So as we all took hands our solemn compact was made.

I felt my heart icy cold, but it did not even occur to me to draw back.

We resumed our places, and Dr.Van Helsing went on with a sort of cheerfulness which showed that the serious work had begun.

It was to be taken as gravely, and in as businesslike a way, as any other transaction of life.
"Well, you know what we have to contend against, but we too, are not without strength.

We have on our side power of combination, a power denied to the vampire kind, we have sources of science, we are free to act and think, and the hours of the day and the night are ours equally.