Bernick. I cannot believe it, Krap. I cannot, and will not believe such a thing of Aune.
Krap. I am sorry for it, but it is the plain truth.... All bogus! The Indian Girl will never get to New York....
Bernick. But this is horrible! What do you think can be his motive?
Krap. He probably wants to bring the machines into discredit....
Bernick. And for that he would sacrifice all these lives?... But such a piece of villainy as this! Listen, Krap; this affair must be examined into again. Not a word of it to anyone.... During the dinner-hour you must go down there again; I must have perfect certainty.... We cannot make ourselves accomplices in a crime. I must keep my conscience unspotted, etc.
In Ghosts the idea of the lamb of sacrifice is equally travestied. The asylum founded by Mrs. Alving has been burnt. The joiner, Engstrand, that theatrical villain, succeeds in persuading the idiotic pastor, Manders, that he—Manders—was the cause of the fire. And as the pastor is made desperate by the possible legal consequences, Engstrand goes to him and says (p. 184):
Jacob Engstrand isn’t the man to desert a noble benefactor in the hour of need, as the saying is [!].
Manders. Yes; but, my good fellow, how——?
Engstrand. Jacob Engstrand may be likened to a guardian angel—he may, your reverence.
Manders. No, no; I can’t accept that.