Dracula

master's yard. It
had been fighting, and manifestly had had a savage opponent, for its
throat was torn away, and its belly was slit open as if with a
savage claw.
{CH07 ^paragraph 20}
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Later.- By the kindness of the Board of Trade inspector, I have been
permitted to look over the log-book of the Demeter, which was in order
up to within three days, but contained nothing of special interest
except as to facts of missing men. The greatest interest, however,
is with regard to the paper found in the bottle, which was to-day
produced at the inquest; and a more strange narrative than the two
between them unfold it has not been my lot to come across. As there is
no motive for concealment, I am permitted to use them, and accordingly
send you a rescript, simply omitting technical details of seamanship
and supercargo. It almost seems as though the captain had been
seized with some kind of mania before he had got well into blue water,
and that this had developed persistently throughout the voyage. Of
course my statement must be taken cum grano, since I am writing from
the dictation of a clerk of the Russian consul, who kindly
translated for me, time being short.
-
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LOG OF THE "DEMETER."
Varna to Whitby
{CH07 ^paragraph 25}
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Written 18 July, things so strange happening, that I shall keep
accurate note henceforth till we land.
On 6 July we finished taking in cargo, silver sand and boxes of
earth. At noon set sail. East wind, fresh. Crew, five hands,... two
mates, cook, and myself (captain).
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On 11 July at dawn entered Bosphorus. Boarded by Turkish Customs
officers. Backsheesh. All correct. Under way at 4 p.m.
{CH07 ^paragraph 30}
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On 12 July through Dardanelles. More Customs officers and flagboat
of guarding squadron,. Backsheesh again. Work of officers thorough,
but quick. Want us off soon. At dark passed into Archipelago.
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On 13 July passed Cape Matapan. Crew dissatisfied about something.
Seemed scared, but would not speak out.
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{CH07 ^paragraph 35}
On 14 July was somewhat anxious about crew. Men all steady
fellows, who sailed with me before. Mate could not make out what was
wrong; they only told him there was something, and crossed themselves.
Mate lost temper with one of them that day and struck him. Expected
fierce quarrel, but all was quiet.
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On 16 July mate reported in the morning that one of crew, Petrofsky,
was missing. Could not account for it. Took larboard watch eight bells
last night; was relieved by Abramoff, but did not go to bunk. Men more
downcast than ever. All said they expected something of the kind,
but would not say more than that there was something aboard. Mate
getting very impatient with them; feared some trouble ahead.
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On 17 July, yesterday, one of the men, Olgaren, came to my cabin,
and in an awestruck way confided to me that he thought there was