Slowly but surely, the dreadful silence and solemnity of the place had its effect on Baily. Shivers passed up and down his spine and he implored Merwan to go back home.
"What's the matter?" Merwan asked. "Why should we go back? We have come this far. Let's see what is here."
"But I am beginning to feel that perhaps this was not such a good idea ..." Baily's voice quivered.
Merwan was annoyed and replied, "Why aren't you wearing bangles? Be a man! Come, I will lead. Stay near me; there is nothing to be afraid of."
They walked farther and came to the door of the tower through which the corpses were taken. No one except the Zoroastrian priests was allowed to enter. Again Merwan bent low and offered his obeisance. Baily did the same, but upon rising, he was frightened out of his wits when he saw a thin, tall aged-looking spirit dressed in white with a flowing white beard. The spirit stretched out his hands, his palms held towards them, as if warning them to stop.
Baily was so terror-stricken that he shut his eyes tightly and started perspiring, as his knees buckled. Opening his eyes slightly, he saw Merwan proceeding toward the door. He could not contain his fear any longer and he cried out loudly, "Merwan!" hoping to stop him. But as if led by some force, Merwan kept walking. Baily was so frightened he could not turn back. He ran to Merwan, clutched the side of his coat and pleaded with him to leave.
Merwan halted and Baily again beseeched him, "Let's not go any farther."
But Merwan was obstinate.
"No! Let's go on."
In a weak voice Baily spoke, "Whatever may happen, Merwan, I am not prepared to take another step. You must come back with me."
"But why?" asked Merwan. "Why are you trying to stop me?"
Baily could only utter, "I have seen something ..." and his tongue stuck to the roof of his mouth.
"So what? That is why we've come here," Merwan responded. "If you are afraid of seeing things, stop now. I'll go on alone."
Baily burst out, "If anything happens to you, I cannot be held responsible by your parents."
"My parents have not put me in your care," Merwan retorted. "They don't even know I have come here with you. So how could they hold you responsible? ... Don't worry, go! Even if I die, fend for yourself."