A gypsy pilot, whom the narrator Richard first meets in a field north of Ferris, Ilinois, Shimoda flies a 1928/29 gold and white Travel Air 4000 biplane. The plane is in such immaculate condition that Richard is certain Shimoda must be lying about having been hopping passengers for 4-5 weeks. Shimoda claims to have held many jobs but prefers gypsy flying because he gets into (nondescript) trouble if he stays in one place too long. Eventually, Shimoda confides to Richard he is the "Mechanic Messiah" and "American Avatar," who disappeared one day before 25,000 eyewitnesses, a feat which appeared in front-page headlines. Shimoda hails from Indiana, where he has been an auto mechanic. He recalls earlier lives in other lands, where he has been wise and strong and people have sought his.....
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