The Scarecrow by Butterscotch

The Scarecrow

part 1: The Jolly Scarecrow

Jack went through his closet and found an old pair of overalls that had been patched so many times that they seemed more patch than actual over-all. He took those, and an faded flannel shirt, and stuffed them with straw. Then he took an old burlap sack, and he stuffed that too. As a finishing touch, Jack painted a jolly grin on the sack and attached it to the shirt. He took the shirt, sack and pants and went out to the field, where he hung them on a pole. Satisfied, Jack took a few steps back and admired his cheerful scarecrow.

Despite the scarecrow's decidedly un-scary appearance, he did his job. The crows that had been stealing Jack's corn stayed away. The scarecrow didn't just frighten crows, it turned out. Jack's dog, his horse and the rest of his livestock also stayed away from it. Just as well. Jack had caught the dog "watering" his crops the other day.

The next day when Jack got up the scarecrow was nearer to the house than he remembered. He didn't think much of it. I guess I put it closer than I figured. he thought. He was so busy with his chores that he had no time to think about the scarecrow any more.

The next morning, the scarecrow was even closer. This time Jack was sure that it had moved. He could see the place where the ground had been disturbed a few feet away. On closer inspection, Jack found the place where the scarecrow had been placed originally. Darn kids. he thought. What a stupid prank. And he pulled the scarecrow out and put it back in its originl spot.

To be Continued!

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