Without an instant’s notice he made straight
at me. He had a dinner knife in his hand, and
as I saw he was dangerous, I tried to keep the table
between us. He was too quick and too strong for
me, however, for before I could get my balance he
had struck at me and cut my left wrist rather severely.
Before he could strike again, however, I got in my
right hand and he was sprawling on his back on the
floor. My wrist bled freely, and quite a little
pool trickled on to the carpet. I saw that my
friend was not intent on further effort, and occupied
myself binding up my wrist, keeping a wary eye on
the prostrate figure all the time. When the
attendants rushed in, and we turned our attention to
him, his employment positively sickened me.
He was lying on his belly on the floor licking up,
like a dog, the blood which had fallen from my wounded
wrist. He was easily secured, and to my surprise,
went with the attendants quite placidly, simply repeating
over and over again, “The blood is the life!
The blood is the life!”
I cannot afford to lose blood just at present.
I have lost too much of late for my physical good,
and then the prolonged strain of Lucy’s illness
and its horrible phases is telling on me. I am
over excited and weary, and I need rest, rest, rest.
Happily Van Helsing has not summoned me, so I need
not forego my sleep. Tonight I could not well
do without it.
TELEGRAM, VAN HELSING, ANTWERP, TO SEWARD, CARFAX
(Sent to Carfax, Sussex, as no county given, delivered
late by twenty-two hours.)
17 September.—Do not fail to be at Hilllingham
tonight. If not watching all the time, frequently
visit and see that flowers are as placed, very important,
do not fail. Shall be with you as soon as possible
after arrival.
DR. SEWARD’S DIARY
18 September.—Just off train to London.
The arrival of Van Helsing’s telegram filled
me with dismay. A whole night lost, and I know
by bitter experience what may happen in a night.
Of course it is possible that all may be well, but
what may have happened? Surely there is some
horrible doom hanging over us that every possible
accident should thwart us in all we try to do.
I shall take this cylinder with me, and then I can
complete my entry on Lucy’s phonograph.
MEMORANDUM LEFT BY LUCY WESTENRA
17 September, Night.—I write this and leave
it to be seen, so that no one may by any chance get
into trouble through me. This is an exact record
of what took place tonight. I feel I am dying
of weakness, and have barely strength to write, but
it must be done if I die in the doing.
I went to bed as usual, taking care that the flowers
were placed as Dr. Van Helsing directed, and soon
fell asleep.
