Van Helsing's sternness was somewhat relieved by a look of perplexity.

He was evidently torturing his mind about something, so I waited for an instant, and he spoke.
"What are we to do now?
Where are we to turn for help?
We must have another transfusion of blood, and that soon, or that poor girl's life won't be worth an hour's purchase.

You are exhausted already.

I am exhausted too.

I fear to trust those women, even if they would have courage to submit.