Carl Jacobi

“ For three nights the skies over the Tapping farm were black, and a cold wind huffing down from the north kept the children indoors where they played endless games of parchesi. On the fourth night the moon broke through the clouds.
Jimmy, squatting by the window, the spyglass to his eye, stared out at the two scarecrows. At intervals he thought he saw Mr. Trask descend from the mounting pole, leap up over the shocks and begin his strange dance. ”

“ Jimmy was silent a moment as he gave this thought. Then he leaned forward and whispered,
"Mr. Trask moved last night."
"He always moves," replied Stella, unimpressed.
"I mean really moved. Toward Mr. Maudsley."
Stella choked on her porridge and the spoon all but slipped from her hand. She stared with wide open eyes. "He didn't."
Their whispers broke off as Mr. Tapping strode across the kitchen and took his place at the head of the table. A heavy-set unimaginative man who seldom entered into conversation with the children, he eyed them speculatively. ”

“ She turned and ran down the stairs and through the lower floor rooms to the back door. Jimmy ran after her. Crossing the yard, they sped halfway down the lane, then pushed through the cedar windbreak and veered toward the cornfield. Pumpkins, golden in the moonlight, rose up on either side as they raced up the incline.
Suddenly Stella drew up short. "Look!"
Mr. Trask had crossed the road and now was coming full tilt through the row of shocks. Jimmy, arms spread wide, threw himself forward to block the onrushing figure's path. ”