I can see a connection between that goat and your
fault, but I cannot explain it because the light of my vast information
dazzles me just now!"
Elias did not move a step. I even thought I detected a smile upon his
countenance, which irritated me.
"How!" said I; "here am I pointing out to you an infallible method to
get rid of the just punishment of your crime, and you doubt--you
hesitate--you even smile!"
"No," said he, "but I am not accustomed to walk on the edges of
precipices, and I am afraid I should fall into the Holderloch along
with the goat."
"Ah, you are a coward! I can see it all. You have just once displayed a
little courage to get exemption for the rest of your days. Well, sir, if
you refuse to carry out my advice, I will do it myself."
And I rose.
"Christian! Christian!" cried my friend, "don't trust yourself too far.
Your foot is not steady--just now."
"My foot not steady! Do you dare to insinuate that I am drunk because
I have just had ten or a dozen glasses of beer and three glasses of
schnapps this morning? Away with you! Back! back, son of Belial!"
And advancing a few feet above the goat, with my head raised and hands
extended, I cried solemnly--
"Azazel! goat destined for misery and expiation, I lay upon your hairy
back the remorse of my friend Elias Hirsch, and I send you down to the
spirits of darkness!"
Then, passing round the ledge on which we stood, I descended to the next
below to catch the goat and throw him over.
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