Chapter 48: Bertie's Chase

One day Edward was waiting at the station for Thomas and his passengers. While he waited he and the guard had some tea in the brake coach. He had a good time at first, but as time went on he began to worry.

Oh, dear, what can the matter be," he started to sing,

Johnny's so long,"

"Forget about Johnny," laughed the guard, "Try and climb on top of the train. If Thomas is coming you ought to be able to see his train coming."

And so, Edward did.

"See anything?" called the guard.

"No Thomas in sight," Edward reported, "All I can see is Bertie and his bus. Probably taking tourists on a tour or something. It doesn't matter, anyway. I'm afraid we can't wait any longer."

And with that he climbed into the cab and drove out of the station. He left the junction just as Bertie drove up to the level crossing.

"Stop, stop!" he cried, honking his horn frantically, "I have Thomas's passengers!"

But it was no good. Edward was long gone.

"Darn it!" Bertie shouted in anger. "Why did Thomas have to get sick, leaving me to take his passengers! I can only hope I can manage to catch him at the next station."

And as soon as the crossing gates were open he tore ahead. Although his bus was faster than Edward's engine, Edward had a good lead on him. Fortunately, when Bertie reached the next station Edward was held up by a signal.

"Yes!" He thought. "I still have a chance."

But no sooner did he reach the end of the hill did the signal drop and Edward pulled out of the station.

"Not again!" Bertie groaned, and tried blowing the horn to get Edward's attention, but it did no good. Edward was gone.

"I am sorry, everyone," Bertie sighed sadly.

"It's not your fault, Bertie," said Mrs. Kyndley, "Besides, we still have a chance to catch the train at the next station."

"You're right," Bertie said, "Edward's engine can't climb hills as well as my bus can. If we push it, we just might catch him. Seatbelt's everybody!"

"There aren't any seatbelts," said Jeremiah Jobling, "This is a bus."

"I know," Bertie said, "I just wanted to be funny."

And with a roar they were off again. Meanwhile Edward and his train had reached the hill before Suddery. Edward's engine was old, and the coaches were full, making the job harder than it was.

"Come on, old girl," Edward whispered, "You can do it. You've never failed me before."

It took lots of steam, but at last Edward managed to get the train over the top and to the next station, with Bertie just behind him. He managed to catch up to the train when Edward stopped to fill the tender up with water. He then explained everything.

"Oh, dear," Edward said respectively, "I am sorry for all of the trouble. Thank you for bringing Thomas's passengers. You are a true friend."

And with a toot of the whistle the train pulled out of the station.