It worked on in the dark, calm, disciplined, irresistible.

Abruptly Dyke received the impression of the multitudinous ramifications of the colossus.

Under his feet the ground seemed mined; down there below him in the dark the huge tentacles went silently twisting and advancing, spreading out in every direction, sapping the strength of all opposition, quiet, gradual, biding the time to reach up and out and grip with a sudden unleashing of gigantic strength.
"I'll be wanting some cars of you people before the summer is out," observed Dyke to the clerk as he folded up and put away the order that the other had handed him.

He remembered perfectly well that he had arranged the matter of transporting his crop some months before, but his role of proprietor amused him and he liked to busy himself again and again with the details of his undertaking.
"I suppose," he added, "you'll be able to give 'em to me.

There'll be a big wheat crop to move this year and I don't want to be caught in any car famine." "Oh, you'll get your cars," murmured the other.
"I'll be the means of bringing business your way," Dyke went on; "I've done so well with my hops that there are a lot of others going into the business next season.