AN- Well, I'm glad to say this has started off quite successfully! Here is the next set of entries for the good doctor…Sorry it's a little bit short.

6th April
1886

I felt it best not to over do this fantastic discovery of mine all at once- one must not lose his head, even if he is finding freedoms that he never before had!

As well as the fact that my dear friend Gabriel has called upon the house at least three times this week, and I fear that he is worried to death for my welfare! I invited him into my lounge today as I happened by chance to answer the door before Poole could for me. I must say, Utterson looked quite relieved to see me and I felt more guilt for worrying him than for creating a lease for my sins.

He inquired what exactly I had been up to for so many months, to which I replied- ''I was caught up in an experiment.'' It wasn't quite lying...but it wasn't the whole truth. But of course, I could never tell him that…

This journal I know keep locked safe away as a valuable possession to me. I will record my discoveries here to be reflected upon; for it is such an incredible experience I am having, even though I have not done much! It is more than I have ever done.

8th April
1886

Yesterday evening I was detained from furthering my experiment as I dined with Lanyon. We got into yet another chemical argument and what 'we' were doing with our time- according to him, I was wasting mine yet again. Let him think this, I do not care for it now.

This night I created another draught of the formula and drank it down, returning in my new form to Soho. This time, I took to a dingy looking tavern, filled with a great number of sinister types- foreigners, sea men, some market traders, thieves…A tall shabby looking man sat at the bar front conversing with the bar maid while his young companion, a boy of about ten years, picked the pocket of a gentleman behind them. He caught me watching him and looked utterly horrified! He turned away sharply and did not turn again all evening.

A drunkard was at the table to the right of me, rambling to himself and anyone passing by about the market and some other nonsense I could not quite make out. To my left, a well dressed gentleman, trying to disguise himself in a big coat and a hat pulled low. He was chatting to a dark woman and another, very pale, both street walkers he had invited in it seemed. They wore cheap perfume and rouge about their lips. He had a scent of soap upon him- he was cleaner than they, than anyone else, also suggesting he was a man of greater wealth. Even his body language suggested it- he could not lose his posture and was unable to slouch comfortably into his seat.

The place reeked of tobacco smoke and ale, as well as that sickly yet tempting perfume of the women. It was dark and hard to see- but my vision picked up and seemed to have improved…

I am afraid that I fell into quite a stupor this evening- it was only the chill outside as I staggered home and a splash of water from my laboratory tap that sobered me enough to write this account. The pains were quite harsh but I feel I can endure them. Just knowing I can go there and in the morning slip back into the good and respectable life of Henry Jekyll once more relieves me greatly.

9th April

1886

Dined with Utterson- tempted to take draught but far too tired once I had returned home.

11th April

1886

In my ghastly disguise, I felt brave enough to venture further along into Soho to take in without fear the sight of the 'working women' loitering under the street lamps and in tavern doorways. I could smell the distinct scent of Chinese food being prepared somewhere in the distance- there was even a faint smell of animal blood in the air- but it was the exotic smell of an opium den that attracted my attention this time.

Unfamiliar with the drug, the Chinese 'assistant' led me to a private bed (as it seemed you could choose this provided you had enough money), where I was left to recline. My provider explained to me what was to be done, but I could not really understand his broken English. However, it was by sight that I learnt what to do- he handed me the long pipe and held my hand over an oil lamp. It began to heat and he left me. I adjusted the pipe in my own grip and watched the smoke begin to unfurl around me, so that I might breathe it in.

I slipped into a 'sleepy state', as you might call it, where I began to have extraordinary visions and dreams. I remember seeing Hyde standing there in the room, smoke, filled the place, curling around him. He was so much shorter than I, and a hideous figure. He grinned at me, leaving me feeling very uneasy. He came forward and I sat up upon the divan I was lying on- this drug was far to much for me!

He was suddenly at my side and he spoke to me- his teeth were sharp…like an animal…and he grinned at me darkly.

''Let me out…let me have control…give me control Henry…''

His voice terrified me- it was so loud! Yet he was not shouting, he looked as though he was whispering…it was as though his voice was within my head! But of course…the opium! It must be the opium…once I had regained my senses, the Chinese man had returned and ushered me out of the place so that he might take in their next patron. I was glad to leave that wretched place and that terrible vision.

To Be Continued…