` to stern. `
` `
` `
` Later in the day I got together the whole crew, and told them, as `
` they evidently thought there was some one in the ship, we would `
` search from stem to stern. First mate angry, said it was folly, `
` and to yield to such foolish ideas would demoralise the men, said `
` he would engage to keep them out of trouble with the handspike. I `
` let him take the helm, while the rest began a thorough search, all `
` keeping abreast, with lanterns. We left no corner unsearched. As `
` there were only the big wooden boxes, there were no odd corners `
` where a man could hide. Men much relieved when search over, and `
` went back to work cheerfully. First mate scowled, but said `
` nothing. `
` `
` `
` 22 July.--Rough weather last three days, and all hands busy `
` with sails, no time to be frightened. Men seem to have `
` forgotten their dread. Mate cheerful again, and all on `
` good terms. Praised men for work in bad weather. Passed `
` Gibraltar and out through Straits. All well. `
` `
` `
` 24 July.--There seems some doom over this ship. Already a hand `
` short, and entering the Bay of Biscay with wild weather ahead, and `
` yet last night another man lost, disappeared. Like the first, he `
` came off his watch and was not seen again. Men all in a panic of `
` fear, sent a round robin, asking to have double watch, as they `
` fear to be alone. Mate angry. Fear there will be some trouble, `
` as either he or the men will do some violence. `
` `
` `
` 28 July.--Four days in hell, knocking about in a sort of `
` maelstrom, and the wind a tempest. No sleep for any one. `
` Men all worn out. Hardly know how to set a watch, since no `
` one fit to go on. Second mate volunteered to steer and `
` watch, and let men snatch a few hours sleep. Wind abating, `
` seas still terrific, but feel them less, as ship is `
` steadier. `
` `
` `
` 29 July.--Another tragedy. Had single watch tonight, as crew too `
` tired to double. When morning watch came on deck could find no `
` one except steersman. Raised outcry, and all came on deck. `
` Thorough search, but no one found. Are now without second mate, `
` and crew in a panic. Mate and I agreed to go armed henceforth and `
` wait for any sign of cause. `
` `
` `
` 30 July.--Last night. Rejoiced we are nearing England. Weather `
` fine, all sails set. Retired worn out, slept soundly, awakened by `
` mate telling me that both man of watch and steersman missing. `
` Only self and mate and two hands left to work ship. `
` `
` 1 August.--Two days of fog, and not a sail sighted. Had hoped `
` when in the English Channel to be able to signal for help or get `
` in somewhere. Not having power to work sails, have to run before `
` wind. Dare not lower, as could not raise them again. We seem to `
` be drifting to some terrible doom. Mate now more demoralised than `
` either of men. His stronger nature seems to have worked inwardly `
` against himself. Men are beyond fear, working stolidly and `
` patiently, with minds made up to worst. They are Russian, he `
` Roumanian. `
` `
` 2 August, midnight.--Woke up from few minutes sleep by hearing a `
` cry, seemingly outside my port. Could see nothing in fog. Rushed `
` on deck, and ran against mate. Tells me he heard cry and ran, but `
` no sign of man on watch. One more gone. Lord, help us! Mate `
` says we must be past Straits of Dover, as in a moment of fog `
` lifting he saw North Foreland, just as he heard the man cry out. `
` If so we are now off in the North Sea, and only God can guide us `
` in the fog, which seems to move with us, and God seems to have `
` deserted us. `
` `
` `
` 3 August.--At midnight I went to relieve the man at the `
` wheel and when I got to it found no one there. The wind `
` was steady, and as we ran before it there was no yawing. I `
` dared not leave it, so shouted for the mate. After a few `
` seconds, he rushed up on deck in his flannels. He looked `
` wild-eyed and haggard, and I greatly fear his reason has `
` given way. He came close to me and whispered hoarsely, `
` with his mouth to my ear, as though fearing the very air `
` might hear. "It is here. I know it now. On the watch `
` last night I saw It, like a man, tall and thin, and ghastly `
` pale. It was in the bows, and looking out. I crept behind `
`
` of the derelict ship which found her way so miraculously `
` into harbour in the storm. `
` `
` `
` 9 August.--The sequel to the strange arrival of the derelict in the `
` storm last night is almost more startling than the thing itself. It `
` turns out that the schooner is Russian from Varna, and is called the `
` Demeter. She is almost entirely in ballast of silver sand, with `
` only a small amount of cargo, a number of great wooden boxes filled `
` with mould. `
` `
` This cargo was consigned to a Whitby solicitor, Mr. S.F. Billington, `
` of 7, The Crescent, who this morning went aboard and took formal `
` possession of the goods consigned to him. `
` `
` The Russian consul, too, acting for the charter-party, took formal `
` possession of the ship, and paid all harbour dues, etc. `
` `
` Nothing is talked about here today except the strange coincidence. `
` The officials of the Board of Trade have been most exacting in `
` seeing that every compliance has been made with existing `
` regulations. As the matter is to be a 'nine days wonder', they are `
` evidently determined that there shall be no cause of other `
` complaint. `
` `
` A good deal of interest was abroad concerning the dog which landed `
` when the ship struck, and more than a few of the members of the `
` S.P.C.A., which is very strong in Whitby, have tried to befriend the `
` animal. To the general disappointment, however, it was not to be `
` found. It seems to have disappeared entirely from the town. It may `
` be that it was frightened and made its way on to the moors, where it `
` is still hiding in terror. `
` `
` There are some who look with dread on such a possibility, lest later `
` on it should in itself become a danger, for it is evidently a fierce `
` brute. Early this morning a large dog, a half-bred mastiff `
` belonging to a coal merchant close to Tate Hill Pier, was found dead `
` in the roadway opposite its master's yard. It had been fighting, `
` and manifestly had had a savage opponent, for its throat was torn `
` away, and its belly was slit open as if with a savage claw. `
` `
` Later.--By the kindness of the Board of Trade inspector, I have been `
` permitted to look over the log book of the Demeter, which was in `
` order up to within three days, but contained nothing of special `
` interest except as to facts of missing men. The greatest interest, `
` however, is with regard to the paper found in the bottle, which was `
` today produced at the inquest. And a more strange narrative than `
` the two between them unfold it has not been my lot to come across. `
` `
` As there is no motive for concealment, I am permitted to use them, `
` and accordingly send you a transcript, simply omitting technical `
` details of seamanship and supercargo. It almost seems as though the `
` captain had been seized with some kind of mania before he had got `
` well into blue water, and that this had developed persistently `
` throughout the voyage. Of course my statement must be taken cum `
` grano, since I am writing from the dictation of a clerk of the `
` Russian consul, who kindly translated for me, time being short. `
` `
` `
` `
` LOG OF THE "DEMETER" Varna to Whitby `
` `
` `
` Written 18 July, things so strange happening, that I shall `
` keep accurate note henceforth till we land. `
` `
` `
` On 6 July we finished taking in cargo, silver sand and boxes `
` of earth. At noon set sail. East wind, fresh. Crew, five `
` hands . . . two mates, cook, and myself, (captain). `
` `
` `
` On 11 July at dawn entered Bosphorus. Boarded by Turkish `
` Customs officers. Backsheesh. All correct. Under way at `
` 4 p.m. `
` `
` `
` On 12 July through Dardanelles. More Customs officers and `
` flagboat of guarding squadron. Backsheesh again. Work of `
` officers thorough, but quick. Want us off soon. At dark `
` passed into Archipelago. `
` `
` `
` On 13 July passed Cape Matapan. Crew dissatisfied about `
` something. Seemed scared, but would not speak out. `
` `
` `
` On 14 July was somewhat anxious about crew. Men all steady `
` fellows, who sailed with me before. Mate could not make out what `
` was wrong. They only told him there was SOMETHING, and crossed `
` themselves. Mate lost temper with one of them that day and struck `
` him. Expected fierce quarrel, but all was quiet. `
` `
` `
` On 16 July mate reported in the morning that one of the `
` crew, Petrofsky, was missing. Could not account for it. `
` Took larboard watch eight bells last night, was relieved by `
` Amramoff, but did not go to bunk. Men more downcast than `
` ever. All said they expected something of the kind, but `
` would not say more than there was SOMETHING aboard. Mate `
` getting very impatient with them. Feared some trouble `
` ahead. `
` `
` `
` On 17 July, yesterday, one of the men, Olgaren, came to my cabin, `
` and in an awestruck way confided to me that he thought there was a `
` strange man aboard the ship. He said that in his watch he had `
` been sheltering behind the deckhouse, as there was a rain storm, `
` when he saw a tall, thin man, who was not like any of the crew, `
` come up the companionway, and go along the deck forward and `
` disappear. He followed cautiously, but when he got to bows found `
` no one, and the hatchways were all closed. He was in a panic of `
` superstitious fear, and I am afraid the panic may spread. To `
` allay it, I shall today search the entire ship carefully from stem `
` to stern. `
` `
` `
` Later in the day I got together the whole crew, and told them, as `
` they evidently thought there was some one in the ship, we would `
` search from stem to stern. First mate angry, said it was folly, `
` and to yield to such foolish ideas would demoralise the men, said `
` he would engage to keep them out of trouble with the handspike. I `
` let him take the helm, while the rest began a thorough search, all `
` keeping abreast, with lanterns. We left no corner unsearched. As `
` there were only the big wooden boxes, there were no odd corners `
` where a man could hide. Men much relieved when search over, and `
` went back to work cheerfully. First mate scowled, but said `
` nothing. `
` `
` `
` 22 July.--Rough weather last three days, and all hands busy `
` with sails, no time to be frightened. Men seem to have `
` forgotten their dread. Mate cheerful again, and all on `
` good terms. Praised men for work in bad weather. Passed `
` Gibraltar and out through Straits. All well. `
` `
` `
` 24 July.--There seems some doom over this ship. Already a hand `
` short, and entering the Bay of Biscay with wild weather ahead, and `
` yet last night another man lost, disappeared. Like the first, he `
` came off his watch and was not seen again. Men all in a panic of `
` fear, sent a round robin, asking to have double watch, as they `
` fear to be alone. Mate angry. Fear there will be some trouble, `
` as either he or the men will do some violence. `
` `
` `
` 28 July.--Four days in hell, knocking about in a sort of `
` maelstrom, and the wind a tempest. No sleep for any one. `
` Men all worn out. Hardly know how to set a watch, since no `
` one fit to go on. Second mate volunteered to steer and `
` watch, and let men snatch a few hours sleep. Wind abating, `
` seas still terrific, but feel them less, as ship is `
` steadier. `
` `
` `
` 29 July.--Another tragedy. Had single watch tonight, as crew too `
` tired to double. When morning watch came on deck could find no `
` one except steersman. Raised outcry, and all came on deck. `
` Thorough search, but no one found. Are now without second mate, `
` and crew in a panic. Mate and I agreed to go armed henceforth and `
` wait for any sign of cause. `
` `
` `
` 30 July.--Last night. Rejoiced we are nearing England. Weather `
` fine, all sails set. Retired worn out, slept soundly, awakened by `
` mate telling me that both man of watch and steersman missing. `
` Only self and mate and two hands left to work ship. `
` `
` 1 August.--Two days of fog, and not a sail sighted. Had hoped `
` when in the English Channel to be able to signal for help or get `
` in somewhere. Not having power to work sails, have to run before `
` wind. Dare not lower, as could not raise them again. We seem to `
` be drifting to some terrible doom. Mate now more demoralised than `
` either of men. His stronger nature seems to have worked inwardly `
` against himself. Men are beyond fear, working stolidly and `
` patiently, with minds made up to worst. They are Russian, he `
` Roumanian. `
` `
` 2 August, midnight.--Woke up from few minutes sleep by hearing a `
` cry, seemingly outside my port. Could see nothing in fog. Rushed `
` on deck, and ran against mate. Tells me he heard cry and ran, but `
` no sign of man on watch. One more gone. Lord, help us! Mate `
` says we must be past Straits of Dover, as in a moment of fog `
` lifting he saw North Foreland, just as he heard the man cry out. `
` If so we are now off in the North Sea, and only God can guide us `
` in the fog, which seems to move with us, and God seems to have `
` deserted us. `
` `
` `
` 3 August.--At midnight I went to relieve the man at the `
` wheel and when I got to it found no one there. The wind `
` was steady, and as we ran before it there was no yawing. I `
` dared not leave it, so shouted for the mate. After a few `
` seconds, he rushed up on deck in his flannels. He looked `
` wild-eyed and haggard, and I greatly fear his reason has `
` given way. He came close to me and whispered hoarsely, `
` with his mouth to my ear, as though fearing the very air `
` might hear. "It is here. I know it now. On the watch `
` last night I saw It, like a man, tall and thin, and ghastly `
` pale. It was in the bows, and looking out. I crept behind `
`