before me....
* * * * *
I do believe that under God s providence I have made a discovery. I
shall get the maps and look over them....
* * * * *
I am more than ever sure that I am right. My new conclusion is ready, so
I shall get our party together and read it. They can judge it; it is
well to be accurate, and every minute is precious.
_Mina Harker s Memorandum._
(Entered in her Journal.)
_Ground of inquiry._--Count Dracula s problem is to get back to his own
place.
(_a_) He must be _brought back_ by some one. This is evident; for had he
power to move himself as he wished he could go either as man, or wolf,
or bat, or in some other way. He evidently fears discovery or
interference, in the state of helplessness in which he must be--confined
as he is between dawn and sunset in his wooden box.
(_b_) _How is he to be taken?_--Here a process of exclusions may help
us. By road, by rail, by water?
1. _By Road._--There are endless difficulties, especially in leaving the
city.
(_x_) There are people; and people are curious, and investigate. A hint,
a surmise, a doubt as to what might be in the box, would destroy him.
(_y_) There are, or there may be, customs and octroi officers to pass.
(_z_) His pursuers might follow. This is his highest fear; and in order
to prevent his being betrayed he has repelled, so far as he can, even
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