Chapter 60: Peter Sam and the Refreshment Lady
Because of Sir Handel's rude behavior, he was suspended for a week until he calmed down. Peter Sam was left to run the line as a result. Skarloey helped as much as he could, but Mr. Percival didn't want to push his engine's limits, so he was mostly regulated to shunting and light goods work. Peter Sam didn't mind, however, as he enjoyed the work. Sir Handel couldn't understand it.
"Anyone would think that he wanted to work," he huffed indignantly.
"All respectable engine drivers do," said Skarloey, "I wish I could help more, Peter Sam. Keep up the good work."
Peter Sam was excited, and barely heard Skarloey as he set off to get his next train. Agnes, Ruth, Jemima, Lucy, and Beatrice quickly grew fond of him, as he never insulted their coaches or brakevan. They had a good run, but were several minutes late on the return journey. Henry was not amused.
"You shouldn't dawdle," Henry told him, "I can't be kept waiting for you, I have a schedule to keep. Next time you're late I shall leave you and your passengers behind."
With that, he drove crossly out of the station. This made Peter Sam worry.
But he soon forgot about it, and was twice as cheerful the next day. As he left the station, he started to sing a song:
I'm Peter Sam,
I'm running this line.
I'm Peter Sam,
I'm running this line.
"What fun it all is," he thought as he continued down the line, taking in the gorgeous scenery.
They soon reached the top station of Skarloey. Every day they stopped for an hour so the passengers can enjoy the lake and waterfall, as well as drinks and snacks from the refreshment lady. She was a kind woman and a friend of everybody on the railway. Peter Sam and Beatrice always bought something from her and enjoyed a light snack in the van before it was time to leave. This time, however, Peter Sam was anxious to get back so that they wouldn't miss Henry's connection. The hour seemed to go on forever, until at long last it was time to go. The Refreshment Lady always came home on their train, but today something went wrong.
Nobody knows for sure what happened. Beatrice claims that Peter Sam was too impatient, while Peter Sam claims he was sure he heard a whistle. But whatever happened, the Refreshment Lady was left behind.
Fortunately, Beatrice quickly put on the brakes, bringing the train to a stop.
"What's going on?" Peter Sam grumbled when she came up to the cab.
"You left too early," Beatrice scolded, "And left The Refreshment Lady behind."
Peter Sam did feel foolish, and quickly backed the train to the last station. The Refreshment Lady crossly entered the last coach, and the train set off once more.
"Oh dear," said Peter Sam sadly, "We're sure to miss Henry now."
To his relief, however, they managed to get back just in time.
"Not bad youngster," Henry said loftly. But Peter Sam's worries were far from over, as The Refreshment lady stormed up to him, red in the face and fit to burst.
"What are you playing at by leaving me behind?" She snapped.
"I'm sorry," Peter Sam said sadly, "But I didn't want Henry to leave without my passengers."
The Refreshment Lady laughed.
"You silly man," she said, "Henry can't leave without your passengers. He's a guaranteed connection."
Now it was Peter Sam's turn to be cross.
"Well!" he said, "Where's that Henry?"
But Henry had already left, leaving Peter Sam to stew in his anger.