Hell on Wheels

Is it a villain you want? I'll play the part. After all, what is a drama without a villain? And what is the building of this grand road if not a drama? This business is not for the week of heart. It's a thorny, brutal affair the rewards the lion for his ferocity. And what of the zebra? What of the poor zebra? Well, the zebra is eaten as the zebra should be. Make no mistake: Blood will be split; lives will be lost, fortunes will be made; men will be ruined. There will be betrayal and scandal; impurity of epic proportions. But, the lion shall prevail! You see, the secret I know is this: All of history is driven by the lion. We drag the poor zebra, kicking and braying; stain the earth with its cheap blood. History doesn't remember us fondly. But then, history is written by the zebra for the zebra. Once hundred years hence, when this railroad spans the continent and America rises to become the greatest power the world has seen, I will be remembered as a kay-tiff, a malefactor, who only operated out of greed for personal gain. Oh true, oh true. But remember this: Without me, and men like me, your glorious railroad would never be built!