chapter 1 Jonathan Harker’s Journal May 3 Bistritz I shall enter here some of my notes They may refresh my memory when I talk over my travels with Mina In the population of Transylvania there are four distinct nationalities Saxons Wallachs Magyars and Szekelys I am going among the Szekelys who claim to be descended from Attila and the Huns I read that every known superstition in the world is gathered in the Carpathian Mountains If so my stay may be very interesting I must ask the Count all about them It was on the dark side of twilight when we got to Bistritz which is a very interesting old place Count Dracula had directed me to go to 4
the Golden Krone Hotel To my great delight I found it to be thoroughly old-fashioned When I got near the door I faced a cheery-looking elderly woman in the usual peasant dress She bowed and said The Herr Englishman Yes I said Jonathan Harker She smiled and gave some message to an elderly man who had followed her to the door He went but immediately returned with a letter for me My friend Welcome to the Carpathians I am anxiously expecting you At three tomorrow the coach will start for Bukovina A place on it is kept for you At the Borgo Pass my carriage will await you and bring you to me I trust you will enjoy your stay in my beautiful land Your friend DRACULA 5
May 4 Just before I was leaving the old lady came to my room and said Must you go Oh Young Herr must you go She was in such an excited state she seemed to have lost her grip on what German she knew She mixed it up with some other language I did not know at all I told her I was engaged in important business She asked Do you know what day it is I answered that it was the fourth of May She shook her head It is the eve of St George’s Day Do you not know that tonight when the clock strikes midnight all the evil things in the world will have full sway Do you know where you are going Finally she begged me not to go There was business to be done and I could allow nothing to interfere with it Taking a cross from around her neck she offered it to me It seemed ungracious to refuse an old lady I am writing up this part of the diary while I am waiting for the coach and the cross is still 6
