To examine it, a man was wanted, who would lower himself on a hanging rope tied around him.

One of the quickest of the youths was chosen by lot; and Asmund, when he saw him let down in a basket following a rope, straightway cast him out and climbed into the basket.

Then he gave the signal to draw him up to those above who were standing by and controlling the rope.

They drew in the basket in the hopes of great treasure; but when they saw the unknown figure of the man they had taken out, they were scared by his extraordinary look, and, thinking that the dead had come to life, flung down the rope and fled all ways.

For Asmund looked ghastly and seemed to be covered as with the corruption of the charnel.