Chapter 304: Bill, Ben, and Fergus

Fergus works at the Cement Works in Kirk Ronan. He's a hard worker, and keeps everything in order. The workmen liked to call him "the pride of the cement works", a title he wears with pride. However, he can be rather set in his ways, which can make it difficult to work with him.

One morning, Salty was shunting trucks in Brendam Docks when he saw Fergus drive up.

"Ahoy, Fergus! You're awfully far from your home. What brings ye to this part of the island?"

"The Cement Works are closed for maintenance, so the manager sent me to work at the clay pits today."

Salty chuckled.

"You'd best be on the lookout for Bill and Ben! They're real terrors. And if you have any questions, be sure to ask Boco."

"Thanks, I will."


Fergus got along well with Boco, and soon had the Clay Works running like clockwork.

"Another order complete!" Boco said. "No wonder you're the pride of the cement works."

"Oh, this is easy," Fergus said. "I just live by a motto: Do it right!"

But not everybody was as pleased with his methods. Bill and Ben didn't like being bossed around by the newcomer.

"Bill, if you put your trucks in this siding, you won't have to travel as far."

"Butt out!" Bill snapped, and went back to the way he always did things. Fergus was hurt. Later, Ben was shunting trucks, but biffed them too hard, making some of the clay spill out.

"You need to be careful!" Fergus snapped.

"Don't be so bossy!" Ben snapped back. Fergus began to lose patience.

"If that's how they act, then fine! I don't need them anyway."


A few days later, it rained heavily.

"The Drain's bound to be flooded," the manager told Fergus. "Make sure to let Bill and Ben know."

Fergus didn't feel like speaking to them, but knew that it was important for them to know. As he expected, the two of them ignored his warning.

"Who does he think he is, telling us what to do?" Bill grumbled.

"We've been here a lot longer than he has," added Ben. At last, Boco lost patience.

"You two should listen to him. It might just save your lives."

But Bill and Ben paid him no mind, setting off with their train of china clay. As they passed the drain, they watched the water level. The water was sloshing the tracks, but wasn't anything to worry about.

"Silly old Fergus! Nothing to worry about."

It wasn't long before they reached the docks and delivered their train. Before they could set off again, the dock manager ran up to stop them.

"There's a train of supplies meant for the Clay Pits. Boco was supposed to collect it, but he's been delayed. Can you two take it?"

"Of course, sir! Happy to help!"

So the two coupled their engines to the train and set off. But unfortunately for them, the rain picked up once they left the port, and soon became a downpour.

"Oh!" Groaned Ben. "I can't wait to be somewhere dry."

But danger lay ahead. To his horror, the line ahead was completely flooded.

"Bill, stop!"

They both applied the brakes, but the weight of the heavy train forced them forward into the drink.

"Oh no, not again!"

"HELP!"

Luckily, Fergus heard their cries and came rushing.

"Don't worry, I'll get you two out."

"Please hurry, the water's rising!"

So Fergus coupled his engine to theirs and began to reverse. It wasn't easy,but Fergus refused to give up until, at last, he'd pulled the two of them to safety. Once they were all on safe ground, they breathed a sigh of relief.

"Phew! Thanks for the save."

"Yes, thank you. We're sorry we've been rude to you."

Fergus just smiled.

"Don't worry. Now we can do it right, together!"