Jonathan Harker's Journal17 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. |
