Chapters 17-18 Summary

Oliver's car runs out of gas in Carefree, Arizona, so he walks with his Marine Midland Bank gas can which is adorned with the logo of a whale. The attendant at the Texaco station, a seventeen-year-old boy, recognizes the can and comments that he saw one like it the day before. Though Oliver is condescending, sarcastic and threatening, the boy says the woman and teen girl who had a can like it are headed on the highway to the Grand Canyon.

The morning after having sex with Joellen, Sam stands near the barn thinking about his methods to minimize the pesticides on his farm. He uses sheep and pesticides with lower toxicity to maintain a more natural environment. He also hired Joley for his uncanny farming skills and quickness in learning. When Joley asks if his sister and niece can stay...