Goody Rickby conspires with Satan to avenge herself when Gillead Wingate refuses to acknowledge their illegitimate child. Years pass, and Wingate becomes a powerful figure in his Salem, Massachusetts, community. Satan appears, ready to effect Goody's revenge. He makes a scarecrow come to life and plans to marry him to Rachel, Wingate's ward, thereby causing her and Wingate to be hanged for having been associated with witchcraft. Their plan is partially foiled when the scarecrow falls in love, acquires a soul, and sacrifices himself to save Rachel.