"He's preoccupied," Meese responded. "Now let's get started, gentlemen. As you know, the president is going on television tomorrow night to discuss the economic program."

Reagan looked up excitedly. "He is!"

Meese glowered. "Someone give him some jelly beans." An aide brought in a fresh jar, and Reagan began chewing. Meese continued: "We expect some trouble on the news cuts from a coalition of northeastern and middle-western Republicans who are dissatisfied with the program. They call themselves 'Gypsy Moths.' Any ideas on how to handle them?"

THE PRESIDENT stopped chewing. "We have those out at the ranch. They're always getting into Jane's sweaters. Just pick up some mothballs, Mike."

Meese rubbed his eyebrows. "Thank you, Mr. President."

"Cap," Reagan said, "Can you turn your head a little? The light is hitting your nose badly." Haig obliged; the president doodled on.

At this point, the vice president walked in. "Hi, everyone. Golly gee, what's going on?"

"It's a cabinet meeting, George," Meese replied.

Reagan looked up from his pad and frowned. "Who's he?"

"It's the vice president, sir," Meese explained.

Reagan stood and offered his hand. "Good to see you again, Jerry."

"Nice to see you again, Mr. President." Reagan sat down.

"Care to join us, George?" Meese asked.

"Jeepers. I can't, Ed. Just came to pick up some jelly beans before I head off to speak to the national association of hot dog vendors. See ya soon, gang. I've gotta run."

Reagan watched him leave and said. "Well, as that great champion and great American, Winston Churchill, once said. 'He can run, but we'll find him. Now is there anything else, Ted?"