Old Iron
One day James and Jock at to wait at the station, till Edward and his train came in. This made James cross.
James: Late again!?
Edward and Lady laughed, while James fumed away.
After James finished his work, he went back to the yard and puffed onto the turntable.
James: That Edward, he and Lady are just impossible!
Jock: Oh easy there, James. Edward is just old that's all.
James: That's no excuse. Doesn't he and Lady realized that the passengers rely on us to be on time!? I think they're just doing this on purpose!
Thomas: Purpose!?
Scamp: My mom would never do that!
Percy: And Edward is very kind, he wouldn't get you into trouble on purpose too.
James: Well if that's true. Can't they at least pick up the pace instead of being slow! I swear, every time I'm so worried that I'll be late because of them!
Jock: I understand, James. And Lady and Edward do too. But, it can't be helped.
Thomas: Take no notice, Jock. Edward could go faster and beat James in a race!
James: Oh is that right!? That'll be something I like to see. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to rest before my next train.
Next day, James' Driver was not feeling well and by the time James reached the yard he was so ill that he could hardly stand. The fireman helped him up.
James' Fireman: Jock, watch James for me, while I help Justin to the signal box.
The fireman uncoupled James and the signalman help the driver to the signal box and telephone the hospital. Suddenly, the signalman shouted. There was James puffing away down the line with Jock! The fireman tried to catch up, but it was no good and came back to the signal box.
Signalman: All traffic hauled!
James' Fireman: What happened!
Signalman: I don't know. All I remember was that I saw a man climbing into James' cab, then he pulled the lever and went off with James. I try shouting at him, but I don't think he heard me.
James' Fireman: This is bad. If he continues to go faster, then no doubt something very bad will happened.
Suddenly the telephone rang, and the signalman got up to answer it.
Signalman: Yes… He's here… Right… I'll tell him… The inspector's coming at once. He wants a shunter's pole and a coil of wire rope.
James Fireman: What for?
Signalman: Search me, but you better get them quickly.
The fireman was ready when for Edward to arrive.
The inspector noticed the rope and pole.
Inspector: Good man! Jump in!
And they chased after James and Jock.
Edward (Thinking): We'll catch him. We'll catch him!
James was laughing, as he raced down the track.
James (Thinking): What a lark! What a lark!
Suddenly he felt like he was going faster and faster.
James: Hey, driver. Don't you think we're going a little too fast?
There was no answer from his cab.
James: Driver? Driver!?
Suddenly he heard a voice.
?: James?
James: Jock! Is there someone in my cab?
Jock: No! I was just about to ask the same questions. You're moving by yourself.
James: And I can't stop. Call for help!
So Jock bark as loud as he could hoping someone would hear him.
Lady: That's Jock! He must be with James!
Edward: We're coming! We're coming!
Charlie: Steady Edward.
Edward was painting up behind with every ounce of steam he had, till at last, he caught up with James. The driver steadied Edward till he puffed neck to neck at James.
Jock: Edward, please help!The driver steadied Edward till he puffed neck to neck at James.
The driver steadied Edward till he puffed neck to neck at James.
The inspector got the rope and crook of the shunter's pole, as he stood on Edward's front. He was trying to slip the rope onto James's buffer. The engines swayed and lurch. He tried again and again, and almost fell off a few times as well, till at last, he shouted…
Inspector: GOT HIM!
And he pulled the noose of the rope tight.
Gently breaking, Edward's driver checked the engines speed, and James's fireman scrambled and took control.
Jock: Whew!
James: You said it.
Lady: Well, looks like this "old iron" caught you after all.
James: Thank you so much, Edward and Lady. I'm sorry I was rude to you.
Edward: That's alright. We're just glad you two are safe.
Jock: Thank you so much. You two are heroes.
Lady: Oh, it was nothing.
James: He's right. You two were splendid. Tramp will be very proud of you two.
Lady: What happened anyway?
Jock: I don't remember, but as soon as the fireman was taking James' driver to the signal box, someone sunk up behind me, and the last thing I remembered, I felt something was forced in front of my mouth then I was out.
Edward: How terrible!
Lady: You didn't happen to know what this person looked like, did you?
Jock shook his head no. Soon the engines arrived at the station side-by-side. The Fat Controller was waiting for them.
Fat Controller: A fine piece of work. You all did a splendid job! James, you can rest and then take your train.
James: Thank you, sir.
Fat Controller: Lady, you'll get a big raise and a nice juicy stake from me to you.
Lady: Thank you, sir.
Fat Controller: And as for you Edward. For you brave and efforts today, you'll go to the works and have your worn parts mended.
Edward: Oh, thank you, sir! It would be lovely not to clank.
James' Fireman went to the police and told them about what happened to Jock. Unfortunately, because Jock didn't see the man's face, they don't have any leads or idea on how could have one it. Lady got the steak as promised, and she was greeted with lots of cheers from her friends and family. James's Driver came back and thanked the fireman, Lady, Charlie, and Sid for rescuing James and Jock. James missed him very much. Lady and the others missed Edward a whole lot too, and when he finally came back, he too was also greeting with whistles, barks, and cheers from everybody. And do this day, Lady's family, the Fat Controller, and all the engines, still think Edward and Lady are heroes.