Атлант расправил плечи

           NowordorexplanationhadbeenheardfromLarkin.WhensummonedtoRearden’soffice,Larkinappearedthreedayslaterthantheappointmentmade,offeringnoapology.Hesaid,notlookingatRearden,hismouthdrawntightlyintoanexpressionofrancorousdignity:"Afterall,youcan’torderpeopletocomerunningtoyourofficeanytimeyouplease."

           Reardenspokeslowlyandcarefully."Whywasn’ttheoredelivered?"

           "Iwon’ttakeabuse,Isimplywon’ttakeanyabuseforsomethingIcouldn’thelp.Icanrunaminejustaswellasyouranit,everybitaswell,Idideverythingyoudid—Idon’tknowwhysomethingkeepsgoingwrongunexpectedlyallthetime.Ican’tbeblamedfortheunexpected."

           "Towhomdidyoushipyourorelastmonth?"

           "Iintendedtoshipyouyourshareofit,Ifullyintendedit,butIcouldn’thelpitifwelosttendaysofproductionlastmonthonaccountoftherainstorminthewholeofnorthMinnesota—Iintendedtoshipyoutheore,soyoucan’tblameme,becausemyintentionwascompletelyhonest."

           "Ifoneofmyblastfurnacesgoesdown,willIbeabletokeepitgoingbyfeedingyourintentionintoit?"

           "That’swhynobodycandealwithyouortalktoyou—becauseyou’reinhuman."

           "Ihavejustlearnedthatforthelastthreemonths,youhavenotbeenshippingyourorebythelakeboats,youhavebeenshippingitbyrail.