The song came clearer. Gabriel could hear the words now.

"The fulfiller—O Lord of Heaven, give me strength!" he prayed.

A figure swung into view and neared the quarry with easy strides. The preacher went to meet him.

"Griff Lomax!" he called.

"At your service; but who the deuce are you?"

"Gabriel Hirst."

"Of course you are. I ought to have known your voice anywhere. Have you come from Gorsthwaite?"

"I've come to tell you that you are false—a liar and a thief."

Griff took the preacher by the arm, but he shook it off.

"Gabriel, you're out of your mind. What ails you, man?"