Masque of the Red Death (1842) - Edgar Allan Poe

"He bore aloft a drawn dagger, and had approached, in rapid impetuosity, to within three or four feet of the retreating figure, when the latter, having attained the extremity of the velvet apart- ment, turned suddenly and confronted his pursuer. There was a sharp cry – and the dagger dropped gleaming upon the sable car- pet, upon which, instantly afterwards, fell prostrate in death the Prince Prospero..."