Атлант расправил плечи

           What’stobedone?"

           "I’mgoingtoaphonetocallthedivisionpoint."

           "Youcan’tgoalone,ma’am.Notthesedays.I’dbettergowithyou."

           Shesmiled."Thanks.ButI’llbeallright.Mr.Kellogghereisgoingwithme.Say—what’syourname?"

           "JeffAlien,ma’am."

           "Listen,Alien,haveyoueverworkedforarailroad?"

           "No,ma’am."

           "Well,you’reworkingforonenow.You’redeputy-conductorandproxy-Vice-President-in-charge-of-operation.Yourjobistotakechargeofthistraininmyabsence,topreserveorderandtokeepthecattlefromstampeding.TellthemthatIappointedyou.Youdon’tneedanyproof.They’llobeyanybodywhoexpectsobedience."

           "Yes,ma’am,"heansweredfirmly,withalookofunderstanding.

           Sherememberedthatmoneyinsideaman’spockethadthepowertoturnintoconfidenceinsidehismind;shetookahundred-dollarbillfromherbagandslippeditintohishand."Asadvanceonwages,"shesaid.

           "Yes,ma’am."

           Shehadstartedoff,whenhecalledafterher,"MissTaggart!"

           Sheturned."Yes?"

           "Thankyou,"hesaid.

           Shesmiled,half-raisingherhandinapartingsalute,andwalkedon.

           "Whoisthat?"askedKellogg.

           "Atrampwhowascaughtstealingaride.