Creeping up to a log that lay close to the circle of lights, she saw a company of creatures gathered in council. The beings seemed like men and yet more like animals. Sometimes when she looked they were beasts and then again men. One began to speak.
He said, “Now this woman has been deceived by her sisters-in-law and we are met to plan how to save her. She must be taken from this island for the berries are poisoned and if she dies not from them the sĕgowĕnota (singing wizard) will enchant her.”
For some time the speaker talked and finally asked, “Who now will carry her basket to the land?”
A large tall being with a deep bass voice answered quickly, “I will!”
“No, you may not, your pride is before your courage,” said the chief speaker.
A huge bulky creature arose and called out, “I will save her!”
“No, you are too terrible in form and would frighten her,” was the reply.
Several more volunteered but all were rejected until a very tall slender being arose and in a clear ringing voice said he would use his utmost power to save the unfortunate young wife if only permitted.
“You are the chosen one!” exclaimed the chief. “You are one close to the (knowledge of) people.”
The council adjourned, the voices gradually died away and the lake was dotted again with flickering lights. The young wife crept back to her bed, half afraid and yet hopeful of the morrow.