Long ago, there was scarecrow guarding a pumpkin patch during the harvest time. Little Mary would collect pumpkins for pie and such. Mary would talk to the scarecrow. The scarecrow could not hear her of course, but Mary spoke to him anyway. Mary would tell the scarecrow of her dreams and events of the day.

        One day Mary told the scarecrow of a magic crystal on a chain which was given to her by her wise old grand father.
"This crystal", he said, "holds the secret of life".
Mary said to the scarecrow, "It is so cold and lonely out here" and put the crystal and chain around the scarecrow's neck, over his heart. It was on Halloween night, the moon light shined just right on the crystal. A magic spirit formed from the light on the crystal. The scarecrow could now hear and see. The scarecrow could not move or speak.

        The magic spirit told the scarecrow "On the next full moon, as you are wearing the magic crystal, you can wish for a long life."

        The scarecrow stood in the field as always. Mary would come and talk to the scarecrow. Mary would tell the scarecrow of her dreams and events of the day.
Every day, Mary would tell the scarecrow of her dreams and events of the day. One day, Mary was crying. The doctor came and told Mary that her mother is very sick and is dyeing.

        The scarecrow who could not move or speak, was very sad. Mary would confide in the scarecrow, how much she would miss her mother. The scarecrow was very sad but could not express his sorrow to Mary. The scarecrow wished there was something he could do, but he could not even speak.

        Than came the day of the full moon. As before, the magic spirit formed from the light on the crystal and said "It is now time for you to wish for your life. The scarecrow said "I wish that my life be given to Mary's mother."
The magic spirit said "Mary's mother shall have a long life, but you shall have none". The magic spirit said "Are you sure that is what you want?"
The scarecrow said "Yes!, that is what i want. Some things are more important than life. That is what I want."

        With that, the light went out in the scarecrow's eyes.
Before he knew it, the winged messenger of the creator of all things brought him before the creator.
The creator said to the scarecrow, "Since you have shown such goodness, you will come back in an other form and enjoy a long life"

        Mary was ecstatic as she answered the door. She could hardly contain her self, as she said "Mother is going to live".
Tears of joy came to Mary's eyes as she said "I am so happy, and so happy to see you after such a long time".