TRIPLE HEADER ACT
Coco was sent to the Mainline the very next morning. Sir Topham Hatt had spoken with the harbour master who could only shower the circus engine with praise.
"Such a brave and strong engine", he said, "He really is a credit. His manger should be proud".
"In that case", smiled the good manager, "Coco, you shall be sent to Crovan's Gate for repairs. You shall have a new coat of paint and a new set of side-rods. Your fitter tells me you've been in need of a pair for some time now"
"Yes sir", chuckled Coco modestly, "Pulling long and heavy trains often wears my axles out"
"Then it's settled", concluded the Fat Controller, "I'm sure your owner won't mind. I'll have Percy take you right away"
And so, Percy arrived to take Coco away to Crovan's Gate that afternoon. But at the same time, Duck and Edward decided that things had to put to a stop. They both agreed that it was best that Coco was not around when they put their plan into action and together, they confronted James and Gordon in the big shed.
"We won't let you act this way towards him", snapped Duck crossly, "We've already figured you out"
"To think you would want to send away such a reliable engine", added Edward.
"Reliable?", spat James, "He's just a big joke on wheels"
"Circus Engines only bring trouble", cut in Gordon, "I won't stand to let him take over our work. Before long, this yard will be over-run with clowns"
"Coco may be a circus engine but...", Edward began.
"It's time for him to go back where he came from!", finished James rudely.
"Your both being pathetic", snapped Duck, "What has he done to either of you?"
The two big engines exchanged glances and hesitated for a moment. Gordon broke the tension.
"We can't take any chances", he sniffed.
Duck went to rebut for the second time, but Edward stopped him.
"There's no use in trying to convince them", he said coolly, "Jealousy can be far more powerful then coal and water alone" At that moment, Henry steamed into the shed beside Duck.
"Why are you all arguing?", he asked curiously, "I could hear you from the coaling stage"
"They think we're jealous of Coco", explained James venomously, "Why would be jealous of him?"
"It's as clear as the dome on your boiler", cut in Duck, "Your just afraid to accept it, the both of you"
"Don't be so sure about the two of us", boomed Gordon, "We are not alone in our views. Henry agrees with us as well"
Duck and Edward turned their attention to Henry as a cold silence fell among the five engines. He hesitated for a moment.
"I'm afraid...", he said, rather uncomfortably at last, "I don't agree"
James and Gordon were speechless.
"Coco saved my life", the big green engine continued, "How could I want to send him packing after that?"
"You've gone soft in the boiler", hissed Gordon, "To think Henry, you would go against our word"
"If that's the case, we'll do it alone!", added James.
"Not if we stop you first!", spluttered Duck.
The argument raged on for a long time after. Duck lost all patience and began to fire all he had at the James and Gordon to defend Coco. Edward could only back him up. He hated to loose his patience and could only try to use reason against the James and Gordon, who were determined not to give up. Henry sat in silence. After an hour or so, not one of the five realised that a large group of passengers had gathered on the platform to observe them. Sir Topham Hatt, who was in his office, could hear the commotion on the platform and came bursting out in a rage.
"What's all this congestion?", he fumed to the station staff, "Why have these passengers not been put onto a train?"
"There seems to be an argument underway at the sheds", explained the stationmaster, "We can't seem to do anything to break them up"
The Fat Controller straightened his hat and clasped his hands tightly behind his back.
"Is that so?", he muttered, "I'll soon put an end to that nonsense"
With two of the station staff on either side of him, he walked down the platform and crossed the line to the sheds. Duck, James and Gordon were still in a raging quarrel as Edward and Henry tried their best to calm them down. The good manager tried to get their attention, but it was no good. Instead, he took the guard's whistle and blasted it with one big breath. The five engines fell silent and looked down at their buffers.
"What is the meaning of this?", boomed the Fat Controller, "This is disgusting behaviour from you all. Quarrelling like school children and causing delay. There is work to be done! Edward, what is the cause of all this"
"I'm sorry sir", said the old engine softly, "But we're having a predicament"
"These two...", began Duck, but he was silenced by the good manger's raised hand.
"One at a time", he said, "I want to hear from all five you, and I want pure honesty and nothing more"
And so, the five engines took it in turns to give their side of the argument. Edward and Henry felt uncomfortable with their involvement, but Duck, James and Gordon were so frustrated at each other that they had be soothed by their drivers. Once Sir Topham Hatt had heard each side, he turned away and looked to the floor.
"I am afraid", he said at last, "That I am not pleased with what I am hearing. To think that my engines are opposing the arrival of visitor is very upsetting indeed, especially when this particular visitor has proved to be fully serviceable and liked among the passengers"
Duck smiled with triumph as Gordon and James bit their upper-lips to hold back frustration.
"I am glad that this has been brought to my attention", the good manager continued, "And therefore I have no choice. James and Gordon, you will take your trains which are waiting at the platform. When you return, you must report straight to the yard and help with the shunting duties"
"Sir!", spluttered the two engines, "We..."
But they were silenced.
"I cannot allow for jealousy to show itself as having a negative effect on my engines", snapped the Fat Controller, "I would have expected better from the two of you. Maybe if you had seen sense like Henry you may have saved yourselves from this punishment"
He walked away, leaving the five engines struck with silence.
*
That evening at Crovan's Gate, Coco was walking with Skarloey and Rheneas beside their little shed. They had been talking for hours like old friends. Coco was waiting for the workmen to repair a space for him in the workshop.
"It's been so nice here", he told the two little engines, "I will surely miss it when the week is over"
"We get many visitors", said Skarloey, "But none are as interesting as you are"
"Will you come back and visit again?", asked Rheneas.
"I truly hope so", sighed Coco dreamily.
At that moment, Edward pulled up alongside with a train of machine parts for the workshop.
"Good evening Coco", he said kindly, "How have things been here?"
"The workmen are just preparing a space for me", replied Coco happily, "They are very kind people here. They know how to treat engines who are poorly"
"I'm glad", smiled Edward, "Things were a little haywire back at the yard though"
He explained to Coco about the quarrel.
"That's a shame", he said once Edward had finished, "I had no idea I was having such a powerful effect on them"
"It's not your fault Coco", soothed Edward, "They are always acting like that when a visitor arrives"
"But I should have known before hand", Coco went on, "I shall have to apologise to them when I return"
"Don't give in to them", snapped Skarloey, "Those big bullies need to be taught a lesson once in a while"
"But it will only make them crosser still", muttered Coco worriedly, "Maybe if I were to go back to the circus early, it would make things better. Maybe my coming here wasn't such a good idea after all"
He looked solemnly down at the track as he remembered Gordon spitting steam at him as he passed on their first day on the island, almost a week before. But Edward was worried. He went to speak when the head of the workshop approached them.
"We're ready for you Coco", he said kindly, "We have your new side-rods waiting"
With that, Coco steamed slowly and sadly away. Edward felt terrible as he watched his new friend back slowly into the workshop, the doors sliding shut behind him. "This is exactly what Gordon and James wanted", he thought, "I can't let it happen!"
And with that, he left his trucks and steamed quickly back to the yard. At the same time, Gordon and James arrived back at the good shed after returning from their last trains of the day. They were too ashamed to return to the shed. News had already spread of their denouncing. They were now more determined then ever to get back at Coco.
"First he pokes his funnel in here and takes our work...", began James.
"And now, because of him, we loose our coaches", added Gordon, "We'll pay him out once and for all"
*
The engines were sad the day that the Grand Circus Company's last show was advertised at the big station. This meant that Coco would be leaving too, and everyone, especially Duck, Edward, Bill and Ben were going to miss him terribly. They just hoped that he would be repaired in time. But Gordon and James felt otherwise. Donald and Douglas were summoned to stand in for them whilst they were serving their time in punishment, shunting trucks and taking dirty goods trains in the main yard. They were delighted when they heard the news.
"This means he'll be gone without us having to get ourselves into even more trouble", chuckled James, "What luck!"
"And then we can go back to our coaches", added Gordon smugly, examining the poster on the station board.
The next morning, Sir Topham Hatt received a telegram from the circus manager. He scratched his head thoughtfully and paced out onto the station. Duck had just finished arranging a long line of coaches at the platform, a special train which would be taking passengers to the Grand Circus Company's final show that evening. It was an important train and he didn't want anything to go wrong, but the telegram proved an annoyance. He spoke to Edward.
"I'm afraid I need your help here Edward", he spoke to the old engine, who sat stood by the coaling stage, "Coco's manager has just sent me a telegram requesting that Coco pulls the circus special to Elisbridge Fields tonight. But with him at Crovan's Gate, he will be disappointed. Would you please stand in for him?"
"I would love to help sir", muttered Edward sadly, "But I'm far too old to pull big trains like that..."
He spotted Gordon and James hastily bumping trucks across the way and an idea struck him. He smiled and his old eye twinkled as he whispered to the Fat Controller. He pondered for a moment, but happily agreed.
"Although my plan was to restrict them from work like this", he said, "It just might teach them both a lesson"
With that, he good manager strode over to the two big engines. They were confident that he was going to relieve them from their punishment, but were sourly mistaken.
"Gordon, James", he addressed them, "A predicament has cropped up and your service is required. With Coco out of service, the two of you must take his place and take the circus special to Elisbridge this evening"
The two engines were speechless. They wanted to get rid of Coco, not help him. This made them furious.
"Sir!", spluttered Gordon, "Surely you could find another engine"
"Don't be so feeble Gordon", snapped the Fat Controller, "Maybe this will teach the both of you to pay more respect to our visitors"
And with that, he strode back to the station to supervise the final preparations.
*
By the time the sky had turned an evening orange, the station was flooded with excited passengers, waiting to board the special train to the circus' last show. Tickets had sold out at a phenomenal rate and the station staff were having trouble keeping order. The Fat Controller helped to direct the passengers to their coaches as Duck hastily added two extra ones to the front of the train, as the original four were not enough. Meanwhile, Gordon and James sat outside the shed, being stoked and prepared for the journey. They were grumbling furiously and refused to co-operate.
"Come on you two!", said their drivers, "If you aren't ready soon, they'll open the house without us".
"They can do just that", snorted Gordon, "It isn't my concern"
"We don't want to be part of this circus-act like Coco", added James rudely.
"The passengers will be let down", said the shed caretaker, "Imagine the bad reports the circus company will get"
This gave the two engines an idea. They exchanged baneful looks and chuckled discreetly. Their crews had no idea what had come over them as their fires were soon alive and burning nicely. Before long, the two big engines had arrived at the station with five minutes to spare and backed down onto the train. They had decided to take it double-headed, with Gordon leading and James behind.
"Remember the plan", whispered Gordon as the doors to the train were banged shut, "When we reach the hill"
James gave a wink and a silly giggle as the guard waved his green flag and with a heavy puff of smoke, the heavy train set out of the station, slowly at first, but gradually building speed. The passengers cheered with a chorus of applause. They were very excited, and so were Gordon and James. Edward watched from a siding as they pulled out of the station and disappeared.
"Something doesn't seem right", he thought, "I'd better warn Coco"
"Sit tight old fellow", soothed his driver, "Crovan's Gate is too far. You'll never get there in time. Trust me. Those two couldn't get away with murder if they tried"
Edward smiled and chuckled to himself as the two big engines' smoke disappeared into the air beyond the sheds.
*
The circus special was making perfect progress. The sun was slowly beginning to go down and the station lights were flickering to life. It was a pleasant evening, but James and Gordon had other plans. They puffed through the countryside, much slower then usual to keep the long and heavy train under control. The passengers were growing more and more excited by the minute as they began to enter the alpine woodlands.
"Very soon", Gordon grinned, "We'll have Coco gone for good"
"And we can go back to being the important engines again", added James cheekily.
But their drivers and fireman didn't hear a word. They were slowly beginning to approach a hill. It was steep, but manageable. It was roughly mid-way between Tidmouth and Elisbridge, and beyond would be a leisurely downhill ride to the circus field. The two engines charged at it as they approached and slowly began to climb.
"After three", whispered Gordon, "One...two...THREE!"
There was a loud snap, followed by a blast of steam from both engines. A shower of cinders and ashes showered from their pistons as they come a slow and gradual stand still. The coaches collided with each other, taken completely by surprise. They screamed frantically as they came until they came to a final stop, half way up the hill. Steam continued to pour from James and Gordon's pistons, but they showed no signs of pain. Their crews jumped down to inspect.
"How odd", commented James' driver, "The brakes are completely jammed"
"It's the same here", added Gordon's driver, "What'll we do now? We're stranded"
"I don't understand", said the guard, who had left his brake coach and run up the side of the stranded train to investigate, "They were both in good working order when we left"
"It must be the heat", muttered Gordon's fireman, "Anyhow, we're stranded"
"I say!", bellowed a man from the first class carriage, "What's the situation?"
Both crews tried to explain the technical failure but the passengers were annoyed. They didn't want to miss the show. They had paid good money. Some even climbed down from their carriages and started pointing fingers at the crew. All the while, James and Gordon could not help but snigger uncontrollably, but they did so discreetly, so as not to be noticed. Their plan had worked...
*
Coco steamed sadly off down the line back to Tidmouth. He had enjoyed his stay at Crovan's Gate and his repairs were complete. He now had a new set of shiny side-rods, much nicer then his old ones and they allowed for much smoother running. They had also patched up his paint. He had felt like a new engine, but all the while, he could not help but worry about Gordon and James.
"Maybe", he thought, "I'll ask Sir Topham Hatt if I can leave early tomorrow and not cause a scene. It would be best that way"
"Nonsense Coco", said his driver, "You've made friends here. They'll want to see you off with a cheer"
But Coco didn't know what to think. His driver hadn't heard about the quarrel in the yard some days before. They passed Elisbridge Fields where the circus company were making final preparations for the night show. As he passed, Coco noticed the staff setting up fireworks for the grand finale. He was excited, but things were still playing on his mind. He didn't know whether to be glad or upset about leaving Sir Topham Hatt's Railway.
"At least the company will have a good name here", he thought, looking on the bright side as they cleared the fields, "Hopefully they'll invite us back, but it would be better if Jojo or Bobo went instead of me"
Not far down the line, they approached the Elisbridge signal box. Coco was about to give his usual, friendly whistle when he saw the red flag being waved frantically from the balcony. He came to a halt.
"What seems to be the problem?", asked his driver.
"We've just received an urgent calling from up the line", explained the signalman, "The circus special is stranded on the hill. They need an engine to help pull the train down the hill and to the station. From what I hear, the passengers aren't too pleased"
"Oh no!", gasped Coco, "If the train is stranded, the show will start without them. I mustn't let that happen"
And with determination in his heart, Coco sped off down the line.
*
Back on the hill, all the passengers had left the coaches and were now complaining loudly to the engine crew.
"The Fat Controller should be ashamed!", shouted a the man from First Class, "This is a bad railway! We ask for a guaranteed connection and we find ourselves stranded on a hill. I'm sorry sir, but this will simply not do"
This was followed by a chorus of cheers from his fellow passengers. Both James and Gordon's crew were lost and could only exchange anxious looks. The two engines on the other hand were having the moment of their lives. Everything seemed to be falling apart when suddenly, Coco came steaming over the top of the hill and came to rest before them. Gordon and James were dumb-struck.
"I came as quickly as I could", panted Coco, "We must get this train to Elisbridge Fields in time for the show"
The passengers seemed to loose their anger in their cheers as they swarmed Coco and his crew with praise. The two bigger engines could only stare absently as the guard quickly ushered them back to the train. Coco switched tracks and buffered up in front of Gordon, making a triple-header.
"Don't worry you two", he whispered to Gordon and James, "I'll get us there in time"
The two engines were speechless.
"What'll we do?", whispered James discreetly.
"There's still time", hissed Gordon as Coco prepares himself for the climb, "Just hold back"
The guard once again blew his whistle from the back of the long and heavy train and with the wave of his green flag, Coco's wheels slowly began to turn. He closed his eyes and took a great heave forwards, but the train didn't seem to move an inch. Gordon and James didn't help a bit. They could only grin at the sight of Coco puffing and panting uncontrollably.
"I-can-do-this", grunted Coco between puffs, "I-can-do-this"
And as his wheels ground the rails, sparks flying and his smoke growing thick, he remembered the day he left the company headquarters back in England.
"No matter what", Jojo had said wisely, "Never loose hope"
"Engines can be arrogant", added Bobo, "But don't let them get you down. Always hold up the good name of the company, where ever you go"
"That's right...No matter what..."
Gordon and James gasped as the entire train lurched forwards with a mighty jerk as Coco gave a powerful heave. Even though their brakes were jammed hard-on, they found themselves rolling uncontrollably forwards as Coco pulled both of them and the long train up the hill with every ounce of strength he had. The passengers cheered him on and his crew spoke words of determination to him as he held his breath, taking deep puffs as he slowly approached the top of the hill.
"Here-we-go-here-we-go"
And no sooner had he set off, they were coasting leisurely down the other side of the hill. Coco had the entire train under his control as the passengers began to sing a song that they had put together in his name, 'The circus engine named Coco'. Gordon and James remained silent as they rolled nosily back to ground level, past the signal box and with not a moment to spare, into the Elisbridge Fields station. Coco sighed deeply as his whistle of accomplishment was drowned out by applause. The circus manager stood waiting for him.
"Good job Coco", he smiled, "I knew I could trust you to uphold the name of the company"
"Thank...you...sir", panted the circus engine with a lop-sided smile, as the passengers crowded around him to congratulate him. Nobody spoke to Gordon or James, who were beginning to feel very ashamed of themselves.
*
The final show was a great success. Everything went according to plan and the visitors loved every moment. They especially enjoyed the fireworks display afterwards, which lit up the sky with all the colours of the rainbow. As Coco sat on his siding, watching the fun with a smile, Gordon and James rolled timidly alongside.
"Coco my dear engine...", Gordon began.
"You don't know how sorry we are...", James spluttered.
"No, no", said Coco kindly, "It's is I should be apologising to you"
The two big engines were surprised.
"If I had not have come in the first place", the kindly circus engine continued, "Then this whole thing would never have happened. I should have stayed here on the siding..."
He trailed off sadly. At last, Gordon spoke.
"How could we let such a reliable and strong engine as yourself go to waste?", he said importantly, "You were a credit to our line" "But I thought you were jealous of me", asked Coco, "If I had known earlier, I would have left then"
"Jealousy is the biggest flaw an engine can have", chuckled James, "We're sorry for everything. You did great today"
As the visitors on the field erupted with applause as the fireworks came to an end, Coco could not help but smile, a tear of joy rolling down his face. He had never felt happier, having worked on the Fat Controller's Railway.
Coco was sent to the Mainline the very next morning. Sir Topham Hatt had spoken with the harbour master who could only shower the circus engine with praise.
"Such a brave and strong engine", he said, "He really is a credit. His manger should be proud".
"In that case", smiled the good manager, "Coco, you shall be sent to Crovan's Gate for repairs. You shall have a new coat of paint and a new set of side-rods. Your fitter tells me you've been in need of a pair for some time now"
"Yes sir", chuckled Coco modestly, "Pulling long and heavy trains often wears my axles out"
"Then it's settled", concluded the Fat Controller, "I'm sure your owner won't mind. I'll have Percy take you right away"
And so, Percy arrived to take Coco away to Crovan's Gate that afternoon. But at the same time, Duck and Edward decided that things had to put to a stop. They both agreed that it was best that Coco was not around when they put their plan into action and together, they confronted James and Gordon in the big shed.
"We won't let you act this way towards him", snapped Duck crossly, "We've already figured you out"
"To think you would want to send away such a reliable engine", added Edward.
"Reliable?", spat James, "He's just a big joke on wheels"
"Circus Engines only bring trouble", cut in Gordon, "I won't stand to let him take over our work. Before long, this yard will be over-run with clowns"
"Coco may be a circus engine but...", Edward began.
"It's time for him to go back where he came from!", finished James rudely.
"Your both being pathetic", snapped Duck, "What has he done to either of you?"
The two big engines exchanged glances and hesitated for a moment. Gordon broke the tension.
"We can't take any chances", he sniffed.
Duck went to rebut for the second time, but Edward stopped him.
"There's no use in trying to convince them", he said coolly, "Jealousy can be far more powerful then coal and water alone" At that moment, Henry steamed into the shed beside Duck.
"Why are you all arguing?", he asked curiously, "I could hear you from the coaling stage"
"They think we're jealous of Coco", explained James venomously, "Why would be jealous of him?"
"It's as clear as the dome on your boiler", cut in Duck, "Your just afraid to accept it, the both of you"
"Don't be so sure about the two of us", boomed Gordon, "We are not alone in our views. Henry agrees with us as well"
Duck and Edward turned their attention to Henry as a cold silence fell among the five engines. He hesitated for a moment.
"I'm afraid...", he said, rather uncomfortably at last, "I don't agree"
James and Gordon were speechless.
"Coco saved my life", the big green engine continued, "How could I want to send him packing after that?"
"You've gone soft in the boiler", hissed Gordon, "To think Henry, you would go against our word"
"If that's the case, we'll do it alone!", added James.
"Not if we stop you first!", spluttered Duck.
The argument raged on for a long time after. Duck lost all patience and began to fire all he had at the James and Gordon to defend Coco. Edward could only back him up. He hated to loose his patience and could only try to use reason against the James and Gordon, who were determined not to give up. Henry sat in silence. After an hour or so, not one of the five realised that a large group of passengers had gathered on the platform to observe them. Sir Topham Hatt, who was in his office, could hear the commotion on the platform and came bursting out in a rage.
"What's all this congestion?", he fumed to the station staff, "Why have these passengers not been put onto a train?"
"There seems to be an argument underway at the sheds", explained the stationmaster, "We can't seem to do anything to break them up"
The Fat Controller straightened his hat and clasped his hands tightly behind his back.
"Is that so?", he muttered, "I'll soon put an end to that nonsense"
With two of the station staff on either side of him, he walked down the platform and crossed the line to the sheds. Duck, James and Gordon were still in a raging quarrel as Edward and Henry tried their best to calm them down. The good manager tried to get their attention, but it was no good. Instead, he took the guard's whistle and blasted it with one big breath. The five engines fell silent and looked down at their buffers.
"What is the meaning of this?", boomed the Fat Controller, "This is disgusting behaviour from you all. Quarrelling like school children and causing delay. There is work to be done! Edward, what is the cause of all this"
"I'm sorry sir", said the old engine softly, "But we're having a predicament"
"These two...", began Duck, but he was silenced by the good manger's raised hand.
"One at a time", he said, "I want to hear from all five you, and I want pure honesty and nothing more"
And so, the five engines took it in turns to give their side of the argument. Edward and Henry felt uncomfortable with their involvement, but Duck, James and Gordon were so frustrated at each other that they had be soothed by their drivers. Once Sir Topham Hatt had heard each side, he turned away and looked to the floor.
"I am afraid", he said at last, "That I am not pleased with what I am hearing. To think that my engines are opposing the arrival of visitor is very upsetting indeed, especially when this particular visitor has proved to be fully serviceable and liked among the passengers"
Duck smiled with triumph as Gordon and James bit their upper-lips to hold back frustration.
"I am glad that this has been brought to my attention", the good manager continued, "And therefore I have no choice. James and Gordon, you will take your trains which are waiting at the platform. When you return, you must report straight to the yard and help with the shunting duties"
"Sir!", spluttered the two engines, "We..."
But they were silenced.
"I cannot allow for jealousy to show itself as having a negative effect on my engines", snapped the Fat Controller, "I would have expected better from the two of you. Maybe if you had seen sense like Henry you may have saved yourselves from this punishment"
He walked away, leaving the five engines struck with silence.
*
That evening at Crovan's Gate, Coco was walking with Skarloey and Rheneas beside their little shed. They had been talking for hours like old friends. Coco was waiting for the workmen to repair a space for him in the workshop.
"It's been so nice here", he told the two little engines, "I will surely miss it when the week is over"
"We get many visitors", said Skarloey, "But none are as interesting as you are"
"Will you come back and visit again?", asked Rheneas.
"I truly hope so", sighed Coco dreamily.
At that moment, Edward pulled up alongside with a train of machine parts for the workshop.
"Good evening Coco", he said kindly, "How have things been here?"
"The workmen are just preparing a space for me", replied Coco happily, "They are very kind people here. They know how to treat engines who are poorly"
"I'm glad", smiled Edward, "Things were a little haywire back at the yard though"
He explained to Coco about the quarrel.
"That's a shame", he said once Edward had finished, "I had no idea I was having such a powerful effect on them"
"It's not your fault Coco", soothed Edward, "They are always acting like that when a visitor arrives"
"But I should have known before hand", Coco went on, "I shall have to apologise to them when I return"
"Don't give in to them", snapped Skarloey, "Those big bullies need to be taught a lesson once in a while"
"But it will only make them crosser still", muttered Coco worriedly, "Maybe if I were to go back to the circus early, it would make things better. Maybe my coming here wasn't such a good idea after all"
He looked solemnly down at the track as he remembered Gordon spitting steam at him as he passed on their first day on the island, almost a week before. But Edward was worried. He went to speak when the head of the workshop approached them.
"We're ready for you Coco", he said kindly, "We have your new side-rods waiting"
With that, Coco steamed slowly and sadly away. Edward felt terrible as he watched his new friend back slowly into the workshop, the doors sliding shut behind him. "This is exactly what Gordon and James wanted", he thought, "I can't let it happen!"
And with that, he left his trucks and steamed quickly back to the yard. At the same time, Gordon and James arrived back at the good shed after returning from their last trains of the day. They were too ashamed to return to the shed. News had already spread of their denouncing. They were now more determined then ever to get back at Coco.
"First he pokes his funnel in here and takes our work...", began James.
"And now, because of him, we loose our coaches", added Gordon, "We'll pay him out once and for all"
*
The engines were sad the day that the Grand Circus Company's last show was advertised at the big station. This meant that Coco would be leaving too, and everyone, especially Duck, Edward, Bill and Ben were going to miss him terribly. They just hoped that he would be repaired in time. But Gordon and James felt otherwise. Donald and Douglas were summoned to stand in for them whilst they were serving their time in punishment, shunting trucks and taking dirty goods trains in the main yard. They were delighted when they heard the news.
"This means he'll be gone without us having to get ourselves into even more trouble", chuckled James, "What luck!"
"And then we can go back to our coaches", added Gordon smugly, examining the poster on the station board.
The next morning, Sir Topham Hatt received a telegram from the circus manager. He scratched his head thoughtfully and paced out onto the station. Duck had just finished arranging a long line of coaches at the platform, a special train which would be taking passengers to the Grand Circus Company's final show that evening. It was an important train and he didn't want anything to go wrong, but the telegram proved an annoyance. He spoke to Edward.
"I'm afraid I need your help here Edward", he spoke to the old engine, who sat stood by the coaling stage, "Coco's manager has just sent me a telegram requesting that Coco pulls the circus special to Elisbridge Fields tonight. But with him at Crovan's Gate, he will be disappointed. Would you please stand in for him?"
"I would love to help sir", muttered Edward sadly, "But I'm far too old to pull big trains like that..."
He spotted Gordon and James hastily bumping trucks across the way and an idea struck him. He smiled and his old eye twinkled as he whispered to the Fat Controller. He pondered for a moment, but happily agreed.
"Although my plan was to restrict them from work like this", he said, "It just might teach them both a lesson"
With that, he good manager strode over to the two big engines. They were confident that he was going to relieve them from their punishment, but were sourly mistaken.
"Gordon, James", he addressed them, "A predicament has cropped up and your service is required. With Coco out of service, the two of you must take his place and take the circus special to Elisbridge this evening"
The two engines were speechless. They wanted to get rid of Coco, not help him. This made them furious.
"Sir!", spluttered Gordon, "Surely you could find another engine"
"Don't be so feeble Gordon", snapped the Fat Controller, "Maybe this will teach the both of you to pay more respect to our visitors"
And with that, he strode back to the station to supervise the final preparations.
*
By the time the sky had turned an evening orange, the station was flooded with excited passengers, waiting to board the special train to the circus' last show. Tickets had sold out at a phenomenal rate and the station staff were having trouble keeping order. The Fat Controller helped to direct the passengers to their coaches as Duck hastily added two extra ones to the front of the train, as the original four were not enough. Meanwhile, Gordon and James sat outside the shed, being stoked and prepared for the journey. They were grumbling furiously and refused to co-operate.
"Come on you two!", said their drivers, "If you aren't ready soon, they'll open the house without us".
"They can do just that", snorted Gordon, "It isn't my concern"
"We don't want to be part of this circus-act like Coco", added James rudely.
"The passengers will be let down", said the shed caretaker, "Imagine the bad reports the circus company will get"
This gave the two engines an idea. They exchanged baneful looks and chuckled discreetly. Their crews had no idea what had come over them as their fires were soon alive and burning nicely. Before long, the two big engines had arrived at the station with five minutes to spare and backed down onto the train. They had decided to take it double-headed, with Gordon leading and James behind.
"Remember the plan", whispered Gordon as the doors to the train were banged shut, "When we reach the hill"
James gave a wink and a silly giggle as the guard waved his green flag and with a heavy puff of smoke, the heavy train set out of the station, slowly at first, but gradually building speed. The passengers cheered with a chorus of applause. They were very excited, and so were Gordon and James. Edward watched from a siding as they pulled out of the station and disappeared.
"Something doesn't seem right", he thought, "I'd better warn Coco"
"Sit tight old fellow", soothed his driver, "Crovan's Gate is too far. You'll never get there in time. Trust me. Those two couldn't get away with murder if they tried"
Edward smiled and chuckled to himself as the two big engines' smoke disappeared into the air beyond the sheds.
*
The circus special was making perfect progress. The sun was slowly beginning to go down and the station lights were flickering to life. It was a pleasant evening, but James and Gordon had other plans. They puffed through the countryside, much slower then usual to keep the long and heavy train under control. The passengers were growing more and more excited by the minute as they began to enter the alpine woodlands.
"Very soon", Gordon grinned, "We'll have Coco gone for good"
"And we can go back to being the important engines again", added James cheekily.
But their drivers and fireman didn't hear a word. They were slowly beginning to approach a hill. It was steep, but manageable. It was roughly mid-way between Tidmouth and Elisbridge, and beyond would be a leisurely downhill ride to the circus field. The two engines charged at it as they approached and slowly began to climb.
"After three", whispered Gordon, "One...two...THREE!"
There was a loud snap, followed by a blast of steam from both engines. A shower of cinders and ashes showered from their pistons as they come a slow and gradual stand still. The coaches collided with each other, taken completely by surprise. They screamed frantically as they came until they came to a final stop, half way up the hill. Steam continued to pour from James and Gordon's pistons, but they showed no signs of pain. Their crews jumped down to inspect.
"How odd", commented James' driver, "The brakes are completely jammed"
"It's the same here", added Gordon's driver, "What'll we do now? We're stranded"
"I don't understand", said the guard, who had left his brake coach and run up the side of the stranded train to investigate, "They were both in good working order when we left"
"It must be the heat", muttered Gordon's fireman, "Anyhow, we're stranded"
"I say!", bellowed a man from the first class carriage, "What's the situation?"
Both crews tried to explain the technical failure but the passengers were annoyed. They didn't want to miss the show. They had paid good money. Some even climbed down from their carriages and started pointing fingers at the crew. All the while, James and Gordon could not help but snigger uncontrollably, but they did so discreetly, so as not to be noticed. Their plan had worked...
*
Coco steamed sadly off down the line back to Tidmouth. He had enjoyed his stay at Crovan's Gate and his repairs were complete. He now had a new set of shiny side-rods, much nicer then his old ones and they allowed for much smoother running. They had also patched up his paint. He had felt like a new engine, but all the while, he could not help but worry about Gordon and James.
"Maybe", he thought, "I'll ask Sir Topham Hatt if I can leave early tomorrow and not cause a scene. It would be best that way"
"Nonsense Coco", said his driver, "You've made friends here. They'll want to see you off with a cheer"
But Coco didn't know what to think. His driver hadn't heard about the quarrel in the yard some days before. They passed Elisbridge Fields where the circus company were making final preparations for the night show. As he passed, Coco noticed the staff setting up fireworks for the grand finale. He was excited, but things were still playing on his mind. He didn't know whether to be glad or upset about leaving Sir Topham Hatt's Railway.
"At least the company will have a good name here", he thought, looking on the bright side as they cleared the fields, "Hopefully they'll invite us back, but it would be better if Jojo or Bobo went instead of me"
Not far down the line, they approached the Elisbridge signal box. Coco was about to give his usual, friendly whistle when he saw the red flag being waved frantically from the balcony. He came to a halt.
"What seems to be the problem?", asked his driver.
"We've just received an urgent calling from up the line", explained the signalman, "The circus special is stranded on the hill. They need an engine to help pull the train down the hill and to the station. From what I hear, the passengers aren't too pleased"
"Oh no!", gasped Coco, "If the train is stranded, the show will start without them. I mustn't let that happen"
And with determination in his heart, Coco sped off down the line.
*
Back on the hill, all the passengers had left the coaches and were now complaining loudly to the engine crew.
"The Fat Controller should be ashamed!", shouted a the man from First Class, "This is a bad railway! We ask for a guaranteed connection and we find ourselves stranded on a hill. I'm sorry sir, but this will simply not do"
This was followed by a chorus of cheers from his fellow passengers. Both James and Gordon's crew were lost and could only exchange anxious looks. The two engines on the other hand were having the moment of their lives. Everything seemed to be falling apart when suddenly, Coco came steaming over the top of the hill and came to rest before them. Gordon and James were dumb-struck.
"I came as quickly as I could", panted Coco, "We must get this train to Elisbridge Fields in time for the show"
The passengers seemed to loose their anger in their cheers as they swarmed Coco and his crew with praise. The two bigger engines could only stare absently as the guard quickly ushered them back to the train. Coco switched tracks and buffered up in front of Gordon, making a triple-header.
"Don't worry you two", he whispered to Gordon and James, "I'll get us there in time"
The two engines were speechless.
"What'll we do?", whispered James discreetly.
"There's still time", hissed Gordon as Coco prepares himself for the climb, "Just hold back"
The guard once again blew his whistle from the back of the long and heavy train and with the wave of his green flag, Coco's wheels slowly began to turn. He closed his eyes and took a great heave forwards, but the train didn't seem to move an inch. Gordon and James didn't help a bit. They could only grin at the sight of Coco puffing and panting uncontrollably.
"I-can-do-this", grunted Coco between puffs, "I-can-do-this"
And as his wheels ground the rails, sparks flying and his smoke growing thick, he remembered the day he left the company headquarters back in England.
"No matter what", Jojo had said wisely, "Never loose hope"
"Engines can be arrogant", added Bobo, "But don't let them get you down. Always hold up the good name of the company, where ever you go"
"That's right...No matter what..."
Gordon and James gasped as the entire train lurched forwards with a mighty jerk as Coco gave a powerful heave. Even though their brakes were jammed hard-on, they found themselves rolling uncontrollably forwards as Coco pulled both of them and the long train up the hill with every ounce of strength he had. The passengers cheered him on and his crew spoke words of determination to him as he held his breath, taking deep puffs as he slowly approached the top of the hill.
"Here-we-go-here-we-go"
And no sooner had he set off, they were coasting leisurely down the other side of the hill. Coco had the entire train under his control as the passengers began to sing a song that they had put together in his name, 'The circus engine named Coco'. Gordon and James remained silent as they rolled nosily back to ground level, past the signal box and with not a moment to spare, into the Elisbridge Fields station. Coco sighed deeply as his whistle of accomplishment was drowned out by applause. The circus manager stood waiting for him.
"Good job Coco", he smiled, "I knew I could trust you to uphold the name of the company"
"Thank...you...sir", panted the circus engine with a lop-sided smile, as the passengers crowded around him to congratulate him. Nobody spoke to Gordon or James, who were beginning to feel very ashamed of themselves.
*
The final show was a great success. Everything went according to plan and the visitors loved every moment. They especially enjoyed the fireworks display afterwards, which lit up the sky with all the colours of the rainbow. As Coco sat on his siding, watching the fun with a smile, Gordon and James rolled timidly alongside.
"Coco my dear engine...", Gordon began.
"You don't know how sorry we are...", James spluttered.
"No, no", said Coco kindly, "It's is I should be apologising to you"
The two big engines were surprised.
"If I had not have come in the first place", the kindly circus engine continued, "Then this whole thing would never have happened. I should have stayed here on the siding..."
He trailed off sadly. At last, Gordon spoke.
"How could we let such a reliable and strong engine as yourself go to waste?", he said importantly, "You were a credit to our line" "But I thought you were jealous of me", asked Coco, "If I had known earlier, I would have left then"
"Jealousy is the biggest flaw an engine can have", chuckled James, "We're sorry for everything. You did great today"
As the visitors on the field erupted with applause as the fireworks came to an end, Coco could not help but smile, a tear of joy rolling down his face. He had never felt happier, having worked on the Fat Controller's Railway.
