diff --git a/Source/monster.cpp b/Source/monster.cpp
index e6ab61158..cc6606739 100644
--- a/Source/monster.cpp
+++ b/Source/monster.cpp
@@ -5917,7 +5917,11 @@ void SpawnGolum(int i, int x, int y, int mi)
 BOOL CanTalkToMonst(int m)
 {
 	if ((DWORD)m >= MAXMONSTERS) {
+#ifdef HELLFIRE
+		return FALSE;
+#else
 		app_fatal("CanTalkToMonst: Invalid monster %d", m);
+#endif
 	}
 
 	if (monster[m]._mgoal == MGOAL_INQUIRING) {