Атлант расправил плечи

           Danneskjoldwatcheditgo,thenglancedpointedlyatRearden’srighthand.Reardenrealizedthathehadstoodfacingthepolicemenwithhishandclutchingtheguninhispocketandthathehadbeenpreparedtouseit.

           Heopenedhisfingersanddrewhishandouthastily.Danneskjoldsmiled.Itwasasmileofradiantamusement,thesilentlaughterofaclear,youngspiritgreetingamomentitwasgladtohavelived.

           Andalthoughthetwodidnotresembleeachother,thesmilemadeReardenthinkofFranciscod’Anconia.

           "Youhaven’ttoldalie,"saidRagnarDanneskjold."Yourbodyguard—that’swhatIamandwhatI’lldeservetobe,inmanymorewaysthanyoucanknowatpresent.Thanks,Mr.Rearden,andsolong—we’llmeetagainmuchsoonerthanIhadhoped."

           HewasgonebeforeReardencouldanswer.Hevanishedbeyondthestonefence,asabruptlyandsoundlesslyashehadcome.WhenReardenturnedtolookthroughthefarmfield,therewasnotraceofhimandnosignofmovementanywhereinthedarkness.

           Reardenstoodontheedgeofanemptyroadinaspreadoflonelinessvasterthanithadseemedbefore.Thenhesaw,lyingathisfeet,anobjectwrappedinburlap,withonecornerexposedandglisteninginthemoonlight,thecolorofthepirate’shair.Hebent,pickeditupandwalkedon.

           KipChalmerssworeasthetrainlurchedandspilledhiscocktailoverthetabletop.