human
And now, you villain, said I, as soon as I could recover breath,
gpt
You will do what? asked he, with the most insolent coolness. This question was a dagger to my soul, for I knew that any punishment I inflicted upon him must be inflicted upon myself. I stood mute for a few seconds, still holding him strongly in my grasp. At last throwing pity aside, by one vast effort I cried out,
human
I declare solemnly, Wolstang, that if you do not give me back my body I shall kill you on the spot.
gpt
Kill me on the spot! replied he.
human
Do you mean to say that you will kill your own body?
gpt
I do say so, was my answer.
human
I will rather destroy my dear body, than it should be disgraced by a scoundrel like you.
gpt
You are jesting,
human
I shall show you the contrary, rejoined I, giving him a violent blow on the nose, and another on the ribs. These strokes almost drew tears from my eyes; and when I saw my precious blood flowing, I certainly would have wept aloud, but for the terrible energy which rage had given me. The punishment had its evident effect, however, upon Wolstang, for he became agitated and alarmed, grew pale, and entreated me to let him go.
gpt
Never, you villain, till you return me back my body. Let me be myself again, and then you are free.
human
That is impossible, said he,
gpt
If better terms cannot be had, I must take even these, but better I shall have; so prepare to part with what is not your own. Take yourself back again, or I will beat you to mummy. So saying, I laid on him most unmercifully--flattened his nose (or rather my own), and laid him sprawling on the earth without ceremony. While engaged in this business, I heard a sneeze, and looking to the quarter from which it proceeded, whom did I see emerging from the wood, but my old acquaintance with the snuff-coloured surtout, the scarlet waistcoat, and wooden leg. He saluted me as usual with a smile, and was beginning to regret the length of time which had elapsed since he last had the pleasure of seeing me, when I interrupted him.
human
Come, said I,
gpt
Certainly, my dear friend. Heaven forbid that you should be robbed of so unalienable a property. Wolstang, you must give it up. 'Tis the height of injustice to deprive him of it.
human
Shall I surrender it, then?
gpt
By all means: let Mr Stadt have his body.