Chapter 57: Percy's Promise

Summer is the busiest time of the year on Sodor. People from all over the world flock to see the sights. The drivers on the railways don't mind, however, as they love taking tourists all along their lines.

One day, Thomas met Percy at the seaside station. The Vicar's Sunday school was having a day at the beach, and Thomas had taken them. The two watched as the children played in the sand and surf.

"I wish I could take passengers as well," said Percy, "But I have work to do at the harbor this afternoon."

"Well," said Thomas, "I'm busy this evening, but Sir Topham Hatt said that I could ask if you could take them back tonight."

Percy was pleased.

"Of course, I will," he said, "You can count on me."

Percy was excited, and couldn't stop thinking about it all afternoon. Later he met Harold at the airfield.

"Sorry I can't stay to chat, Percy," he said, "I'm on high alert."

"Why?" asked Percy.

"Storm warning for this evening," replied Harold, "I'm to make sure everybody is prepared. If I were you, I'd stay home tonight. Don't want to get caught in the storm."

But Percy wasn't worried.

"Don't you worry about me, Harold," he said, "As long as my engine has rails underneath its wheels, it can go anywhere in any weather. Goodbye."

And with that, he drove away. Later that day, he met Edward at the junction. He looked worried.

"You best be careful tonight, Percy," he warned, "There's a storm coming."

"A promise is a promise," thought Percy, "No matter what."

The children were having a lovely day, but it soon took a turn for the worse. The wind picked up, and it started to rain hard.

"I'm afraid that we will have to cut this outing short," said the vicar, "Everyone into the coaches, quickly."

And so they did. They were pleased to see Percy when he pulled into the station a few minutes later, and soon they were off for home. It was hard going, however, as the rain had made the rails wet and slippery. Percy found it hard to keep a grip, but they struggled on.

"I promised, I promised," he thought to himself. But trouble lay ahead. The line had flooded, and no matter how hard he applied the brakes, Percy's engine and its train skidded into the miniature lake. The water sloshed into the cab, putting out the fire. They were stranded.

Percy waded his way to the Brake van, and spoke with the guard.

"I need some of your floorboards, please," he said.

"But I just swept in here this morning," grumbled the guard. But he still helped Percy cut it up and bring it to the cab.

Soon, Percy got the fire back to full steam. Just as he was about to set off again, he heard a familiar buzzing. He looked up to see Harold's helicopter above, just as something dropped into his arms. Percy looked inside to find hot cocoa for everyone.

"Thank you, Harold," he called.

"Think nothing of it," Harold called back before flying away.

With everything set up, Percy forged onward. It took a while to get up to speed, but soon they were coasting down the branch line. At last, they reached the junction. Thomas was there, as well as Harold, the parents of the children, and Sir Topham Hatt.

"Well done, Percy," he beamed, "Because of your bravery, everyone shall get home safely. Harold here told me all about your escapade. He told me that he can beat you at a lot of things, but not at being a submarine. I don't know what you two get up to, but I do know that you are both really useful."

Percy just beamed wearily.