Атлант расправил плечи

           "Hello,Dagny,"hesaid.

           Inasingleshockofemotion,shekneweverythingthetwowordswereintendedtotellher.Itwasforgiveness,understanding,acknowledgment.Itwasasalute.

           Shelaughed,likeachild,inhappinessthatthingsshouldbeasrightasthat.

           "Hello,"shesaid,extendingherhand.

           Hishandheldhersaninstantlongerthanagreetingrequired.Itwastheirsignatureunderascoresettledandunderstood.

           "TellNealytoputupnewsnowfencesforamileandahalfonGranadaPass,"hesaid."Theoldonesarerotted.Theywon’tstandthroughanotherstorm.Sendhimarotaryplow.Whathe’sgotisapieceofjunkthatwouldn’tsweepabackyard.Thebigsnowsarecominganydaynow."

           Sheconsideredhimforamoment.

           "Howoftenhaveyoubeendoingthis?"sheasked.

           "What?"

           "Comingtowatchthework."

           "Everynowandthen.WhenIhavethetime.Why?"

           "Wereyouherethenightwhentheyhadtherockslide?"

           "Yes."

           "Iwassurprisedhowquicklyandwelltheyclearedthetrack,whenIgotthereportsaboutit.ItmademethinkthatNealywasabettermanthanIhadthought"

           "Heisn’t."

           "Wasityouwhoorganizedthesystemofmovinghisday’ssuppliesdowntotheline?"

           "Sure.