Thanks to all who helped me trace down the connections I blew loose with last week's pressure washing of the engine bay.
The wire in question did, of course, go right were you guys said it would...To the distributor. I bought a new spade connector, and it's running well. Thanks to the board & pal Marc in Denver (markanders) for helping.
Tomorrow: tighten a leaky oil pressure sensor, and more work on the 74....
Dickson