Спрут: Каліфорнійська історія

           Butalsohesawavision.AsuddenandabruptrevolutionintheWheat.Anewworldofmarketsdiscovered,thematterasimportantasthediscoveryofAmerica.Thetorrentofwheatwastobediverted,flowingbackuponitselfinasudden,colossaleddy,strandingthemiddleman,theENTRE-PRENEUR,theelevator-andmixing-housemendryanddespairing,theiroccupationgone.Hesawthefarmersuddenlyemancipated,theworld’sfoodnolongeratthemercyofthespeculator,thousandsuponthousandsofmensetfreeofthegripofTrustandringandmonopolyactingforthemselves,sellingtheirownwheat,organisingintoonegigantictrust,themselves,sendingtheiragentstoalltheentryportsofChina.Himself,Annixter,BrodersonandOstermanwouldpooltheirissues.Hewouldconvincethemofthemagnificenceofthenewmovement.Theywouldbeitspioneers.HarranwouldbesenttoHongKongtorepresentthefour.Theywouldcharter—probablybuy—aship,perhapsoneofCedarquist’s,Americanbuilt,thenation’sflagatthepeak,andthesailingofthatship,gorgedwiththecropsfromBroderson’sandOsterman’sranches,fromQuienSabeandLosMuertos,wouldbelikethesailingofthecaravelsfromPalos.Itwouldmarkanewera;itwouldmakeanepoch.

           Withthisvisionstillexpandingbeforetheeyeofhismind,Magnus,withHarranathiselbow,preparedtodepart.

           Theydescendedtothelowerfloorandinvolvedthemselvesforamomentinthethrongoffashionablesthatblockedthehallwayandtheentrancetothemainroom,wherethenumbersoftherafflewerebeingdrawn.