Yonder lay some mighty chief--and as I thought of that I clutched Bertric's arm and pointed.
"Not the pestilence, comrade," I said; "but what lies in yonder penthouse." "What should be there ?" he asked, wondering, for my voice was unsteady.
"We have boarded the funeral ship of some chief," I said.

"He lies shut in that chamber with his treasures round him." "To be burned in his ship at sea," said Bertric quietly.

"Well, a Viking might find a less fitting funeral.

Truly, it seems as if you may be right, and we must needs see if so it is." Now Dalfin had listened, crossing himself once or twice, and he nodded.
"I like it not at all," he said; "but we must see what is yonder, and if Malcolm is right." It was strange to me that these two showed no fear of him who doubtless lay there, in the chamber which his men had made for him.
We hold that the one who dares open the grave chamber is the hardiest of men, running most fearsome risk from the wrath of the dead hero.

For, if aught will bring back the life to a warrior who has died, it will be that one should set hands on his war gear.