Things are getting desperate.

Magnus has just said that the key to the whole thing is the Railroad Commission.

Well, why not have a Commission of our own?
Never mind how we get it, let's get it.

If it's got to be bought, let's buy it and put our own men on it and dictate what the rates will be.
Suppose it costs a hundred thousand dollars.

Well, we'll get back more than that in cheap rates." "Mr.Osterman," said Magnus, fixing the young man with a swift glance, "Mr.Osterman, you are proposing a scheme of bribery, sir." "I am proposing," repeated Osterman, "a scheme of bribery.