In the book Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, How does Walton feel about hearing his new friend's story?

In his letter to his sister Margaret, dated August 26th,
17--, Walton tells her that he has listened to the "strangest tale that ever imagination
formed."  Continuing, Walton relates how absorbed he has been by this tale, and how
impressed he has been by the "elevated and gentle manners" of Victor Frankenstein, who
has touched him deeply.

Because Walton has heard the
history of Victor Frankenstein, he amends his statement in his fourth letter that his
venture is important enough that a few lives are worth the cost--"a small price to pay
for the acquirement of knowledge."  Instead, he now tells his sister
that

it is
terrible to reflect that the lives of all these men are endangered through me.  If we
are lost, my mad schemes are the
cause.

Thus, it is because of
his warm relationship with Victor Frankenstein that Walton becomes more prudent
regarding his venture, listens to his crew, and turns back, heading
home.