Peter gave a synthetic chuckle. ‘Well,’ he said, ‘outward appearances can be deceptive. He’s overweight, sure. But I can tell you one thing. When any single person in Kansas of any political persuasion is threatened by fire, or drought, or crime, or you name it, Shearson Jones can be pretty damned nimble on his feet. He’s a caring man, Mr Hardesty, whatever people say about him. WTiy, here at the office, behind his back, they call him the Fat Samaritan.’ Ed frowned. ‘Is he going to be able to persuade Congress to vote the fund any money?’

‘Oh, I’m sure,’ said Peter. ‘But meanwhile we’ve been taking pledges from industry. So far today we’ve chalked up nearly three million dollars, and we’re sure we’ll get more.’

‘Well, I’m amazed,’ said Ed. ‘And pleased, too. I thought politicians were all foot-dragging and red tape.’

‘Not Shearson Jones,’ Peter told him. ‘And I want to assure you of something else, too. As soon as the first donations to the Blight Crisis Appeal have cleared the bank, they’ll be paid straight out. No waiting, and no arguments. All you’ll have to do is satisfy the appeal board that your farm meets the legal requirements for compensation – which I’m quite sure that yours does – and you’ll be eligible for your share of the three million.’

‘I’m gratified to hear it,’ said Ed.

‘I’m gratified you’re gratified,’ Peter told him. ‘You see, Senator Jones believes that we’ll be able to collect a lot more money for the appeal if we have a figurehead – one person who represents the whole plight of every unfortunate farmer. Somebody who can talk on television about what’s happened in Kansas, and how difficult life can be on a wheat farm. Somebody who represents the best in American farming. A young man, struggling against the weather, and fluctuating prices, just to keep up the traditions that made this country what it is today.’

‘Are you reading that from a script or making that up as you go along?’ asked Ed.

‘Come on, Ed, don’t be cynical,’ said Peter. ‘You know what I’m talking about.’

‘Well, I guess so. And I also guess that you want me to be your figurehead.’

‘Why not? This extra compensation was your idea to start with. Why not take it the whole way, and identify yourself publicly with what you believe?’

Ed ran his hand through his hair. ‘Let me think about it, will you? I’ve got your number.’

‘I’ll let you do more than think about it,’ said Peter. ‘Shearson Jones has arranged for his personal representative to fly to Wichita tomorrrow to meet you. She’s going to talk to Dr Benson first, to find out what he’s discovered, in case he might have turned up anything helpful. Then she can come out to South Burlington and talk to you.’