Question

Dracula

by Bram Stoker (excerpt)

In the first house where we stopped, when the woman who served us saw the scar on my forehead, she crossed herself and put out two fingers towards me, to keep off the evil eye. I believe they went to the trouble of putting an extra amount of garlic into our food; and I can’t abide garlic. Ever since then I have taken care not to take off my hat or veil, and so have escaped their suspicions. We are travelling fast, and as we have no driver with us to carry tales, we go ahead of scandal; but I daresay that fear of the evil eye will follow hard behind us all the way. The Professor seems tireless; all day he would not take any rest, though he made me sleep for a long spell. At sunset time he hypnotized me, and he says that I answered as usual “darkness, lapping water and creaking wood;” so our enemy is still on the river. I am afraid to think of Jonathan, but somehow I have now no fear for him, or for myself. I write this whilst we wait in a farmhouse for the horses to be got ready. Dr. Van Helsing is sleeping. Poor dear, he looks very tired and old and grey, but his mouth is set as firmly as a conqueror’s; even in his sleep he is instinct with resolution. When we have well started I must make him rest whilst I drive. I shall tell him that we have days before us, and he must not break down when most of all his strength will be needed.... All is ready; we are off shortly.

Answer 1

Dracula is a classic horror novel by Bram Stoker, first published in 1897. It tells the story of a group of people who attempt to stop Count Dracula, a vampire, from preying on the people of England. In the excerpt you provided, the character writing the journal entry is traveling with the Professor (presumably Van Helsing) and mentions that they are being followed by their enemy, who is still on the river. The character also mentions that the Professor is very determined and looks tired, but is resolved to continue their mission. The character plans to make the Professor rest while they drive, as they have many days ahead of them and the Professor's strength will be needed.

Step-by-step explanation: