Chapter 260: The Scarecrow

One morning, Edward was approaching The Vicarage Orchard when he saw a signal up ahead.

"That's good," he thought to himself. "I can talk to Trevor while I wait."

But as he got closer, he saw something odd standing in the field nearby. When he came to a stop, he saw it was a very tall, very thin, and very ugly scarecrow. Its face was twisted into a grim snarl, and its button eyes stared coldly at Edward. Edward didn't know why, but just looking at it sent a chill up his spine.

"Hello, Edward. I see you've met Harold."

Edward jumped, but sighed in relief when he saw it was just Trevor.

"Oh, hello Trevor. Harold?"

"Yes, the vicar's been having trouble with crop thieves, so he threw him together. He chose Harold because he protects his garden, much like Harold protects Sodor."

Edward chuckled.

"I don't think our Harold would be too happy to be compared to this old thing."

"No, I suppose not. Still though, he's worked out so far."

Just then, Edward's signal dropped, and he could go. He was happy to do so, he didn't want to be near that thing for another minute. Trevor watched him go.

"He seemed to be in a hurry to get out of here. I wonder what's got him so riled up, huh Harold?"

Harold, of course, said nothing. Trevor just laughed.

"Talking to a sack of straw. I must be losing it."

Every day, Edward would pass by the orchard. There stood Harold, tall and silent as he guarded his garden. And every time Edward would shiver, as if Harold was staring into his soul.

"I hope The Vicar can find another solution to his problem. That scarecrow is giving me the creeps!"

Late one night, two shady shadows sneak their way onto the property.

"Are you sure this is a good idea, Fred?"

"Shut it, Carl. That Vicar has won too many prizes with his prized produce, he can bear to part with a few."

"Alright, but this place gives me the creeps! Let's get this over with."

"Alright, you big baby, get a move on. The sooner you get started, the sooner we can get out of here."

Carl complied, and began rifling through the garden while Fred walked off to find more things to snatch. A few minutes later, he had finished and was just finishing up when he felt a shadow fall over him.

"All set, Fred? Good, lets get out of here."

Fred said nothing, but Carl could hear his heavy breathing.

"What's wrong, Fred? Cat got your tongue."

Still, he said nothing. Carl was getting annoyed.

"Alright dude, stop messing around! Say something or-"

Carl turned around, and...

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

The next morning, Edward was bringing a train of empty trucks to the clay pits when he noticed a squad of police cars outside the vicarage orchard. Concerned, he stopped the train and ran over, only to find the situation under control. One of the officers was taking testimony from the Vicar and Trevor, while the other two were keeping watch over Fred and Carl, who were shaking like leaves.

"What's going on here?"

"Not sure. These two just keep mumbling gibberish."

"Its the scarecrow, man! It was walking, and, and..."

"Alright you two, that's enough. You're coming with us."

Edward watched as the police officers hauled the to away. Then he turned to the Vicar.

"Are you two alright?"

"Yes, thank you. Found those two in my garden this morning in a complete wreck. Oddly enough, I found Harold not too far away. They must have tripped over him in the dark and scared themselves."

"Alright, well glad everything turned out alright. I need to get back to my train."

"Take care, Edward."

As Edward walked back to his engine, he stopped to stare at Harold. He couldn't tell for sure, but as he drove away, Edward swore there was something different about the scarecrow.

Harold...was smiling.