Disclaimer: I have never owned Thomas and Friends and I never will.

Chapter 65: Duncan

Skarloey had enjoyed his vacation, but was glad to be home. Rusty was there to greet him, and the two had a nice chat.

"He seems like a nice person," Skarloey thought.

Meanwhile, Peter Sam was sulking. His leg had gotten much better, but Mr. Percival still refused to let him out to do any work.

"A few more days of rest will do you good," Mr. Percival told him, "But don't worry, I have a surprise that should cheer you right up."

Peter Sam was pleased.

"Oh, thank you sir. What is it?"

The surprise was Skarloey. Rusty quickly shunted his engine into the shed, while Skarloey went over to Peter Sam.

"Oh, I am glad that you are back," Peter Sam said, "Sir Handel missed you as well, although he won't admit it. I see that you've met Rusty."

"Yes, I have," Skarloey said, "He seems like a nice guy."

"Oh, he is. But I can't say the same about Duncan."

"Who is Duncan?"

"He's a new driver who was hired after my accident at the quarry. He's a hard worker, and I'm sure he means well, but he's rather rude and stubborn. He drives his engine down the line like it's a pop star. We call him rock n' roll."

"I understand," said Skarloey.

Just then the alarm range. The yard manager came over.

"I hate to bother you Skarloey, but there's an emergency," he said, "Duncan has gotten his engine stuck in the tunnel, and you need to get him and his passengers out."

Skarloey didn't mind. He wanted to give his engine a good run, and looked forward to meeting Duncan. He collected some trucks and workman and headed up the line. Along the way he marveled at the old sights that he missed.

"It's wonderful and nice and smooth the rails are now," he thought, "They've mended all of the bumps along the line. Rusty must have helped with that."

It wasn't long before they reached the scene. They found the brake coach poking out the end of the tunnel. On the other end, the passengers and the guard were trying to clear away the rocks to make an opening, whilst Duncan sat there and grumbled.

"I'm a plain, blunt man," he complained, "I speak as I find. Tunnels should be tunnels, and not rabbit holes. This railway is no good at all."

"Rubbish," said the guard, "These tunnels are perfect for engines whose drivers don't rock and roll. Besides, if you would help us clear this mess we could have gotten moving already."

It took a long time to clear away the mess, but at long last Duncan's train was free. Duncan was being stubborn, so Skarloey had to push the whole train all the way home.

That night, Mr. Percival spoke sternly to Duncan.

"You are a very naughty engine driver," he scolded, "That tunnel is perfectly fine, it is you who is the problem. Your engine got stuck there because of your careless control. If your behavior continues, then you will find yourself demoted to cleaner before you can say bust my buffers."

He then walked sternly away. Duncan was speechless, and remained silent for the rest of the evening.