Summary

Chapter 7: "The Exploiters and the Exploited"

Hank and Dagny manage to keep the Rio Norte Line repairs on schedule, despite the many problems they face. Ellis Wyatt has been helping behind the scenes, and he appears at the construction site. Hank suggests replacing an old bridge in Colorado with one made entirely of Rearden Metal, and Dagny agrees.

In New York, Dagny has coffee at a diner. A man sitting next to her complains that there is no human spirit, and another man shrugs, saying, “Who is John Galt?” A small, shriveled tramp says he knows that Galt was a great explorer who found the fountain of youth.

Dr. Potter of the State Science Institute visits Hank and tells him society is not ready for Rearden Metal. He explains that it could hurt competitors, and asks him to wait a few years. Hank refuses...