Hush! go back to bed; it is all right. One of us will be here all
night. We don t mean to take any chances!
His look and gesture forbade discussion, so I came back and told Mina.
She sighed and positively a shadow of a smile stole over her poor, pale
face as she put her arms round me and said softly:--
Oh, thank God for good brave men! With a sigh she sank back again to
sleep. I write this now as I am not sleepy, though I must try again.
* * * * *
_4 October, morning._--Once again during the night I was wakened by
Mina. This time we had all had a good sleep, for the grey of the coming
dawn was making the windows into sharp oblongs, and the gas flame was
like a speck rather than a disc of light. She said to me hurriedly:--
Go, call the Professor. I want to see him at once.
Why? I asked.
I have an idea. I suppose it must have come in the night, and matured
without my knowing it. He must hypnotise me before the dawn, and then I
shall be able to speak. Go quick, dearest; the time is getting close. I
went to the door. Dr. Seward was resting on the mattress, and, seeing
me, he sprang to his feet.
Is anything wrong? he asked, in alarm.
No, I replied; but Mina wants to see Dr. Van Helsing at once.
I will go, he said, and hurried into the Professor s room.
In two or three minutes later Van Helsing was in the room in his
dressing-gown, and Mr. Morris and Lord Godalming were with Dr. Seward at
the door asking questions. When the Professor saw Mina smile--a
positive smile ousted the anxiety of his face; he rubbed his hands as he
said:--
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