Johnny just stood there for a little while. He couldn't believe it. He had found his first true home since the Old Line.
And the diesels had destroyed it.
Johnny weighed his options. If he were smart, he would head back to Old Gorge. They would set up a new HQ and try to find Mark and the others, but it was unlikely that they would find them.
But if he set out alone . . .
Johnny headed back down the mountain towards the diesel line. Odds were that the diesels would take the engines to the Auction House. What would they do to Mark, Dylan, and Dulcie? Johnny hoped he could find them before it was too late.
Johnny was used to running light without being seen. He made good time towards the Auction House, and only rarely did he have to duck into a siding to avoid a diesel.
However, as he got closer to the Auction House, diesels started appearing more frequently. His progress got slower and slower, but he still had hope that he would find his friends.
Eventually he reached the shunting yards outside the house. He headed for the display tracks. Who should he look for first? Johnny decided to see if he could find Marion. He could blend in more easily with the tank engines.
He positioned himself at the back of the line.
However, he hadn't counted on the fact that his well-maintained paintwork would set him apart from the other rusting tank engines. He would have to move fast.
Johnny peered around, trying to catch any hint of Marion. But he couldn't see her anywhere.
Suddenly, another tank engine was shoved in behind him, and the whole row moved closer to the House.
Johnny tried to move, but he couldn't. He was trapped, just like his friends.
At last he reached the entrance to the Auction House clerk glanced at him briefly.
"0-6-0, branch line work and shunting. Electric-steam experimental . . . hmm . . . wait, haven't I seen you before?"
He looked Johnny over again. "It IS you! And you're still steaming! GUARDS! We've got a live one!
The prowling diesels started towards him. Desperately, Johnny roared forwards, deeper into the house.
He searched for another way out, but he was soon cornered by the diesels.
Suddenly, a line of heavily loaded scrap cars rocketed across the room. They struck a diesel on the side, sending him toppling over. With a cloud of smoke, Johnny found himself being dragged out of the House, towards fresh air and freedom.
"Jeez, kid, do I always have to rescue you?" came a familiar voice.