In the process of writing his latest book, "The Dead Travel Fast: Stalking Dracula From Nosferatu to Count Chocula," Eric Nuzum needed to do some research. So he ... well, let's let him tell it:

Silently the two men faced each other. Then Ernest hissed:

"Thief!"

Reginald shrugged his shoulders.

"Vampire!"

"So Ethel has infected you with her absurd fancies! Poor boy! I am afraid.... I have been wanting to tell you for some time.... But I think... We have reached the parting of our road!"

Will I allow you to drag me down?

Will I allow you to hurt me now?

Will I spend the rest of my life wondering what I did this time?

Or will I stand up and walk away?

I am worthless,

I am foolish,

I am a disgrace.

Thank you for enlightening me.

I never would have known.

"Yes," said Walkham, the sculptor, "it's a most curious thing."

"What is?" asked Ernest, who had been dreaming over the Sphinx that was looking at him from its corner with the sarcastic smile of five thousand years.

"How our dreams of yesterday stare at us like strangers to-day."