The next morning, Thomas and Percy left Tidmouth Sheds to investigate the flatbed. Thankfully, they were needed to help Mavis at Anopha Quarry anyway, so the two tank engines agreed to check the flatbed out, deal with whatever was on it, and then head there as quick as possible.

However, the two engines didn't realise how difficult this would be...

"What did...um, whatever is was, look like?" Percy asked curiously, causing his best friend to frown.

"Hm...Let's see...it was quite bulky..." he said at last, "and it...well...it was covered by a tarpaulin, and that's it. I was pretty tired last night." Thomas admitted sheepishly.

Percy thought about it for a moment, and then he brightened. "I know...what if it's a forgotten engine?" He asked.

Thomas just laughed.

"Really, Percy-another long lost engine? Arry and Bert would be out of jobs for not manning the scrapyards properly!" He laughed again, causing Percy to pout indignantly.

...

But by the time they arrived at the siding where the flatbed had been seen, Percy had put that incident behind him, and he gasped when he heard a rough voice calling from the bushes.

"Hello, who's there?"

"Cinders and ashes- I forgot about Bradford!" Thomas exclaimed. "Bradford, are you alright?"

"Yes, I'm fine!" The green brakevan huffed. "But I haven't seen funnel or tail lamp of that Samson! Have you two seen him?"

"Sorry, Bradford, but we haven't." Percy peeped politely. "But I can take you back to Vicarstown to wait for him, if you like." He added. He was curious about the flatbed- but Bradford needed help, and he wasn't going to leave anyone behind.

"I have to deal with that flatbed, like you said to me last night," Added Thomas. "Thanks for taking Bradford back for me."

"You're welcome!" Percy tooted, and he was coupled up to the green brakevan.

Then, Thomas had an idea. "Percy, wait! Rather than wait until you come back, how about you stay a bit longer and find out what's under here?" He offered, causing his smaller friend to frown.

"Well...alright, Thomas," Percy replied. He felt his firebox sizzle with anticipation.

So Thomas' driver and fireman, along with Percy's crew, made their way onto the flatbed and to the tarpaulin –which, much to their disgust, was covered in dust and bird waste- grabbed a corner each, and yanked it off after a count to three.

Underneath the tarpaulin was a small tank engine- he looked exactly the same as Thomas, albeit rather forlorn and neglected, with rusted paintwork, broken windows and a missing whistle. Traces of blue paint gleamed faintly in the pinkish glow.

The engine managed a small smile at the two friends.

"Hello," Thomas said softly, in an attempt to not frighten the stranger "It's okay- you're safe with us. My name's Thomas and this is my best friend"-

"Thomas?"

Percy giggled innocently at the unfortunate timing. "No, my name's Percy!" He explained kindly, to which the new arrival frowned, and then looked at Thomas again.

"Thomas...my name is Matthew. I've found you at last, brother." Matthew smiled again, causing Thomas to gape in shock at the news.

"No...It can't be true..." the blue tank said at last, causing his friends behind him to gasp in shock.

"Thomas!" Percy and Bradford admonished.

"Okay, okay- I didn't mean to call him a liar...it's just...I thought I was the only E2 left...how is this possible? How are you alive? And how did you get to Sodor?" He asked Matthew, still in disbelief and shock over the news.

Matthew almost cowered a little, causing a twinge of guilt to flare in Thomas...but he needed answers.

"I will tell all, brother..." Matthew said quietly. "But, for now, I just want to say- to answer both your questions...I escaped from scrap."

Thomas and Percy both gasped in horror.

"Yes, it was a while ago since it happened," Matthew continued, and his eyes glazed over.

"Matthew, Matthew? Are you with us?" Thomas' driver asked, waving a hand in front of the engine's face. Matthew startled.

"Oh, sorry- I do daydream sometimes." He admitted. "I often wonder what'd it'd be like to be back on the rails again...only, I don't think I'll be fit for work again. I mean, look at me. I'm falling to pieces."

"Nonsense, Matthew!" Thomas blurted out. "We'll help you! Two of our friends run a repair workshop for steam engines at Crovan's Gate! We could take you there and get you repaired!"

"Yes!" Percy added. "Victor's never let down an engine since he came to the Island!"

"Well...if you guys are sure," Matthew said at last, smiling shyly. "Thank you, guys, for offering to help me."

"You're welcome, Matthew- anything for a friend!" Percy peeped happily. "Well, I better get Bradford to Vicarstown now if we want to be on time for Mavis." He said reluctantly.

"Well, I could take Matthew to the Steamworks now, Percy, seeing as it's so early. Plus Bradford would never get off my tail lamp if I don't." Thomas replied. "We'll head up together- and then you and Bradford can try and catch Samson at Vicarstown."

"Okay!" Percy replied, happy at the prospect of pleasant company on his journey. And so, the two friends set off, with Thomas pulling Matthew, and Percy taking Bradford.

But as the quartet made their way to Crovan's Gate, Thomas had several questions on his mind. 'How did Matthew survive the scrapyard? How, when and why did he come to Sodor? Who, if anyone, helped him escape? Why have I never heard of my brother surviving until now?'