24 June. Last night the Count left me early, and locked himself in his own room. After that, as soon as I dared I ran up the winding stair. I looked out of the window which opened South. I wanted to watch for the Count, because there is something going on. The Szgany are staying somewhere in the castle and are doing work of some kind. I know it, for now and then, I hear a far-away indistinct sound of mattocks and spades. Whatever they are doing, it must be for some ruthless villainy.

I had been at the window somewhat less than half an hour, when I saw something coming out of the Count's window. I stepped back and watched carefully, and saw the whole man emerge. I had another shock when I saw that he was wearing the suit of clothes which I had worn whilst travelling here. Over his shoulder was the terrible bag which I had seen the women take away. There could be no doubt as to where he was going, and wearing my clothes too! This, then, is his new scheme of evil. He will allow others to see what they think is me. Then there will be evidence that I have been seen in the towns or villages posting my own letters. And any wickedness which he does, the local people will think it was me.

Vocabulary:

Winding: Twisting around
Indistinct: Not clear
Mattock: A digging tool
Ruthless: Without pity
Villany: Evil
Scheme: Plan