Well, Thanks Anyway

While fertilizing a soybean field last week, Lowell Elliott happened upon an American Airlines bag containing $500,000. The Peru, Ind., farmer had heard that authorities were looking for a skyjacker who had parachuted out of a Boeing 727, so he turned the money in to the FBI.

Airline officials got their money back shortly before the authorities nabbed the skyjacker. In gratitude to Farmer Elliott, American offered him and his wife a trip to Hawaii or whatever distant paradise piqued their fancy. Though he is demonstrably honest, Elliott, 61, also drives a hard prairie bargain. He did not much feel like a trip, he said, and anyway his wife will not fly a crop-dusting plane to the next county, much less a 747 to Honolulu. Elliott told American officials, "I'd like to get the cash reward."

Done, said American, and they sent round Frank Bodwell, their regional sales manager for that area, with a check for $10,000. Said Elliott: "I don't think I'll take it today." He indicated that he might accept 5% of the ransom money, "but 10% would be better." The bewildered Bodwell returned to consult his superiors, leaving Elliott to sit a spell on his back porch. And if the offer is not renewed? Says Elliott: "Well, I guess I'm out of luck then, ain't I?"

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