The Mammoth Book of Dracula Read Online Free PDF

women take away. There can be no doubt as to his quest, and in my garb, too! This, then, is his new scheme of evil: he will allow others to see me, as they think, so that he may both leave evidence that I have been seen in the towns or villages posting my own letters, and that any wickedness which he may do shall by the local people be attributed to me.
     
I shall watch for the Count’s return. What are these quaint little flecks floating in the rays of the moonlight? They are like the tiniest grains of dust, and they whirl round and gather in clusters in a nebulous sort of way. I watch them with a sense of soothing, and a sort of calm steals over me.
     
Hark. What is that low, piteous howling of dogs somewhere far below in the valley? Thank God I did not fall asleep. There is something stirring in the Count’s room, and a sound like a sharp wail quickly supressed:
     
(Runs to window) A woman with dishevelled hair, holding her hands over her heart as one distressed with running. She leans against a corner of the gateway. When she sees my face at the window she throws herself forward and shouts in a voice laden with menace:- “Monster, give me my child!”
     
She throws herself on her knees, and raising up her hands, cries the same again and again.
     
I can hear the beating of her naked hands against the door. High overhead, probably on the tower, I hear the voice of the Count calling in his harsh, metallic whisper. His call seemed to be answered from far and wide by the howling of wolves.
     
A pack of them pour like a pent-up dam when liberated through the wide entrance into the courtyard.
     
There is no cry from the woman, and the howling of the wolves stops. Before long they stream away singly, licking their lips.
     
I can not pity her, for I know what has become of her child, and she is better dead!
     
What shall I do? What can I do? How can I escape from this dreadful thrall of night and gloom and fear? To-night goes to post, the first of that fatal series which is to blot out the very traces of my existence from the earth.
     
Let me not think of it. Action! If I could only get into his room! But there is no possible way. The door is always locked, no way for me.
     
Yes, there is a way, if one dares to take it. Where his body has gone why may not another body go? I have seen him myself crawl from his window; why should not I imitate him, and go in by his window? The chances are desperate, but my need is more desperate still. I shall risk it. At the worse it can only be death; and a man’s death is not a calf’s, and the dreaded hereafter may still be open to me. God help me in my task! Good-bye, Mina, if I fail; good-bye, my faithful friend and second father; good-bye, all, and last of all Mina!
     
    ~ * ~
     
    Scene 7
     
    SAME SCENE.
     
    HARKER: (Writing) I have made the effort, and, God helping me, have come
safely back to this room. I must put down every detail in order. I went whilst my courage was fresh straight to the window on the south side, and at once got outside on the narrow ledge of stone which runs round the building on this side. The stones were big and roughly cut, and the mortar had by process of time been washed away between them. I took off my boots, and ventured out on the desperate way. I looked down once, so as to make sure that a sudden glimpse of the awful depth would not overcome me, but after that kept my eyes away from it. I know pretty well the direction and distance of the Count’s window, and made for it as well I could, having regard for the opportunities available. I did not feel dizzy -1 suppose I was too excited—and the time seemed ridiculously short till I found myself standing on the window-sill and trying to raise up the sash. I was filled with agitation, however, when I bent down and slid feet foremost in through the window. Then I looked around for the Count, but, with surprise and gladness, made a discovery. The room was empty! It was barely furnished with odd