The Octopus · Chapter
Chapter III explained
At the Los Muertos ranch house, Magnus Derrick, Harran, Presley, Broderson, and Genslinger discuss the railroad's potential grading of ranch lands.
What happens
At the Los Muertos ranch house, Magnus Derrick, Harran, Presley, Broderson, and Genslinger discuss the railroad's potential grading of ranch lands. Annixter arrives and the conversation turns to the railroad's pledge to sell land at two and a half dollars per acre, which Genslinger disputes. The ranchers plan to influence the Railroad Commission through political maneuvering, with Osterman proposing to buy influence via Disbrow. Annixter and Magnus clash over ethics, but Magnus asserts his integrity. The chapter ends with Annixter's angry outburst after discovering a practical joke in his room, and Harran reflects on the fertile, rain-soaked night.
Themes in this chapter
Corporate Oppression
The railroad's control over land pricing and its threat to ignore improvements highlights corporate power over the ranchers' livelihoods.
Corruption and Politics
Osterman's plan to buy influence with Disbrow and the ranchers' scheme to manipulate the Railroad Commission reveal political corruption.
Class Conflict
The tension between the ranchers and the railroad, as well as Magnus's clash with Annixter over ethics, underscores class struggles.
Characters to notice
- Annixter
Arrives at Los Muertos, argues about land grading and railroad politics, clashes with Magnus, and later storms out of his room after a prank.
- Magnus Derrick
Hosts the meeting, asserts his integrity against Annixter's accusations, and represents the 'Old School' of statesmanship.
- Harran Derrick
Participates in the discussion about railroad lands and the primary election, and later reflects on the night's events.
- Presley
Present in the dining room, lounging on the sofa and smoking cigarettes during the meeting.
- Genslinger
Editor of the Bonneville Mercury, brings news of potential land grading and disputes the railroad's pledge.
- Osterman
Proposes the political scheme involving Disbrow to influence the Railroad Commission, and stays overnight at Los Muertos.
Key passages
“As soon as the railroad wants to talk business with me, about selling me their interest in Quien Sabe, I'm ready. The land has more than quadrupled in value.”
Annixter is eager to buy the railroad's share of his ranch, noting the land's increased value.
Annixter expresses his readiness to purchase the railroad's interest in Quien Sabe, highlighting the land's appreciation.
“For two and a half! You don't suppose the railroad will let their land go for any such figure as that, do you?”
Genslinger doubts the railroad will sell at the promised low price.
Genslinger challenges the ranchers' belief that the railroad will honor its pledge to sell at two and a half dollars per acre.
“Stop right where you are, sir. You forget yourself, Mr. Annixter. Please understand that I tolerate such words as you have permitted yourself to make use of from no man, not even from my guest.”
Magnus angrily rebukes Annixter for his disrespectful remarks.
Magnus asserts his authority and demands an apology from Annixter after being insulted.