It waxed in strength and power till it rose into the night shrill and heart-rending.

The men listened in surprise.

Sobs, cries, shrieks, from time to time a piercing scream, were the dismal sounds that struck upon their ears.

All came from the large building; it was a lament by many voices, the sad, soul-rending lament over the dead! Breathlessly they listened.

Hurried footsteps rushed toward them, several men came running up the slope.