- "A genius," replied the figure. "You don't look much like one," returned the baron scornfully. "I am the Genius of Despair and Suicide,"
- said the apparition. "Now you know me." With these words the apparition turned towards the baron, as if composing himself for a talk -
- and, what was very remarkable, was, that he threw his cloak aside, and displaying a stake, which was run through the centre of his body,
- pulled it out with a jerk, and laid it on the table, as composedly as if it had been a walking-stick.
- "Now," said the figure, glancing at the hunting-knife, "are you ready for me?"
- "Not quite," rejoined the baron; "I must finish this pipe first." "Look sharp then," said the figure. You seem in a hurry," said the baron.
