“Continued improvement, with favorable weather conditions, in the winter-wheat states and encouraging messages from the Northwest warrant an increase of crop estimates made two weeks ago and based mainly upon the government’s report.  In all probability the yield from winter fields will slightly exceed 600,000,000 bushels.  Increase of acreage in the spring states in unexpectedly large.  For example, Minnesota’s Food Administrator says the addition in his state is 40 per cent, instead of the early estimate of 20 per cent.  Throughout the spring area the plants have a good start and are in excellent condition.  It may be that the yield will rise to 300,000,000 bushels, making a total of about 900,000,000.  From such a crop 280,000,000 could be exported in normal times, and by conservation the surplus can easily be enlarged to 350,000,000 or even 400,000,000.  In Canada also estimates of acreage increase have been too low.  It was said that the addition in Alberta was 20 per cent., but recent reports make it 40 per cent.  Canada may harvest a crop of 300,000,000 bushels, or nearly 70,000,000 more than last year’s.  Our allies in Europe can safely rely upon the shipment of 500,000,000 bushels from the United States and Canada.

“After the coming harvest there will be an ample supply of wheat for the foes of Germany at ports which can easily be reached.  In addition, the large surplus stocks in Australia and Argentina will be available when ships can be spared for such service.  And the ships are coming from the builders.  For more than a year to come there will be wheat enough for our war partners, the Belgians, and the northern European neutral countries with which we have trade agreements.”

Lenore eagerly watched her husband’s face in pleasurable anticipation, yet with some anxiety.  Wheat had been a subject little touched upon and the war had never been mentioned.

“Great!” he exclaimed, with a glow in his cheeks.  “I’ve been wanting to ask....  Wheat for the Allies and neutrals—­for more than a year!...  Anderson, the United States will feed and save the world!”

“I reckon.  Son, we’re sendin’ thousands of soldiers a day now—­ships are buildin’ fast—­aeroplanes comin’ like a swarm of bees—­money for the government to burn—­an’ every American gettin’ mad....  Dorn, the Germans don’t know they’re ruined!...  What do you say?”

Dorn looked very strange.  “Lenore, help me stand up,” he asked, with strong tremor in his voice.

“Oh, Kurt, you’re not able yet,” appealed Lenore.

“Help me.  I want you to do it.”

Lenore complied, wondering and frightened, yet fascinated, too.  She helped him off the bed and steadied him on his feet.  Then she felt him release himself so he stood free.