He was for moments turned to stone before it.

He remained staring into the liquid-looking eyes.

The dead man and the living man exchanged a long look.

Then the youth cautiously put one hand behind him and brought it against a tree.
Leaning upon this he retreated, step by step, with his face still toward the thing.

He feared that if he turned his back the body might spring up and stealthily pursue him.
The branches, pushing against him, threatened to throw him over upon it.