HOBNAIL

Fannie Poteet sat cross-legged on her Uncle John's front porch; her favourite rag doll clutched under one arm. The late afternoon sun shone through the leaves of the giant Oak tree, casting it's flickering light on the cabin. This golden motion of light entranced the child and she sat with her face turned upward, as if hypnotised. The steady hum of conversation flowed from inside the cabin.

"Ellen,why don't you spend the night here? it's getting dark and it's awfully late"

"I will be fine sally" replied Fannie's mom.The laughter that followed her mother's statement broke the child's musings and she stood up pulled her dress over her protruding petticoat,and stepped inside.

"Get ur shawl,Fannie. when the sun goes down it will get chilly."

As the girl went to the chair to retrieve her wrap, her uncle came in from the room back with a lantern.

"You will need this Ellen. This wick is new and I've filled it up for you"

"I appreciate it Jhonny" said Ellen.

Ellen kissed her younger brother good-bye and hugged Sally gently.Tucking her doll under her left arm and gathering the shawl with the same hand she stood patiently. Uncle John patted her head and said "bye pumpkin".

This bought a smile to Fannie's face and swept away all her thoughts. Ellen took the lamp which was already lit. Heavy rains during the last week had left the dirt road impassable for anyone on foot so, they took the short-cut by following the railroad track. Once on the track they proceeded in the directions of their own home. Ellen began telling Fannie stories.The little girl loved hearing her mother's stories.

The sun's last rays were sinking behind the tree-studded mountains. Shadows rose continuously from the dense woods on both sides of the track. Rustling sounds from the rush cause Fannie to jump, but her mother's voice calmed her fears.

"it's all right child,just foxes and possums".

A hoot of owl's mournful cry floated out of the encroaching darkness and Fannie tightened her grip on her mother's hand. It was a moonless night. Fannie tripped over the chunks of gravel scattered and Ellen realised her daughter was tired.

"we'll rest a while child. My guess is that we have less than a mile to go."

Ellen set the lantern down and sat on the railway track.

"Mammy it's so dark and scary. Will god watch over and protect us?".

"yes Fannie, god is always with you and when you need his strength call out his name"

while contemplating her mother's advice, Fannie was distracted by a sound. The sound came from the direction they had travelled from. It was very faint but unlike other noises she had grown used to along the way. The slow methodic sound coming....

"Mammy do you hear that?"

"Hear what ,child?"

Fannie moved closer to her mom and said

"It's somebody else coming!"

Ellen hugged her daughter and said

"You're imagining things Fannie. let's go home otherwise your papa will be worried."

They two again resumed their journey. After a while the sound began again. This time the steps were more distinct and closer. The distant ringing of heavy boots echoed in the dark.

"Mammy, i hear it again!"

"Hush! child, see there's nothing" Ellen said by swinging the lantern....

"The air sure smells like rain. The wind is picking up a mite too, we'll be home soon. There is the last bend."

Fannie found comfort in her mother's voice but the steps rang louder in the darkness. It was the sound of boots, heavy hobnail boots.

"Mammy,it's getting closer!"

"Let's hurry mammy. Can't you hear it's closer and I'm scared. let's run!!."

"All right child, but see I'm telling you there's nothing there."

Ellen said making her last sweep around with lantern as they proceeded and she cried out

"Here Tinker, come on boy"

The dog raced up the path leading to the track and they two nearly collided with him as they soles down the trail to home.

"Ellen, is that you?"

Fannie's heart filled with joy as her father's voice rang out of the darkness....

They came to home and Ellen helped Fannie undress and gently tucked her in the bed. The snoring of her brother in the back made her smile and be thankful that she and her mother were safe and sound. Before closing her eyes her mother's voice rang in her ears.....

"I heard the steps. I didn't wanted to frighten the child. I kept swinging the lantern and telling her there was nothing to be afraid of. But just before we got off the tracks, I turned the lantern last time....That's when i saw what was following us...!! I saw the figure of a man...A man without a head..!!!!"

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tysm guys for reading till here comment wht u think of the story.....

and forgive my mistakes as i am learning slowly.....

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Hope u guys enjoyed it....

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