Part 2 of our Thomas double feature features the Season 2 story "The Deputation" Enjoy and comment.

THE DEPUTATION

Snow came early to the Island of Sodor. It was heavier than usual.

Most engines hate snow, but Donald and Douglas, being from a snowy region of Scotland, loved it. They were coupled back to back with a van between their tenders and a snowplow on front.

The snow was easy to move most times, but sometimes larger snowdrifts took longer. They then came to the largest snowdrift of all. They began to move the snow when suddenly came a muffled "Help!"

"It's Henry!" cried Douglas. "Don't worry Henry, we'll soon have you out!

Henry was very greatful, but when he arrived back in the shed, he saw all was not well.

"Sir Topham Hatt plans to send us back!" said the twins.

"It's a shame!" said Percy.

"All over a broken signalbox!" grumbled Gordon.

"That spiteful break van too!" added James. "Good riddance, that's what I'll say!"

"They were splendid in the snow!" added Henry.

"It isn't fair!" James complained. They all agreed that something had to be done, but none knew what.

Percy decided to talk to Edward about it.

"What you need Percy, is a deputation."

Percy ran back quickly to tell the news.

"Edward says we need a deputation!"

Gordon was shocked.

"What is a deputation?" asked Henry.

"A deputation is when engines tell Sir Topham Hatt what's wrong." said Percy.

Everyone went silent. Nobody spoke during the silence, until it was then, that Gordon had an idea.

"I propose!" he said, "that Percy will be our, um, disputation."

Percy was worried.

"Why me?!" whined Percy.

"Don't worry!" said Henry. "It's easy!"

Percy puffed off.

"Hello Percy!" said Sir Topham Hatt. "What brings you here?"

"Edward told me that I needed a deputation."

"Against who?"

"Donald and Douglas sir. Please let them stay! They saved Henry from the snow. Plus if you send them back, they'll be turned into scrap!"

Sir Topham Hatt thought about it for a very long time.

"We'll see."

Later, Sir Topham Hatt spoke to the engines.

"I have received a deputation from Percy regarding Donald and Douglas."

The twins became nervous.

"I have decided to give both of you new coats of paint.

The twins smilled.

"Does this mean we get to stay?" they asked.

"Yes."

All the engines whistled loudly and proudly. It was official. The twins were here to stay!