Chapter 231: One Good Turn

Bill and Ben are infamous for their mischievous natures. They mean well, but often they can't help but let their sneaky behavior get the better of them. Be it the workmen or their fellow engine drivers, no one can avoid their tricks. One thing's for sure, though, trouble comes in pairs. Wherever you'll find Bill, you'll find Ben. And wherever you'll find Ben, you'll find Bill. Rarely, would you ever see them apart.

One day, their manager came to speak to them.

"Sir Topham Hatt has just phoned," he told them, "Some trucks full of important goods have just arrived at Wellsworth, but Edward is busy helping on the main line. So, he has asked me if you two could come and sort them out. I agreed, IF you agree to be on your best behavior. Do I make myself clear?"

Bill and Ben, eager for a change, happily agreed, and soon set off on their important mission. Steven watched them drive into the distance before shaking his head.

"Why do I get the feeling I'm going to regret this?"

BoCo was resting in the yard when he heard a pair of very familiar whistles. Letting out a deep breath, he couldn't help but chuckle.

"So much for a rest. Here comes trouble."

The twins drove up along either side of him, their faces bright with mischief.

"Hello, BoCo. Lovely weather, isn't it?"

"Don't worry about the trucks, BoCo. Sir Topham Hatt wants us to take all of them ourselves!"

BoCo laughed heartedly. He was used to their tricks.

"Oh, you two and your jokes! Come on, I'll show you what all needs done."

Bill and Ben soon set to work, arranging and rearranging trucks all day. It was hard work, but they didn't mind. They didn't often get to leave The Clay Pits, so this felt like a sort of adventure to them. At long last, their work was finished. Even the yard manager was impressed.

"Good work, you two! You can go back to the clay pits now, I'll let Mr. Stone know what a good job you did."

"Oh please, sir. Can we take a spin on the turntable? We don't have on at the clay pits. Mr. Stone says we don't need one, but it looks so much fun."

The yard manager thought about it for a minute, consulting the time table to make sure no one would need it.

"Hmm, I see no problems with it, but do make it quick. Tender engines need it more than you two."

Bill and Ben were delighted, but promised to make it quick. Bill went first, and enjoyed the rotating view as the turntable turned in the breeze. But no sooner had his ride started did it end, much to his dismay.

"Come on now, let your twin have a turn."

Reluctantly, Bill eased his engine off so his brother could have a turn. But the manager had accidentally put him on Ben's track, a fact he hadn't realized until he saw Ben coming straight towards him! Both twins put on the brakes, meeting in a gentle stop right in the middle. No one was hurt, but they weren't very happy.

"What's the big idea, Bill? How can I use the turntable if you're on the wrong track?"

"I'm on the wrong track? Nuh uh, you're in my way!"

"Am not!"

"Am too!"

The two fought like this for several minutes, causing no end in delays. It got so bad that their manager had to be called, and he wasn't happy at all.

"Bill and Ben, I'm pleased with the work you've done today, but this behavior is inexcusable! If you can't behave, then I won't allow you back."

This got the two to shut up, and they quickly scampered back to the clay pits. But the two were still cross with each other, and refused to speak to each other for several days. And poor BoCo soon found himself in the middle.

"BoCo, please tell Ben that I'm still not speaking to him."

"BoCo, please tell Bill that me being able to hear him counts as him talking to me."

"BoCo, please inform Ben that he is a nincompoop."

"BoCo, please-"

"TELL HIM YOURSELF! I'M DONE!"

But at last, BoCo realized something had to be done, so he came to the manager with a plan. Mr. Stone thought for a minute before agreeing.

"I hope, BoCo, that this plan of yours works."

"As do I, sir."

The next day, Mr. Stone called the two of them to the entrance of the Clay Pits. The two of them arrived, not daring to look at each other.

"Ah, Bill and Ben, just who I wanted to see. I just got a call from Sir Topham Hatt. A large train of goods just arrived at Brendam, and he needs two engines to collect it and take it to Knapford. So I'm sending you two to go and fetch it."

Bill and Ben weren't happy. Normally, they'd jump at the chance, but not if it meant working with their twin.

"Sir, I'd rather not-"

"Off you two go! Best hurry, no time to lose!"

Realizing they didn't have much choice, Bill and Ben reluctantly set off. When they reached the docks, they found the longest train either of them had seen waiting for them. They both knew they would need help, but neither one wanted to work with the other. Bill moved his engine to the front.

"I'll take it. Won't take too long."

Ben scoffed, rolling his eyes.

"Good luck. Maybe if you leave now, they'll have it by Christmas."

Sure enough, try as hard as he might, Bill couldn't move the train an inch. As he moved off, Ben moved his engine to the back and began pushing, with the same results. Realizing there was only one choice, Ben turned to his twin.

"Um...Bill?"

"Yes, Ben?"

"I think...the only way to do this is..."

Bill smiled broadly.

"...To work together? Come on, I'll pull, you push."

Working together, the two finally got the train to Knapford, just in time! That night, as they were dampening down the fires, Bill turned to Ben.

"I'm sorry I got in your way, Ben. Let's go back to being friends."

"Works for me. Besides, its more fun playing tricks with someone else than just by myself!"

Bill happily agreed.