Ivory

"The only real feeling was a desire to get appointed to a trading post where ivory was to be had, so that they could earn percentages. They intrigued and slandered and hated each other only on that account." (21)

Ivory is formed from the dentine in elephant tusks and teeth in this case. The tusks could be taken from a dead elephant, but the elephants were also killed for the sole purpose of their tusks. Ivory was used for piano keys, musical instruments, ornamental items and other purposes. Reality for the men at the station is blurred, and the only thing that is clear to them is the desire for ivory. The ivory caused the men to go crazy and hate each other, while the elephants corpses decay.