Summary

Chapter 5: "Account Overdrawn"

The order for Taggart is the first failure in the history of Rearden Steel. Without the copper, there is nothing Hank can do, and without the metal, Taggart cannot fix its mainline track, which is crumbling. This causes accidents and shippers to go out of business when they cannot deliver goods. The economy quickly spirals downward.

Colorado is virtually a wasteland, and there are almost no businessmen on the Rio Norte Line. Dagny has no choice but to close the line and use the Rearden Metal to repair the worst problems on the main line. A representative from Washington tells Jim that in order for the permits to go through, Wesley needs to be offered something. After the meeting, Francisco asks Dagny how she can continue working for people who do not deserve her, and she says she cannot abandon the...