Changes

== Family life ==

== Family life ==

Henry Rearden's family life was not nearly as happy as his business life. Where he met his wife Lillian, the novel does not discuss. She appears to have been a member of the [[New York City]] "social set," which in the [[alternate history]] of the novel had become highly politically [[liberal]]. Henry had a brother, Philip, who had a number of liberal friends who were very much enamored of what in the novel might be called the "People's State movement" (probably the [[Communist]] movement). Neither person showed him any real consideration or appreciation. Henry Rearden's mother lived in his house, but apparently she did not show him much appreciation either.

Henry Rearden's family life was not nearly as happy as his business life. Where he met his wife Lillian, the novel does not discuss. She appears to have been a member of the [[New York City]] "social set," which in the [[alternate history]] of the novel had become highly politically [[liberal]]. (In real life it is probably associated with the magazine known as ''The New Yorker''.) Henry had a brother, Philip, who had a number of liberal friends who were very much enamored of what in the novel might be called the "People's State movement" (probably the [[Communist]] movement). Neither person showed him any real consideration or appreciation. Henry Rearden's mother lived in his house, but apparently she did not show him much appreciation either.

The first illustration of Henry Rearden's troubled home life occurred on the day that his workforce poured the first heat of Rearden Metal. That his wife and family would not have known that this was coming seems incredible. Yet when he returned home, his family criticized him for not remembering his wedding anniversary. In fact, he ''had'' remembered his anniversary, because he had ordered a chain-link [[bracelet]] of Rearden Metal made from that first heat that his workers poured that day. Lillian showed little appreciation even for that present, and said of it, {{cquote|How appropriate: a chain, by which he keeps us all in bondage.}}

The first illustration of Henry Rearden's troubled home life occurred on the day that his workforce poured the first heat of Rearden Metal. That his wife and family would not have known that this was coming seems incredible. Yet when he returned home, his family criticized him for not remembering his wedding anniversary. In fact, he ''had'' remembered his anniversary, because he had ordered a chain-link [[bracelet]] of Rearden Metal made from that first heat that his workers poured that day. Lillian showed little appreciation even for that present, and said of it, {{cquote|How appropriate: a chain, by which he keeps us all in bondage.}}

== Francisco d'Anconia ==

== Francisco d'Anconia ==

At about the time of this transaction, Lillian Rearden gave a dinner party at the Rearden home. Henry did not appreciate the sort of guests that Lillian invited. They included a syndicated columnist named Bertram Scudder, whose politics Henry detested.

At about the time of this transaction, Lillian Rearden gave a dinner party at the Rearden home, to celebrate her anniversary. Henry did not appreciate the sort of guests that Lillian invited. They included a syndicated columnist named Bertram Scudder, whose politics Henry detested.

But the guests also included [[Francisco d'Anconia]], heir of the D'Anconia Copper Company, whom Henry knew only to be a [[playboy]]. Francisco d'Anconia had been in the news lately after his San Sebastian Mines in Mexico had been nationalized, and then turned out to be worthless. Henry couldn't decide whether Francisco d'Anconia was a totally inept businessman or whether he had played a colossal and expensive joke on the People's State of Mexico. Nor did Francisco provide many clues when he introduced himself to Henry. Henry did ask Francisco whether he was looking for any conquests, by which Henry meant conquests of the feminine kind. Francisco answered, {{cquote|Yes—one that will be my greatest and last.}}

But the guests also included [[Francisco d'Anconia]], heir of the D'Anconia Copper Company, whom Henry knew only to be a [[playboy]]. Francisco d'Anconia had been in the news lately after his San Sebastian Mines in Mexico had been nationalized, and then turned out to be worthless. Henry couldn't decide whether Francisco d'Anconia was a totally inept businessman or whether he had played a colossal and expensive joke on the People's State of Mexico. Nor did Francisco provide many clues when he introduced himself to Henry. Henry did ask Francisco whether he was looking for any conquests, by which Henry meant conquests of the feminine kind. Francisco answered, {{cquote|Yes—one that will be my greatest and last.}}

== A bridge of Rearden Metal ==

== A bridge of Rearden Metal ==

Some months later, Dagny and Henry traveled separately to Colorado to survey the Rio Norte Line and its progress. There Henry told Dagny that she was wasting money by ordering new support members of Rearden Metal to prop up a tottering steel bridge. Why not build a new bridge, entirely of Rearden Metal? He then showed her his first rough sketch of such a bridge, based on the new type of truss that he had invented years before. He showed her that such a bridge would actually be less expensive than extra struts for the old bridge.

Some months later, Dagny and Henry traveled separately to [[Colorado]] to survey the Rio Norte Line and its progress. There Henry told Dagny that she was wasting money by ordering new support members of Rearden Metal to prop up a tottering steel bridge. Why not build a new bridge, entirely of Rearden Metal? He then showed her his first rough sketch of such a bridge, based on the new type of truss that he had invented years before. He showed her that such a bridge would actually be less expensive than extra struts for the old bridge.

If the level of FUD had been high when Dagny was merely proposing to lay rail of Rearden Metal, it now rose to a fever pitch with the news that she would build an entire bridge of the new metal. As before, Dagny bore the brunt of it. When the situation became untenable for Taggart Transcontinental, Dagny then proposed to organize her own firm, buy the right-of-way from Taggart Transcontinental, and build the line herself. She called the line the [[John Galt]] line, after the mysterious name "John Galt" that everyone was asking about in a common slang phrase. She found several enthusiastic investors, including Ellis Wyatt and Lawrence Hammond, who had decided to relocate to Colorado and looked forward to the completion of the line. Henry Rearden, despite Dagny's protests, also decided to invest in John Galt, Incorporated.

If the level of FUD had been high when Dagny was merely proposing to lay rail of Rearden Metal, it now rose to a fever pitch with the news that she would build an entire bridge of the new metal. In fact, the [{State Science Institute]] issued a report essentially damning the Metal with faint praise, as an "unproved" technology. Henry dismissed the report, which seemed to him to have been written by men who had not even tried to work with the Metal. But the board of directors of the [[Taggart Transcontinental Railroad]] took it seriously. So did [[James Taggart]], who fled [[New York City]].

 

When the situation became untenable, Dagny then proposed to organize her own firm, buy the right-of-way from Taggart Transcontinental, and build the line herself. She called the line the [[John Galt]] line, after the mysterious name "John Galt" that everyone was asking about in a common slang phrase. She found several enthusiastic investors, including Ellis Wyatt and Lawrence Hammond, who had decided to relocate to Colorado and looked forward to the completion of the line. Henry Rearden, despite Dagny's protests, also decided to invest in John Galt, Incorporated.

== The Equalization of Opportunity Act ==

== The Equalization of Opportunity Act ==

What stopped him from giving way completely was his having yet another idea about bridge building. On that occasion, he conceived of a combination of a truss and an arch, that would bear even greater weight than his original truss invention. This would allow him to build the bridge with fewer raw materials, so that he would not miss his deadline. He was so excited about his discovery that he called Dagny at night to trumpet his triumph, and encourage her not to worry about people in [[Washington, DC]] who seemed to like to waste people's time.

What stopped him from giving way completely was his having yet another idea about bridge building. On that occasion, he conceived of a combination of a truss and an arch, that would bear even greater weight than his original truss invention. This would allow him to build the bridge with fewer raw materials, so that he would not miss his deadline. He was so excited about his discovery that he called Dagny at night to trumpet his triumph, and encourage her not to worry about people in [[Washington, DC]] who seemed to like to waste people's time.

At about this time, however, he did suffer a loss that would portend much greater trouble later on. He had hired a Washington lobbyist named Wesley Mouch to represent him before the politicians and officials. But Wesley Mouch had abruptly resigned. Shortly thereafter came the announcement that he was now the new Assistant Coordinator of the Bureau of Economic Planning and Natural Resources. Mouch would become the ''senior'' coordinator in less than a year.

At about this time, however, he did suffer a loss that would portend much greater trouble later on. He had hired a Washington lobbyist named [[Wesley Mouch]] to represent him before the politicians and officials. But Wesley Mouch had made himself unreachable and had not warned him about the Equalization of Oppportunity Act. Finally Mouch wrote that he had resigned. Shortly thereafter came the announcement that he was now the new Assistant Coordinator of the Bureau of Economic Planning and Natural Resources. Mouch would become the ''senior'' coordinator in less than a year.

== The opening of the line ==

== The opening of the line ==

The John Galt Line did open, and to much fanfare, with every substantial business in Colorado clamoring to place a cargo on the first train to run on the line. Dagny and Henry rode on the locomotive, as they had said they would. The train ran from one end of the line to the other, including once across the new bridge, entirely without incident.

The John Galt Line did open, and to much fanfare, with every substantial business in Colorado clamoring to place a cargo on the first train to run on the line. Dagny and Henry rode on the locomotive, as they had said they would. The train ran from one end of the line to the other, including once across the new bridge, entirely without incident.

That evening, at their hotel, Henry gave in to an impulse he perhaps had felt from the moment he met Dagny. He and Dagny began what would be a long and passionate love affair. Henry wasn't even sure that he had the right to feel the things that he felt, especially since he was married to another person. Dagny insisted that they both did.

That evening, they spent the night in Ellis Wyatt's house near his oil-shale fields. There Henry gave in to an impulse he perhaps had felt from the moment he met Dagny, though he considered that impulse shameful and dishonorable. He and Dagny began what would be a long and passionate love affair. Henry wasn't even sure that he had the right to feel the things that he felt, especially since he was married to another person. Dagny insisted that they both did.

== The Colorado boom ==

== The Colorado boom ==

== A new motor ==

== A new motor ==

Henry and Dagny decided to distract themselves by taking a driving trip. As it happened, they drove to [[Wisconsin]] and the site of the now-defunct Twentieth Century Motor Company. There, in the ruined and abandoned factory, Dagny made an incredible discovery that she shared with Henry: the partially wrecked prototype of a motor that could draw static [[electricity]] from the atmosphere and use it to do useful work. Dagny knew that this technology could start another [[Industrial Revolution]], because it would have an obvious application in [[railroad]]ing, shipbuilding, and power generation.

Henry and Dagny decided to distract themselves by taking a driving trip. As it happened, they drove to [[Wisconsin]] and the site of the now-defunct [[Twentieth Century Motor Company]]. There, in the ruined and abandoned factory, Dagny made an incredible discovery that she shared with Henry: the partially wrecked prototype of a motor that could draw static [[electricity]] from the atmosphere and use it to do useful work. Dagny knew that this technology could start another [[Industrial Revolution]], because it would have an obvious application in [[railroad]]ing, shipbuilding, and power generation.

But the prototype that they found was unusable, and the notes left behind were incomplete. Someone had removed or destroyed the critical portion containing the motor's secret.

But the prototype that they found was unusable, and the notes left behind were incomplete. Someone had removed or destroyed the critical portion containing the motor's secret.

== The destruction of Colorado ==

== The destruction of Colorado ==

Soon after that, all hopes of a boom in Colorado were dashed, when the federal government issued a raft of regulations that effectively destroyed all the incentives that Colorado offered. In response, several of the businessmen who had relocated to Colorado now vanished, as tracelessly as had the young inventor of the static-electricity motor. The most spectacular disappearance was that of Ellis Wyatt, who set his oil shale fields on fire and left a big sign near his property line:{{cquote|I am leaving it as I found it. Take over. It's yours.}}

Soon after that, all hopes of a boom in Colorado were dashed, when the federal government issued a raft of regulations that effectively destroyed all the incentives that Colorado offered. In response, several of the businessmen who had relocated to Colorado now vanished, as tracelessly as had the young inventor of the [[John Galt#The electrostatic motor|electrostatic motor]]. The most spectacular disappearance was that of Ellis Wyatt, who set his oil shale fields on fire ("Wyatt's Torch") and left a big sign near his property line:{{cquote|I am leaving it as I found it. Take over. It's yours.}}

== The Project X order ==

== The Project X order ==

Henry Rearden received an order that he decided that he would never fill. It was a peremptory instruction, written in an imperative, authoritarian tone, for him to deliver a large quantity of Rearden Metal to the State Science Institute, for use in a project known only as "[[Project X]]."

Henry Rearden received an order that he decided that he would never fill. It was a peremptory instruction, written in an imperative, authoritarian tone, for him to deliver a large quantity of Rearden Metal to the [[State Science Institute]], for use in a project known only as "[[Project X]]."

Henry Rearden was not accustomed to receiving business orders that read like expropriations. He said so to the first Washington representative sent to him, a man named [[Cuffy Meigs]], who wore a semi-military-looking tunic and the leather leggings of a traffic policeman. Not long after that, Dr. [[Floyd Ferris]], the Associate Director of the State Science Institute, came to renew the demand. Henry Rearden gave Ferris his refusal as well, in no uncertain terms. He explained that he could state as his reason that he could not provide material for a secret project having a goal that no one would reveal to him, because as the inventor of Rearden Metal he held himself responsible for any use that anyone might make of it. But his actual reason is that he would never supply anything to the State Science Institute for "any project, good or bad, secret or open." Floyd Ferris threatened Henry with some unspecified action. Henry dismissed the threat and said that Ferris could now leave.

Henry Rearden was not accustomed to receiving business orders that read like expropriations. He said so to the first Washington representative sent to him, a man named [[Cuffy Meigs]], who wore a semi-military-looking tunic and the leather leggings of a traffic policeman. Not long after that, Dr. [[Floyd Ferris]], the Associate Director of the State Science Institute, came to renew the demand. Henry Rearden gave Ferris his refusal as well, in no uncertain terms. He explained that he could state as his reason that he could not provide material for a secret project having a goal that no one would reveal to him, because as the inventor of Rearden Metal he held himself responsible for any use that anyone might make of it. But his actual reason is that he would never supply anything to the State Science Institute for "any project, good or bad, secret or open." Floyd Ferris threatened Henry with some unspecified action. Henry dismissed the threat and said that Ferris could now leave.

== The trial ==

== The trial ==

A month later, Henry found himself summoned to appear for an administrative hearing arising out of a "special deal" he had gotten on a shipment of coal from Kenneth Dannager. Henry had sold his coal mines to Ken Dannager to comply with the Equalization of Opportunity Act, and Dannager had promised that he would fulfil any order that Henry gave him at cost. As Dannager saw it, the government had had no right to compel Henry to sell him or anyone else his coal fields. But such "rebates" were illegal, and the government's legal action was probably an execution of Floyd Ferris' original threat.

A month later, Henry found himself under indictment for making a "more than fair share" shipment of Rearden Metal to [[Kenneth Dannager]], a coal-mining magnate who had bought his coal fields. Floyd Ferris found out about this, and threatened to have Rearden indicted if he did not fulfill the order for Rearden Metal made by the Project X account. Henry still refused, and the indictments came.

When the summons came, Ken Dannager took that occasion to retire and vanish. Henry faced his trial and defied the court. He said that he did not recognize the court's right to try him, because he did not recognize the thing that had brought him to trial as a crime.

Ken Dannager took that occasion to retire and vanish. Henry faced his trial and defied the court. He said that he did not recognize the court's right to try him, because he did not recognize the thing that had brought him to trial as a crime.

{{cquote|No, I do not wish my attitude to be misunderstood. I wish to state it for the record. I work for nothing but my own profit—which I make by selling a product they need to men willing and able to buy it. All that I have earned, I earned through voluntary consent: the voluntary consent of those who hired me when I started, the voluntary consent of those who work for me now, and the voluntary consent of those who buy my product. I refuse to apologize for my methods,...[and] I refused to apologize for my money. If this is evil, make the most of it. If the public feels that it cannot tolerate this, then let the public destroy me. This is my code, and I will accept no other.

{{cquote|No, I do not wish my attitude to be misunderstood. I wish to state it for the record. I work for nothing but my own profit—which I make by selling a product they need to men willing and able to buy it. All that I have earned, I earned through voluntary consent: the voluntary consent of those who hired me when I started, the voluntary consent of those who work for me now, and the voluntary consent of those who buy my product. I refuse to apologize for my methods,...[and] I refused to apologize for my money. If this is evil, make the most of it. If the public feels that it cannot tolerate this, then let the public destroy me. This is my code, and I will accept no other.

== Directive 10-289 ==

== Directive 10-289 ==

The government was not finished with Henry Rearden. The next atrocious measure to come from the Bureau of Economic Planning and Natural Resources was Directive 10-289. The principle part of that Directive was to attach everyone to their jobs, and to require every businessman to have a government representative to oversee the operation of what was still in those days called the Department of Personnel. (Today it is called the Department of Human Resources, but perhaps Ayn Rand would have understood ''that'' change perfectly.) But the part most relevant to Rearden was that anyone who had invented anything spectacular would be asked to make a "voluntary" contribution of that invention to an "intellectual common"—i.e., place it in the [[public domain]]. (This is not quite the same thing as the "open source" movement in [[software]] design, because that is a genuinely voluntary program in which no government is involved—yet.)

The government was not finished with Henry Rearden. The next atrocious measure to come from the Bureau of Economic Planning and Natural Resources was [[Directive 10-289]]. The principle part of that Directive was to attach everyone to their jobs, and to require every business to sell the same amount of goods year after year, no more, and no less. But the part most relevant to Rearden was that anyone who had invented anything spectacular would be asked to make a "voluntary" contribution of that invention to an "intellectual common"—i.e., place it in the [[public domain]]. (This is not quite the same thing as the "open source" movement in [[software]] design, because that is a genuinely voluntary program in which no government is involved—yet.)

On the day that the Directive was published, Dagny called Henry and told him that she was quitting. She then gave Henry an address in the Berkshire Mountains where he could meet her, and the two could then disappear together. Henry knew that a Washington representative had made an appointment with him to discuss his signing away his rights to Rearden Metal, as provided for in Point Three of the Directive. Henry's plan was to deliver his refusal personally to the Washington man and then join Dagny.

On the day that the Directive was published, Dagny called Henry and told him that she was quitting. She then gave Henry an address in the Berkshire Mountains where he could meet her, and the two could then disappear together. Henry knew that a Washington representative had made an appointment with him to discuss his signing away his rights to Rearden Metal, as provided for in Point Three of the Directive. Henry's plan was to deliver his refusal personally to the Washington man and then join Dagny.

But the Washington representative, when he arrived, presented him with copies of hotel registers and other evidence of the driving trip that he and Dagny had made to Wisconsin the year before. He realized that someone had betrayed his affair to the governing authorities, and he knew exactly who had done the deed: it was his own wife, who at first had told him that he could have his affair as long as he continued to support her, but lately had demanded that he give it up when she found out that Dagny Taggart was his other woman. He had refused, and had thought that to be the end of it, until now he saw the evidence in the hands of the government.

But Floyd Ferris, when he arrived, presented him with copies of hotel registers and other evidence of the driving trip that Henry and Dagny had made to Wisconsin the year before. He realized that someone had betrayed his affair to the governing authorities, and he knew exactly who had done the deed: it was his own wife, who at first had told him that he could have his affair as long as he continued to support her, but lately had demanded that he give it up when she found out that Dagny Taggart was his other woman. He had refused, and had thought that to be the end of it, until now he saw the evidence in the hands of the government. (And in fact, Floyd Ferris boasted that Lillian Rearden had been the informant.)

Henry signed the release. That evening he went to see a [[divorce]] attorney and told him to initiate divorce proceedings as soon as possible. But he did not join Dagny at her mountain retreat.

Henry signed the release. That evening he went to see a [[divorce]] attorney and told him to initiate divorce proceedings as soon as possible, and in such a way as not to pay Lillian any [[alimony]]. But he did not join Dagny at her mountain retreat.

== Ragnar Danneskjold ==

== Ragnar Danneskjold ==

One day later, he heard a rumor that Orren Boyle's Associated Steel company had tried to make their own heat of Rearden Metal in one of their factories on the coast of [[Maine]]. That factory was destroyed by shellfire from a ship at sea, and in fact a disembodied voice claiming to be that of Ragnar Danneskjold had given ten minutes' warning to the workforce before the shelling began. Henry at first thought no more about it.

One day later, he heard a rumor that Orren Boyle's Associated Steel company had tried to make their own heat of Rearden Metal in one of their factories on the coast of [[Maine]]. That factory was destroyed by shellfire from a ship at sea, and in fact a disembodied voice claiming to be that of [[Ragnar Danneskjold]] had given ten minutes' warning to the workforce before the shelling began. Henry at first thought no more about it.

Then one night, as he was walking to his new home, a tall man appeared suddenly out of the shadows and asked to speak to him. He said that he was returning a small portion of what he called "the money that was taken from you [Henry] by force." He handed Henry a [[gold]] bar and asked him to spend the gold strictly on his own comfort and pleasure, so that the gold would not benefit anyone but him. He explained that what prompted him to give him the gold was the action of the government in forcing Henry to sign away his invention. And then he identified himself: he was none other than [[Ragnar Danneskjold]].

Then one night, as he was walking to his new home, a tall man appeared suddenly out of the shadows and asked to speak to him. He said that he was returning a small portion of what he called "the money that was taken from you [Henry] by force." He handed Henry a [[gold]] bar and asked him to spend the gold strictly on his own comfort and pleasure, so that the gold would not benefit anyone but him. He explained that what prompted him to give him the gold was the action of the government in forcing Henry to sign away his invention. And then he identified himself: he was none other than Ragnar Danneskjold.

Henry was shocked, of course. To him, Ragnar Danneskjold was a [[pirate]], no better than, say, the infamous [[Jean Lafitte]]. Danneskjold explained to him that he was after what he called "loot carriers," which were ships carrying "humanitarian" cargoes commissioned (or as Danneskjold saw it, bought with stolen money) by the Bureau of Global Relief. Danneskjold would sell these cargoes to smugglers, demand payment in gold, and deposit this gold in a bank that he identified as the Mulligan Bank. This puzzled Henry, because Henry knew that the Mulligan Bank of Chicago had been liquidated about eight years ago after the owner, Michael "Midas" Mulligan, had lost a lawsuit and been ordered to make a loan that he had earlier refused to make.

Henry was shocked, of course. To him, Ragnar Danneskjold was a [[pirate]], no better than, say, the infamous [[Jean Lafitte]]. Danneskjold explained to him that he was after what he called "loot carriers," which were ships carrying "humanitarian" cargoes commissioned (or as Danneskjold saw it, bought with stolen money) by the Bureau of Global Relief. Danneskjold would sell these cargoes to smugglers, demand payment in gold, and deposit this gold in a bank that he identified as the Mulligan Bank. This puzzled Henry, because Henry knew that the Mulligan Bank of Chicago had been liquidated about eight years ago after the owner, Michael "Midas" Mulligan, had lost a lawsuit and been ordered to make a loan that he had earlier refused to make.

== The confrontation with Francisco ==

== The confrontation with Francisco ==

Henry continued at his mills, but now had to deal with a Washington representative whom everyone in the mills called the "Wet Nurse." The two would have many conversations, during which the young man would impress Henry mainly as a college-educated civil servant parrotting a lot of pabulum, including a notion that nothing was ever absolute. Henry took to calling this young man "Non-Absolute," as a joke. The young man would not appreciate the irony for many months.

Henry continued at his mills, but now had to deal with a Washington representative whom everyone in the mills called the "Wet Nurse." His job was to see that no customer received more than his "fair share" of Rearden Metal. The two would have many conversations, during which the young man would impress Henry mainly as a college-educated civil servant parrotting a lot of pabulum, including a notion that nothing was ever absolute. Henry took to calling this young man "Non-Absolute," as a joke. The young man would not appreciate the irony for many months.

Two weeks later, Dagny called Henry and said, simply, "Hank, I'm back." Henry knew why Dagny would be calling: a catastrophic train wreck involving the Taggart Comet (Taggart Transcontinental's signature coast-to-coast express train) and an [[United States Army|Army]] freight special had collapsed the eight-mile [[Taggart Tunnel]], and Dagny would have to lay rail along an overland route to reconnect the two ends of the transcontinental line. Henry quietly said that he needed to start bribing various drivers and other persons so that he could start pouring rail for her. This rail did not even have to be Rearden Metal.

Two weeks later, Dagny called Henry and said, simply, "Hank, I'm back." Henry knew why Dagny would be calling: a catastrophic train wreck involving the Taggart Comet (Taggart Transcontinental's signature coast-to-coast express train) and an [[United States Army|Army]] freight special had collapsed the eight-mile [[Taggart Tunnel]], and Dagny would have to lay rail along an overland route to reconnect the two ends of the transcontinental line. Henry quietly said that he needed to start bribing various drivers and other persons so that he could start pouring rail for her. This rail did not even have to be Rearden Metal.

== Dagny's second disappearance ==

== Dagny's second disappearance ==

When the bypass line was in place, Dagny started on a trip west, toward Los Angeles. She never arrived. The Comet turned into a "frozen train," but Dagny had gone on alone. As nearly as Henry could determine, she had found a small airfield and rented a new-model aircraft. She had last been seen flying into the [[Rocky Mountains]], and had never come out.

When the bypass line was in place, Dagny started on a trip west, to stop [[Quentin Daniels]], a young engineer whom she had hired to try to reconstruct the electrostatic motor, from quitting and vanishing. She never arrived. The Comet turned into a "frozen train," but Dagny had gone on alone. As nearly as Henry could determine, she had found a small airfield and rented a new-model aircraft. She had last been seen flying into the [[Rocky Mountains]], and had never come out.

Henry headed west himself, rented his own plane, and searched for her, without success. This was probably the worst emotional crisis that he ever faced.

Henry headed west himself in his own plane, and searched for her, without success. This was probably the worst emotional crisis that he ever faced.

== Return and explanation ==

== Return and explanation ==

== "Brother, you asked for it!" ==

== "Brother, you asked for it!" ==

On September 2 of that year, Francisco d'Anconia was in the news again, in an electrifying manner. The People's State of [[Chile]] had prepared a bill of [[nationalization]] for the whole of the D'Anconia Copper Company. But on the very day that the Chilean parliament was to convene, and indeed in perfect synchrony with the speaker's gavel, all of Francisco d'Anconia's remaining properties were blown up. Francisco d'Anconia himself had now vanished without a trace.

On September 2 of that year, Francisco d'Anconia was in the news again, in an electrifying manner. The People's State of [[Argentina]] had prepared a bill of [[nationalization]] for the whole of the D'Anconia Copper Company. But on the very day that the parliament was to convene, and indeed in perfect synchrony with the speaker's gavel, all of Francisco d'Anconia's remaining properties were blown up. Francisco d'Anconia himself had now vanished without a trace.

Henry knew that the loss of the last reliable source of copper would stop him permanently from making Rearden Metal, but he still felt good about what Francisco d'Anconia had done. He and Dagny discussed this over dinner in the Wayne-Falkland Hotel, where Francisco had been accustomed to stay. On that occasion, Henry told Dagny that he had once met Ragnar Danneskjold. Dagny said that Danneskjold had told ''her'' about that meeting. Henry then observed, "Well. I have met one of their agents." Dagny then said that he had met two of them. That could only mean that the other agent was Francisco d'Anconia.

Henry knew that the loss of the last reliable source of copper would stop him permanently from making Rearden Metal, but he still felt good about what Francisco d'Anconia had done. He and Dagny discussed this over dinner in the Wayne-Falkland Hotel, where Francisco had been accustomed to stay. On that occasion, Henry told Dagny that he had once met Ragnar Danneskjold. Dagny said that Danneskjold had told ''her'' about that meeting. Henry then observed, "Well. I have met one of their agents." Dagny then said that he had met two of them. That could only mean that the other agent was Francisco d'Anconia.

Later that month, Philip Rearden applied to Henry for a job. Henry couldn't begin to understand why his brother, who knew nothing about the steel business, would want a job in Henry's mills. Philip acted as though he were in a position to demand a job from Henry. Naturally Henry refused. Nor was Henry impressed when Philip made a political threat against him.

Later that month, Philip Rearden applied to Henry for a job. Henry couldn't begin to understand why his brother, who knew nothing about the steel business, would want a job in Henry's mills. Philip acted as though he were in a position to demand a job from Henry. Naturally Henry refused. Nor was Henry impressed when Philip made a political threat against him.

But when "Non-Absolute" told Henry that he wanted to quit his government job and work for Henry directly, Henry almost accepted that offer. But he and the young man agreed that certain things were happening at the plant that would make the young man much more valuable to Henry in his present position.

But when "Non-Absolute" told Henry that he wanted to quit his government job and work for Henry directly, Henry almost accepted that offer. But he and the young man realized that the law, or rather Directive 10-289, would not allow it. They also agreed that certain things were happening at the plant that would make the young man much more valuable to Henry in his present position.

== "Do something" ==

== "Do something" ==

In October, Henry received a summons to his old family home. There, his mother, soon-to-be-ex-wife, and brother were begging him to give his personal guarantee to pay their grocery bill. Henry asked them whether they would have him defraud the grocer into thinking that he actually owned the millions of dollars attributed to him.

In October, the [[Internal Revenue Service]] placed a lien on all of Henry's accounts, for the settlement of a [[tax]] debt that Henry was sure that he did not actually owe. Then Henry received a summons to his old family home. (He had moved out after Floyd Ferris had collected his signature on the patent release.) There, his mother, soon-to-be-ex-wife, and brother were begging him to give his personal guarantee to pay their grocery bill. Henry asked them whether they would have him defraud the grocer into thinking that he actually owned the millions of dollars attributed to him, given that all his assets were under a tax lien.

That was when Lillian Rearden blurted out to him that she herself had had an affair with another man, and that man was James Taggart, whom she herself described as "the scummiest louse." Henry received that statement with complete indifference, and Lillian was devastated to see close-up that Henry literally did not care what she did with her life, and that it did not concern him any longer.

That was when Lillian Rearden blurted out to him that she herself had had an affair with another man, and that man was James Taggart, whom she herself described as "the scummiest louse." Henry received that statement with complete indifference, and Lillian was devastated to see close-up that Henry literally did not care what she did with her life, and that it did not concern him any longer.

He left his home and went to a meeting that several Washington men had asked him to attend. There he met James Taggart, Floyd Ferris, Wesley Mouch, and several other men, mostly from the Bureau of Economic Planning and Natural Resources. They spoke to him in several strange terms, and even spoke of protecting him from violence, but never explained what the violence might come from. Then they told him their true purpose: to implement the Steel Unification Plan, under which all of the steel firms in the country would share their revenues and be paid according to the blast furnaces they owned, regardless of productivity.

 

He left his home and went to a meeting that several Washington men had urged him to attend, on the pretext that they could "straighten out" his tax situation. There he met James Taggart, Floyd Ferris, Wesley Mouch, and several other men, mostly from the Bureau of Economic Planning and Natural Resources. They spoke to him in several strange terms, and even spoke of protecting him from violence, but never explained what the violence might come from. Then they told him their true purpose: to implement the Steel Unification Plan, under which all of the steel firms in the country would share their revenues and be paid according to the blast furnaces they owned, regardless of productivity.

Henry pressed them on the details of the plan, and reminded them that such a plan would never be tenable for him. He also gave them another observation:{{cquote|All those...People's States only exist from the handouts that you men manage to give them. This country was the greatest and the last. You've drained it.}}

Henry pressed them on the details of the plan, and reminded them that such a plan would never be tenable for him. He also gave them another observation:{{cquote|All those...People's States only exist from the handouts that you men manage to give them. This country was the greatest and the last. You've drained it.}}

The young man, whom Henry now called by his first name of Tony, had been shot in the back and dumped onto the slag heap. He said that the riot was staged, and told Henry how it had been done: on that day, when Henry was away, some plain-clothes men had ordered the young man to sign several passes for several more men who did not look like workers at all. The young man had refused, and the operatives had shot him and dumped him on the slag heap to get rid of him.

The young man, whom Henry now called by his first name of Tony, had been shot in the back and dumped onto the slag heap. He said that the riot was staged, and told Henry how it had been done: on that day, when Henry was away, some plain-clothes men had ordered the young man to sign several passes for several more men who did not look like workers at all. The young man had refused, and the operatives had shot him and dumped him on the slag heap to get rid of him.

Shortly after telling him that story, Tony died. Henry took his lifeless body to the plant infirmary and left him there. He then tried to make sense of what was happening, and noticed a man standing on a ledge, using a stack for cover, and fending off several attackers with two pistols. Then several rioters noticed Henry and attacked him with clubs. He barely perceived the gunman coming to his rescue and firing at the rioters before he blacked out.

Shortly after telling him that story, Tony died. Henry took his lifeless body to the plant infirmary and left him there. He then tried to make sense of what was happening, and noticed a man standing on a ledge, using a smokestack for cover, and fending off several attackers with two pistols. Then several rioters noticed Henry and attacked him with clubs. He barely perceived the gunman coming to his rescue and firing at the rioters before he blacked out.

== Henry goes on strike ==

== Henry goes on strike ==

From the accounts given of what happened next, one may infer that Henry gave Francisco his permission, and perhaps a suggestion, to share the news of his decision to quit and vanish with all his regular employees. The shop superintendent, Henry's long-serving secretary, and the doctor in charge of the infirmary were only three of the many employees who followed Henry Rearden in his retreat from society. Rearden Steel shut itself down completely. In the month that followed, one manager would try to run them and would ask for a transfer, and the next manager would enrich himself by selling off most of the equipment.

From the accounts given of what happened next, one may infer that Henry gave Francisco his permission, and perhaps a suggestion, to share the news of his decision to quit and vanish with all his regular employees. The shop superintendent, Henry's long-serving secretary, and the doctor in charge of the infirmary were only three of the many employees who followed Henry Rearden in his retreat from society. Rearden Steel shut itself down completely. In the month that followed, one manager would try to run them and would ask for a transfer, and the next manager would enrich himself by selling off most of the equipment.

Presumably Henry Rearden and his employees all joined the community that Henry came to know variously as Mulligan's Valley and [[Galt's Gulch]], where Henry was enthusiastically received by everyone, even one Andrew Stockton, a foundry owner who realized that Henry Rearden must inevitably put him out of business.

Presumably Henry Rearden and his employees all joined the community that Henry came to know variously as Mulligan's Valley and [[Galt's Gulch]], where Henry was enthusiastically received by everyone, even one [[Andrew Stockton]], a foundry owner who realized that Henry Rearden must inevitably put him out of business.

== Rescue of John Galt ==

== Rescue of John Galt ==

As the aircraft carrying Henry, Dagny, Francisco, and John Galt, with Ragnar Danneskjold in the cockpit, overflew the New York region, the entire Eastern Seaboard was blacked out. Power had failed, and Henry and the others realized that the society of the "looters" had finally collapsed.

As the aircraft carrying Henry, Dagny, Francisco, and John Galt, with Ragnar Danneskjold in the cockpit, overflew the New York region, the entire Eastern Seaboard was blacked out. Power had failed, and Henry and the others realized that the society of the "looters" had finally collapsed.

Henry spent the winter reorganizing Rearden Steel in Galt's Gulch. The Gulch turned out to be incredibly resource-rich, and even had a source of [[copper]], in the form of a mine owned and run directly by Francisco d'Anconia. From the descriptions given of the mine from Dagny Taggart's viewpoint, one may readily infer that the first order for the New Rearden Steel was an order of rail made of Rearden Metal, and a further order of Rearden Metal to build a frame for the first electrostatic [[locomotive]] designed and built by John Galt.

Henry spent the winter reorganizing Rearden Steel in Galt's Gulch. The Gulch turned out to be incredibly resource-rich, and even had a source of [[copper]], in the form of a mine owned and run directly by Francisco d'Anconia. From the descriptions given of the mine from Dagny Taggart's viewpoint, one may readily infer that among the first orders for the New Rearden Steel was an order of rail made of Rearden Metal, and a further order of Rearden Metal to build a frame for the first electrostatic [[locomotive]] designed and built by John Galt.

With the arrival of springtime, John Galt announced that the strike was effectively settled, because the outside society was no longer effective. Henry Rearden now made plans to re-establish Rearden Steel on the outside and to supply rail for the first railroad between New York City and [[Philadelphia]].

With the arrival of springtime, John Galt announced that the strike was effectively settled, because the outside society was no longer effective. Henry Rearden now made plans to re-establish Rearden Steel on the outside and to supply rail for the first railroad between New York City and [[Philadelphia]].