16 October.—Mina’s report still the
same. Lapping waves and rushing water, darkness
and favouring winds. We are evidently in good
time, and when we hear of the Czarina Catherine we
shall be ready. As she must pass the Dardanelles
we are sure to have some report.
17 October.—Everything is pretty well fixed
now, I think, to welcome the Count on his return from
his tour. Godalming told the shippers that he
fancied that the box sent aboard might contain something
stolen from a friend of his, and got a half consent
that he might open it at his own risk. The owner
gave him a paper telling the Captain to give him every
facility in doing whatever he chose on board the ship,
and also a similar authorization to his agent at Varna.
We have seen the agent, who was much impressed with
Godalming’s kindly manner to him, and we are
all satisfied that whatever he can do to aid our wishes
will be done.
We have already arranged what to do in case we get
the box open. If the Count is there, Van Helsing
and Seward will cut off his head at once and drive
a stake through his heart. Morris and Godalming
and I shall prevent interference, even if we have
to use the arms which we shall have ready. The
Professor says that if we can so treat the Count’s
body, it will soon after fall into dust. In such
case there would be no evidence against us, in case
any suspicion of murder were aroused. But even
if it were not, we should stand or fall by our act,
and perhaps some day this very script may be evidence
to come between some of us and a rope. For myself,
I should take the chance only too thankfully if it
were to come. We mean to leave no stone unturned
to carry out our intent. We have arranged with
certain officials that the instant the Czarina Catherine
is seen, we are to be informed by a special messenger.
24 October.—A whole week of waiting.
Daily telegrams to Godalming, but only the same story.
“Not yet reported.” Mina’s
morning and evening hypnotic answer is unvaried.
Lapping waves, rushing water, and creaking masts.
“Czarina Catherine reported this morning from
Dardanelles.”
25 October.—How I miss my phonograph!
To write a diary with a pen is irksome to me!
But Van Helsing says I must. We were all wild
with excitement yesterday when Godalming got his telegram
from Lloyd’s. I know now what men feel
in battle when the call to action is heard. Mrs.
Harker, alone of our party, did not show any signs
of emotion. After all, it is not strange that
she did not, for we took special care not to let her
know anything about it, and we all tried not to show
any excitement when we were in her presence.
In old days she would, I am sure, have noticed, no
