My Mother — Page 141
Miscellaneous 141 into her foot with only the head protruding. The woman was in agony. I was alone and there was no one within sight. So I made up my mind to pull out the nail myself. But when I stretched out my hand for the purpose she was terrified and begged me to leave her alone as she would not be able to endure the pain. However, God granted me the strength and holding her foot firmly at the ankle with one hand, I tugged at the nail with the other and suc- ceeded in pulling it out. The nail was two or three inches long and was rusted. As it was extracted there was a spurt of blood. The woman screamed in pain, but soon began to feel relieved. I told her our house was not far. I would support her there, wash and clean her foot and adopt the necessary measures to guard against infection. But she said her village was at no great distance, the girls would support her and she would reach home. I am worried lest her injury should become infected. I am praying for her. ’ By that time she herself began to perceive that the shades were closing in upon her.