Ragle Gumm

Chapter 1

Ragle

Ragle sits surrounded by papers and a slide rule, meticulously calculating his lottery entry patterns while drinking warm beer, and expresses reluctance to drop out of the contest.

Chapter 2

Ragle / Ragle Gumm — aliases: National champion, Grand all-time winner

Ragle observes the Black family's arrival with disdain, engages in banter with Bill Black about work and fashion, and reveals his national champion status in the 'Where Will the Little Green Man Be?' contest. He later declines to teach Black the contest method, defends his work as analytical rather than creative, and outlines the capabilities of Sammy's crystal radio set.

Chapter 4

Ragle / Ragle Gumm — aliases: national hero

Ragle admits to Vic that he is having a nervous breakdown and may leave the country, though he later decides to stay to investigate a series of contradictions. He digs up a phone book and magazines at the Ruins, calls a disconnected number, and shows a magazine featuring a mysterious blonde actress to Vic and Margo, suggesting the objects themselves might be part of a larger pattern.

Chapter 8

Ragle / Ragle Gumm

Ragle watches instructional tapes to rehearse police procedures before stealing a pickup truck and fleeing on the highway, where he uses his knowledge of traffic patterns to elude a pursuing motorcycle cop. After crashing the vehicle, he walks to a distant house and, despite his mental state, is taken in by Mrs. and Garret Kesselman, who offer him sanctuary and alcohol after he admits to suicidal intent.