When he was down, I bound the hides of the wolves about me, then leaving the leather bag, into which he could not enter, I took the Dead One and placed him on my shoulders as a man might carry a child, for his legs were fixed somewhat apart, and holding him by the foot which was left on him, I set out for the kraal.

Down the slope I went as swiftly as I could, for now I knew the way, seeing and hearing nothing, except once, when there came a rush of wings, and a great eagle swept down at that which sat upon my shoulders.

I shouted, and the eagle flew away, then I entered the dark of the forest.

Here I must walk softly, lest the head of him I carried should strike against the boughs and be smitten from him.
"For awhile I went on thus, till I drew near to the heart of the forest.
Then I heard a wolf howl on my right, and from the left came answering howls, and these, again, were answered by others in front of and behind me.

I walked on boldly, for I dared not stay, guiding myself by the sun, which from time to time shone down on me redly through the boughs of the great trees.