"I have been there myself," said the carle.

"Yea," said Walter, "but thou camest away whole."

"Art thou sure thereof?" said the carle.

"Thou art alive yet, old man," said Walter, "for I have seen thee
eat thy meat, which ghosts use not to do." And he laughed.

But the old man answered soberly: "If I escaped, it was by this,
that another woman saved me, and not often shall that befall. Nor
wholly was I saved; my body escaped forsooth. But where is my soul?
Where is my heart, and my life? Young man, I rede thee, try no such
adventure; but go home to thy kindred if thou canst. Moreover,
wouldst thou fare alone? The others shall hinder thee."

Said Walter: "I am the master; they shall do as I bid them:
besides, they will be well pleased to share my goods amongst them if
I give them a writing to clear them of all charges which might be
brought against them."

"My son! my son!" said the carle, "I pray thee go not to thy death!"

Walter heard him silently, but as if he were persuaded to refrain;
and then the old man fell to, and told him much concerning this
Bear-folk and their customs, speaking very freely of them; but
Walter's ears were scarce open to this talk: whereas he deemed that
he should have nought to do with those wild men; and he durst not
ask again concerning the country whereto led the pass on the
northward.