There is, however, possibly a serious side to the question, for some of the children, indeed all who have been missed at night, have been slightly torn or wounded in the throat.  The wounds seem such as might be made by a rat or a small dog, and although of not much importance individually, would tend to show that whatever animal inflicts them has a system or method of its own.  The police of the division have been instructed to keep a sharp lookout for straying children, especially when very young, in and around Hampstead Heath, and for any stray dog which may be about.

THE WESTMINSTER GAZETTE, 25 SEPTEMBER EXTRA SPECIAL

THE HAMPSTEAD HORROR

ANOTHER CHILD INJURED

The “BLOOFER lady”

We have just received intelligence that another child, missed last night, was only discovered late in the morning under a furze bush at the Shooter’s Hill side of Hampstead Heath, which is perhaps, less frequented than the other parts.  It has the same tiny wound in the throat as has been noticed in other cases.  It was terribly weak, and looked quite emaciated.  It too, when partially restored, had the common story to tell of being lured away by the “bloofer lady”.

CHAPTER 14

MINA HARKER’S JOURNAL

23 September.—­Jonathan is better after a bad night.  I am so glad that he has plenty of work to do, for that keeps his mind off the terrible things, and oh, I am rejoiced that he is not now weighed down with the responsibility of his new position.  I knew he would be true to himself, and now how proud I am to see my Jonathan rising to the height of his advancement and keeping pace in all ways with the duties that come upon him.  He will be away all day till late, for he said he could not lunch at home.  My household work is done, so I shall take his foreign journal, and lock myself up in my room and read it.

24 September.—­I hadn’t the heart to write last night, that terrible record of Jonathan’s upset me so.  Poor dear!  How he must have suffered, whether it be true or only imagination.  I wonder if there is any truth in it at all.  Did he get his brain fever, and then write all those terrible things, or had he some cause for it all?  I suppose I shall never know, for I dare not open the subject to him.  And yet that man we saw yesterday!  He seemed quite certain of him, poor fellow!  I suppose it was the funeral upset him and sent his mind back on some train of thought.