"That was a proper thought, and I see that the words were words of Abraham." "He gave thanks for a life of quiet ease and wise masters, and he forgave the Lord the length of years he was kept in this world." "In that," said David gravely, "I seem to hear his voice speaking. Continue." "He commanded us to sing pleasantly when he was gone." "I heard the singing on the lake road. It is well." "Also, he bade us keep the first master in our minds, for John, he said, was the beginning." At this the face of David clouded a little. "Continue. What word for David?" Something that Connor had said about the pride and sulkiness of a child came back to Ruth. Elijah, after hesitation, went on: "He declared that Glani is too heavy in the forehead." "Yes, that is Abraham," said the master, smiling tenderly. "He would argue even on the death bed." "But a cross with Tabari would remedy that defect." "Perhaps. What more?" "He blessed you and bade you remember and rejoice that he was gone to his wife and child." "Ah?" cried David softly. His glance, wandering absently, rested on the girl for a moment, and then came back to Elijah. "His mind went back to that? What further for my ear?" "I remember nothing more, David." "Speak!" commanded the master. The eyes of Elijah roved as though for help. "Toward the end his voice grew faint and his mind seemed to wander." "Far rather tremble, Elijah, if you keep back the words he spoke, however sharp they may be. My hand is not light. Remember, and speak." The fear of Elijah changed to a gloomy pride, and now he not only raised his head, but he even made a step forward and stood in dignity. "Death took Abraham by the throat, and yet he continued to speak. 'Tell David that four masters cherished Abraham, but David cast him out like a dog and broke his heart, and therefore he dies. Although I bless him, God will hereafter judge him!'" A shudder went through the entire group, and Ruth herself was uneasy. "Keep your own thoughts and the words of Abraham well divided," said David solemnly. "I know his mind and its working. Continue, but be warned." "I am warned, David, but my brother Abraham is dead and my heart weeps for him!" "God will hereafter judge me," said David harshly. "And what was the further judgment of Abraham, the old man?" "Even this: 'David has opened the Garden to one and therefore it will be opened to all. The law is broken. The first sin is the hard sin and the others follow easily. It is swift to run downhill. He has brought in one, and another will soon follow.'" "Elijah," thundered David, "you have wrested his words to fit the thing you see." "May the dead hand of Abraham strike me down if these were not his words." "Had he become a prophet?" muttered David. "No, it was maundering of an old man." "God speaks on the lips of the dying, David." "You have said enough." "Wait!" "You are rash, Elijah."