Rearden, Dagny, Ragnar, and Francisco rescue Galt from his torturers, and they fly back to the valley. Eddie Willers, after days of negotiation, has reopened the Taggart station in San Francisco and restored transcontinental service. He rides the Comet, attempting to return to New York, but it breaks down in Arizona, and he and the crew are unable to repair the engine. The crew and passengers desert the stranded Comet for a passing covered wagon. Eddie refuses to leave the train. He'll get it moving or will die attempting to do so.
The looters' regime finally collapses, and Galt gives word that the strikers will now return and rebuild the world.
