Атлант расправил плечи
The Theme
Shehadnotsleptfortwonights,butshecouldnotpermitherselftosleep;shehadtoomanyproblemstoconsiderandnotmuchtime:thetrainwasdueinNewYorkearlyinthemorning. Sheneededthetime,yetshewishedthetrainwouldgofaster;butitwastheTaggartComet,thefastesttraininthecountry.
Shetriedtothink;butthemusicremainedontheedgeofhermindandshekepthearingit,infullchords,liketheimplacablestepsofsomethingthatcouldnotbestopped.... Sheshookherheadangrily,jerkedherhatoffandlightedacigarette.
Shewouldnotsleep,shethought;shecouldlastuntiltomorrownight.... Thetrainwheelsclickedinaccentedrhythm. Shewassousedtothemthatshedidnothearthemconsciously,butthesoundbecameasenseofpeacewithinher.... Whensheextinguishedhercigarette,sheknewthatsheneededanotherone,butthoughtthatshewouldgiveherselfaminute,justafewminutes,beforeshewouldlightit....
Shehadfallenasleepandsheawakenedwithajolt,knowingthatsomethingwaswrong,beforesheknewwhatitwas:thewheelshadstopped. Thecarstoodsoundlessanddimintheblueglowofthenightlamps. Sheglancedatherwatch:therewasnoreasonforstopping. Shelookedoutthewindow:thetrainstoodstillinthemiddleofemptyfields.
Sheheardsomeonemovinginaseatacrosstheaisle,andasked, "Howlonghavewebeenstanding?"
Aman’svoiceansweredindifferently, "Aboutanhour."
Themanlookedafterher,sleepilyastonished,becausesheleapedtoherfeetandrushedtothedoor.
