At length she rose, 'La!, la!' she said, 'the Watcher is not for this one.

This is but a child, I must seek me a man, I must seek me a man!' "'Not so fast, old wife,' I said.

'Will you lend me this club to hold in my hand while I go to find the bones of your son and to snatch them from the people of the ghosts ?' "'Lend you the Watcher, boy?
Nay, nay! I should see little of you again or of the good club either.' "'I am no thief,' I answered.

'If the ghosts kill me, you will see me no more, or the club either; but if I live I will bring you back the bones, or, if I do not find them, I will render the Watcher into your hands again.

At the least I say that if you will not lend me the club, then I will not go into the haunted place.' "'Boy, your eyes are honest,' she said, still peering at me.