Read The Hobgoblin of the Redwoods for Free Online Page B

heart pounded uncontrollably, as if it was trying to come up through my throat.
    Next came the most hideous nose you could imagine. It was long and skinny and came to a point. That disgusting nose was followed closely by a narrow chin with a tuft of fur at the end of that. And pointed ears.
    Sara screamed what we were both thinking.
    â€œThe Hobgoblin!”

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    The distorted head spoke. “Come up out of that hole,” came a deep voice. I thought it sounded like my dad when I had done something wrong. But, where my dad never hurt me with his strength, I wasn’t so sure about this...whatever it was.
    We both stayed put, unable to move.
    â€œCome on up here,” came the voice again. “I don’t bite.” Then came a serious laughter that sent a shiver through my body.
    I had two choices. I could stay down there with my sister, and maybe have the beast come in after us. Or, I could bring my sister up there and hope to escape. Neither of them sounded like much fun to me.
    â€œWho are you?” I asked. “How did you find us?”
    He gave a little laugh. “You two make more noise than a squealing pig. You’ve disturbed my forest. Now come on up out of that hole before you freeze to death.”
    As he said that last part about freezing, I felt a chill come through me. And my sister was already shaking from either the cold or that thing. Her teeth chattered like mad.
    I was reluctant, but what other choice did I have? I took Sara by the hand and helped her up out of the temporary shelter.
    When we got to the top, the...man was a ways away, perched on top of a tree stump, the burning stick stuck in the ground next to him.
    My sister immediately scooted behind me. I couldn’t blame her. I was expecting to see some huge Bigfoot-like creature looming over us. Instead, there stooped on that stump was a little man about my own size with the head of an adult. He was wearing only shorts, and his body was hairy as a chimp. Well, almost.
    My sister peered around me and said, “Are you a Hobgoblin?”
    The little man laughed loudly. “Are you serious? That’s cruel, little girl. I’ve been called a lot of names, but nobody has ever accused me of being one of those creatures.” He shook his head and then kept it cocked to one side.
    I wasn’t sure what to do next. My dad always said you can talk your way out of most situations. So I tried that.
    â€œWe’re a little turned around out here,” I said. “Could you help us find the road?”
    â€œMore like lost,” he mumbled. “Which road would that be? There are a lot of roads.”
    â€œThe one that goes to the Redwoods and all the way to Oregon.”
    â€œYa got any money, kid?”
    That was the last thing I expected him to say. I felt my pockets and shook my head no.
    â€œJust kiddin’ there, Ben”
    â€œHow’d you know my name?”

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    â€œI told ya, Kid. You two make more noise than a raccoon in a trash can.”
    He jumped down off the stump, grabbed his fire stick, and started to waddle off. Then he stopped and looked over his shoulder. “Come on. I’d like to have you two for dinner.” He laughed again.
    I didn’t know what to do. I was responsible for getting my little sister into this situation, and now I had to do something to get us out. I knew we could freeze if we stayed in the woods. I took my sister’s hand and followed the man.
    We had not traveled far when all of us heard a howl off in the distance that echoed through the forest.
    Sara stopped and tugged at my hand. “What was that?”
    â€œThat’s just a coyote, Sara,” the little man said.
    So, he knew her name also.
    â€œWhat’s your name?” I said loudly. “You know ours,” I reasoned.
    The old man narrowed his eyes down that skinny nose and wrinkled his forehead. “Does it matter?”
    â€œWell, it would be nice to call you