One end of it was hardened by charring in the fire, and was sharpened to a fine point.

With this stake came a heavy hammer, such as in households is used in the coal cellar for breaking the lumps.

To me, a doctor's preparations for work of any kind are stimulating and bracing, but the effect of these things on both Arthur and Quincey was to cause them a sort of consternation.
They both, however, kept their courage, and remained silent and quiet.
When all was ready, Van Helsing said, "Before we do anything, let me tell you this.

It is out of the lore and experience of the ancients and of all those who have studied the powers of the UnDead.

When they become such, there comes with the change the curse of immortality.
They cannot die, but must go on age after age adding new victims and multiplying the evils of the world.