Snow had fallen early on the Island of Sodor.
It fell heavily and refused to budge, so the lines became suffocated by the snow.
Engines generally hate snow; but Donald and Douglas didn't mind it so much. They were used to it, so they knew exactly what do to.
Coupled back to back with only a small van and a snowplough each on their fronts, they bravely conquered the snow with ease.
Due to a lot of the drifts being easier to shift, Donald and Douglas got through the job quite quickly, only taking their time with the bigger ones.
Soon they found a huge snowdrift- larger than any they'd ever seen.
"Right put your boiler intae this een Donal'!" Douglas called.
His twin tooted in response.
Together they rammed the snowdrift. Clumps slipped down.
"Come on- a bit harder..."
They were just backing up for another try when they heard a feeble whistle from the snowdrift.
"Losh sakes! We just foond Henry!" The railway's temporary number 10 called out
"Dinnae fash yourself Henry We'll hae you out afore lang!"
So they charged the drift again and again.
...
Henry limped to the sheds.
"That was impressive- thank you." He said gratefully.
But the twins weren't so grateful to find out that the Fat Controller was due to come back soon. This put a dampener on their earlier triumph.
"It's a shame." Percy puffed
"Hmph! And to think this is over a silly signal box? Well, they do slow do an engine down too much, I say!"
"And that brakevan- good riddance to rotten mean old nastiness!" James retorted.
They were fantastic in the snow." Henry added thinking about earlier.
Something should be done about this!" Gordon declared.
But no one knew what to do.
Later, Percy was talking to Edward.
"Duck told me about them," he said. "A pity- but I know a way that might work. We need a deputation."
"What does that mean?"
"It means that someone talks to the Fat Controller about what is wrong, and he does what takes to put it right."
"Edward that's brilliant! Thank you!"
The small engine raced away.
...
Percy raced back to the Sheds.
Edward says we need a Deputation! He announced breathlessly.
"What is a desperation?" asked Henry.
"It means that someone tells the Fat Controller what is wrong and he makes it right."
"Interesting -then I propose that Percy is our des -dis whatever it was." Gordon declared.
"Why do you pick on me?" Whined Percy.
"Oh be quiet Percy, it's easy." said Henry.
...
Hello Percy I am glad to be back.
Percy jumped. Coal flew out of his bunker and landed on the tracks behind him.
"Whatever is the matter? You're being vey timorous, Percy."
"Please Sir- I was sent as a Depusation, sir and I don't like it."
"You mean a deputation?" The Fat Controller asked.
"Yes sir. It's about Donald and Douglas sir. Please don't them away sir- they're nice engines sir. They were wonderful in the snow. Plus if they are sent away sir, then they'll be scrapped. Oh please sir let them stay!"
The Fat Controller raised a hand.
"That'll do Percy." He said firmly.
Percy puffed away, feeling close to tears. He was sure they'd failed.
...
Later Donald and Douglas saw the Fat Controller approach them
"I heard a ...deputation yesterday. And I heard that you two did well in the snow. I remind you all that I do not approve of interference."
He walked up to the twins
"What colour paint would you like?" He asked them.
The Scottish twins gaped.
"Blue please sir-ye mean- we-" Neither twin could speak.
"I am pleased-" but the engines knew instantly what he was going to say.
Whistles and cheers drowned the Fat Controller's speech.
After all, Donald and Douglas were now part of the family.
