Baily pleaded, "Merwan, have pity. You can come again anytime you like ... Don't be so stubborn ... Come back next time alone. But for my sake, please, let's get out of here."
This softened Merwan's heart, and agreeing to leave, he again offered his salutation to the dead, with Baily doing likewise. As they crept out, Baily glanced at the spot where he had seen the spirit-form and was glad that it had disappeared.
Finally, they descended the steps and Baily offered his thanks to God. Near the city he sighed with relief, but then made some boastful remarks.
Merwan started to tease him: "So, my brave comrade, have you now experienced the beings of the subtle world?"
"Say what you like," Baily replied, "but had you been alone and had the experience I did, I cannot say what your state would have been. I was able to withstand that sight to some extent, but I doubt whether you would have been able to stand it."
"What did you say?" Merwan asked. "What else could I have seen except an old bearded man dressed in white, guarding the door with outstretched hands?"
"You saw him too ?" Baily asked, his heart palpitating.
"I believe so, Baily, but now I cannot be sure," Merwan teased.
"Stop kidding and tell me honestly whether you saw that spirit or not," Baily replied, irritated.
"Baily, you really are thick-headed! Don't you understand that I am saying I saw exactly what you saw?"
"And still you wanted to go on, Merwan, without fearing what was on the other side?"
"What was there to be afraid of? Was there anyone else around but that spirit?" Merwan asked.
"I want to know more about the form you saw. Were there more spirits?"
"Baily, you disappoint me. I believe with the loss of your courage you have lost your common sense as well," Merwan teased.
Baily's feelings were hurt and Merwan consoled him, "My dear friend, had I felt the least bit frightened, would I have agreed to go there in complete darkness? If I were afraid, then why did I bind you with those promises? I also would have tried to turn back like you. Believe me, I didn't go there to die."
Baily felt better and asked, "All right, but tell me how long did you really see the form?"