Chapter 233: Murdoch's Wish
Murdoch loves his job on the Island of Sodor. Frequently, he is seen traveling up and down the main line, his engine pulling a long line of heavy trucks. Truly, he had transformed goods work on the Island. However, he is frequently looked down on by the others for his "dirty" work.
One day, he pulled into Knapford with a long line of coal cars. Gordon was there with the express. When he saw Murdoch's train, his face scrunched up in disgust.
"Keep those dirty trucks away from me! You're getting coal dust all over my train."
"First of all, no I'm not. Secondly, why are you freaking out? It's just coal. We literally need it to run the railway."
"Its not the coal I have a problem with, its you. Specifically, your audacity to park it alongside me. Goods and passengers DON'T mix."
And before Murdoch could reply, Gordon stormed off, leaving him very cross.
"That Gordon! I'd like to teach him a thing or two."
Later that day, Murdoch was walking through the forest. On his hike, he came across a large tree in the middle of a clearing, which several children had gathered around. Spotting Henry, he decided to get to the bottom of it.
"Hey Murdoch, what's up?"
"What's with the tree here? These kids seemed to be entranced by it?"
"Oh, that? That's the wishing tree. Legend has it that if you make a wish on it, it'll come true."
Murdoch scoffed indignantly.
"That has got to be the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. That can't possibly be true."
"Eh, you never know. Oh, would you look at the time! Sorry, I'd love to stay and chat, but I must get back to work."
With that, Henry left, leaving Murdoch to his thoughts. He knew it had to be a myth, but...
"Oh, what the heck! Why not?"
So, he placed his hand on the trunk of the tree and closed his eyes.
"I wish I could pull the express...just once."
The next morning, he was very surprised to be called into Sir Topham Hatt's office.
"Gordon's engine needs to go to the works. No one else is available, so I need you to take the express."
Murdoch was delighted, his wish had come true. He rushed to the sheds to get his engine ready. Edward and James were there, getting ready for their own trains.
"Good luck with the express, Murdoch. Wish I could take it, but I have a goods train for the mainland."
"Thanks James, I can't wait."
"You've never pulled a passenger train, have you? If you'd like, I can give you some pointers-"
"No thank you, Edward. I've seen everyone else pull them, so how hard could it be?"
He didn't wait for their response, for he quickly drove his engine away before they could. James and Edward watched him leave.
"Well, this can only end badly."
"I bet you 10 Pounds he doesn't even make it to Crovan's Gate."
"Oh, you're on!"
Murdoch confidently backed his engine down onto the coaches. But he wasn't being careful, and backed down much too fast. With a jolt, the coaches lurched backward, sending any passengers within to the floor. No one was hurt, but they were very cross, as was the guard.
"Watch it, you buffoon! This is the express, not a stopping goods!"
Murdoch's face went a bright red. This was going to be a long day.
After what felt like forever, the guard blew his whistle, and Murdoch set off. But the ride was not a smooth one, and the coaches shook, rocked, and banged along as the engine jerked along the line. Luggage fell from the racks, tea was spilt, and all the plates in the dining car smashed to bits as they crashed onto the floor.
Murdoch did his best to even out, but he didn't know how. He certainly wished he had listened to Edward's advice now. At last, a passenger had enough and pulled the emergency cord, and the train came to a stop outside Maron Station. The passengers swarmed the platform, loudly proclaiming their anger. Murdoch tried to shrink away and hide.
"Oh dear, this won't end well."
Murdoch was eventually taken off the train, and Bear took over. He gave Murdoch a sympathetic glance as he left, but Murdoch just wanted to disappear.
When he returned to the sheds that night, he found Sir Topham Hatt waiting for him.
"Oh dear, here it comes."
And his fears were correct.
"Now Murdoch, I understand this was your first time taking a passenger train, so I can forgive some teething troubles. But when someone offers advice, I suggest you take it."
"Yes, sir. Oh, I know I shouldn't have made that wish!"
"Wish? What on Earth are you talking about?"
And so Murdoch explained everything. Sir Topham Hatt tried not to laugh.
"Wishing trees don't run railways! That's my job. I'll have James and Henry take turns on the express, meanwhile you'll be back on goods trains. Perhaps we can give you another try on passengers runs later."
Murdoch breathed a sigh of relief. Later, Edward drove his engine into the sheds.
"I'm sorry I ignored your advice, Edward."
"Oh, that's alright. By the way, how far did you manage to get?"
"No farther than Maron Station."
"Darn, I owe James money."
"What?"
"Oh, nothing, nothing."