Amazing Stories: Shiner's Gold

Dad pointed his torch into the branches.

"And I think I know what it is too," he said, mysteriously.

That night, we camped almost underneath the tree. I didn't want to camp anywhere near it, but Dad said there was nothing to worry about. He and I gathered a heap of sticks together and lit a big fire. Then we gathered another big pile, so we could keep the fire going all night. I intended to stay awake till the next morning, but Dad said he would keep watch, so I lay on my sleeping bag and watched the sparks climbing up to the stars.

The hours slipped by. I must have nodded off, because I was suddenly aware of my father's hand on my shoulder. The fire had dimmed.

"Be very quiet," Dad whispered.

I didn't need to be told to be quiet. I was scared stiff!

Down the tree, like a human made of twigs, the thing was creeping. It moved stealthily, noiselessly, watching us all the time. When it reached the ground, it crouched, like a wild animal, and stared at us.

I suddenly realized it was really a human. It was a very thin woman, with long hair, and eyes like bright sparks, and limbs toughened by exercise and little food.

She came a step nearer to us, and I saw that Dad had set up a collection of food for her, balanced on a rock. He beckoned to her with his hand.

"Eat," he said. "We mean you no harm."

The woman understood. She came nearer, and took some bread with a hand made of bones. Then she ate, fast and hungry, until the bread was gone.

"It's all for you," said Dad. "Don't be afraid."

The woman stayed by the rock this time, and ate the remaining food. Then she seemed to hover, hesitantly, as if she wanted to say something.

"Can you talk?" I asked.

"Talk?" said the woman, nodding her head, "Yes. Me talk!"

"What's you're name?"