I have developed a routine at Castle Blackula: wake up in the late afternoon, try out all the doors and windows, eat dinner while the count watches me, then talk and talk until morning. This night, Count Blackula said that he wouldn’t talk with me and I could go to bed early, if I liked. While at the door, he paused and turned around.

“This castle is old. Some say that it’s haunted,” said Count B. “If you feel sleepy, then hurry to your own room to sleep there. Otherwise, you will have very bad dreams. Be careful, Jamarcus. Be careful.”