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; to-night 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 Hillingham to-night. 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 for 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 to-night. I feel I am dying of weakness, and
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