I shall write some letters home, and I shall try to get them posted by the gypsies. I have already spoken to them through my window so that they know who I am. They took their hats off politely and made many signs. However, I could not understand the signs, just as I cannot speak their language.

I have written two letters. I wrote to Mina in shorthand. In my letter to Mr. Hawkins I simply asked him to talk to Mina. I have explained the situation to Mina, but I have not described those horrible things which may be only my imagination. It would shock and frighten her to death if I told her what I really think. If the letters do not arrive, then the Count shall not know my secret or how much I know, as he will not be able to read the shorthand.

I have given the letters. I threw them through the bars of my window with a gold coin. I made signs show that I wanted the letters to be posted. The man who took them held them against his heart and bowed, and then put the letters in his cap. I could not do anything more. I went very quietly back to the study, and began to read. As the Count did not come in, I have written here what I have been doing.

The Count has come. He sat down beside me, and he took out the two letters. He said in his smoothest voice "The Szgany have given me these. I do not know where they have come from, but I shall of course take care of them. See!" He must have read the letters. "One is from you, and it is to my friend Peter Hawkins."