his we shall fasten, for when it is
there none can emerge, so that at least says the superstition. And to
superstition must we trust at the first. It was man's faith in the
early, and it have its root in faith still. Then, when we get the
opportunity that we seek, when none are near to see, we shall open the
box, and . . . and all will be well."

"I shall not wait for any opportunity," said Morris. "When I see the
box I shall open it and destroy the monster, though there were a
thousand men looking on, and if I am to be wiped out for it the next
moment!" I grasped his hand instinctively and found it as firm as a
piece of steel. I think he understood my look. I hope he did.

"Good boy," said Dr. Van Helsing. "Brave boy. Quincey is all man.
God bless him for it. My child, believe me none of us shall lag
behind or pause from any fear. I do but say what we may do . . . what
we must do. But, indeed, indeed we cannot say what we may do. There
are so many things which may happen, and their ways and their ends are
so various that until the moment we may not say. We shall all be
armed, in all ways. And when the time for the end has come, our
effort shall not be lack. Now let us today put all our affairs in
order. Let all things which touch on others dear to us, and who on us
depend, be complete. For none of us can tell what, or when, or how,
the end may be. As for me, my own affairs are regulate, and as I have
nothing else to do, I shall go make arrangements for the travel. I
shall have all tickets and so forth for our journey."

There was nothing further to be said, and we parted. I shall now
settle up all my affairs of earth, and be ready for whatever may come.

Later.--It is done. My will is made, and all complete. Mina if she
survive is my sole heir. If it should not be so, then the others who
have been so good to us shall have remainder.

It is now drawing towards the sunset. Mina's uneasiness calls my
attention to it. I am sure that there is something on her mind which
the time of exact sunset will reveal. These occasions are becoming
harrowing times for us all. For each sunrise and sunset opens up some
new danger, some new pain, which however, may in God's will be means
to a good end. I write all these things in the diary since my darling
must not hear them now. But if it may be that she can see them again,
they shall be ready. She is calling to me.

CHAPTER 25

DR. SEWARD'