Dug out a crossover cable, successful connection. Strange because both machines should not need it:

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2274?viewlocale=en_US

So I guess I don't need an adapter after all.

I also did the Apple Hardware Test CD. I burned it even though it looks like all there is on it is a ReadMe. The disk when burned also shows only the ReadMe. What relief when it had everything it needed once in the iBook!