"No, Loyd, I will return to you in the flesh."
Supreme as had been the moment of his supplication, he had retained sufficient reason not to expect a concession; consequently he felt that he was taking leave of his wits as he gasped,
"You will return to me—in the flesh!"
"In the flesh. Before the dawn of another day you shall take a living body in your arms and know that it is animated by my soul."
His clasp tightened upon the hands he held.
"Am I mad? Do I hear aright?" he faltered, his utterance thick with wonder; "in God's name, how will you effect such reincarnation?"
There was a momentary pause; and then the voice replied with some note of omen in its firmness:
"Mark the test I am about to give to you! You will be called to attend a dying woman—you are called; already is the messenger here; a woman's soul is trembling upon the threshold of eternity. If you are alone with her when that soul takes wing, my spirit will instantly take its place, and your skill will do the rest, accomplish the resurrection of that body and secure our further communion. But there may be consequences over which I shall have no control; those consequences you will have to confront. Are you willing to accept the chances?"
"Willing! All I ask is the opportunity to meet them!"
"Very well. You have conjured me back to earth. With you rests the responsibility!"