Chapter 74: Gallant Old Engine Driver

As punishment for his behavior, Duncan was sent to work in the yards until he could be trusted to behave. He hated it, and complained endlessly.

"Stupid passengers," he grumbled, "All they ever do is complain. If they hadn't whined about being a few minutes late, things wouldn't have happened the way they did. They are nothing but trouble."

"I'm ashamed of you, Duncan," said Skarloey, who was getting ready for Rheneas's return that evening, "Passengers are important, and sometimes keeping calm under their criticism is part of the job. Without them, our line would close."

"We've got goods contract," Duncan snorted, "I'm sure that we can manage. Besides, what have passengers ever done for us?"

"I'm glad that you asked that," Skarloey said, "For you see, the railway hasn't always run so smoothly as it does now. In fact, if it weren't for Rheneas's brave actions, the railway would have closed for good. Let me tell you about it."

(Flashback, Skarloey narrating)

It was several years ago, before you and Sir Handel arrived. Times were hard, and we were lucky to break even. Me and Rheneas worked tirelessly to keep the trains running, but without another engine or the money to buy one, we were on our own.

One day, I wasn't feeling well at all. My nose was stuffed, and I couldn't stop sneezing. I had a train to take in another hour, but Rheneas would not let me get out of bed.

"Sorry, bro," he said, "But you are in no condition to do anything. Don't worry, I'll take your goods train."

"But you can't," I protested, "You have a passenger train to take. You can't be in both places at once."

"Don't you worry about that," Rheneas assured me, "I'll couple the trucks to the back of the coaches on the return journey. It won't be easy, but it has to be done."

And so, it was decided. Rheneas made easy going on the first journey, and left his coaches at the platform to make a quick trip to the quarry and collect some slate trucks for Crovan's Gate. Once the train was ready, and the passengers got in the coaches, Rheneas set off.

But it seemed like the entire world was against Rheneas that day. For one thing, the train was packed. Some passengers even had to squeeze into the brakevan with Beatrice, who didn't like that at all. Secondly, the weather had taken a turn for the worse, and the rails were now wet and damp, making towing the heavy train hard going. But Rheneas struggled on.

"I can't let them down, I can't let them down," he thought, shoveling coal into the firebox to raise steam. Soon they reached the steepest part on the line. It was a steep hill, and if one wasn't careful on the gradient, their train would just slide back to the bottom of the hill. Rheneas was worried, but nonetheless charged up the hill, his engine at full speed. The wheels spun, smoke billowed high into the grey sky, but still he persevered.

But the worst was yet to come. Just as they reached the bottom of the hill, there was a screeching sound, and the train ground to a hault. Rheneas climbed down to inspect the engine as Beatrice came up.

"This is all we need," Rheneas groaned, "The valve gear is jammed. And we were almost to the top station as well."

"Can we make?" Beatrice asked.

"We don't have a choice, I'm afraid," sighed Rheneas, "No one else is available to come and rescue us. It won't be easy, but we'll have to manage."

And so, they set off again. It was hard going, and the rain made it harder to see, but they struggled on.

"I think I can, I think I can, I think I can," Rheneas chanted as he shoveled more and more coal into the firebox. Onward they crawled, slowly but surely home. At long last, there was the top station, Mr. Percival at the platform, and Henry on the other side ready to take the passengers home. Rheneas drove into the station, tired but triumphant.

"I've done it," he sighed. Before Mr. Percival could speak, the passengers swarmed out of the coaches around him.

"That engine driver is a hero," they said, "Everything was set against him, and yet he struggled on. He put his passengers first, and is a credit to the railway."

Once the passengers cleared away, Mr. Percival turned to Rheneas.

"Well done, Rheneas," he said, "You are a really useful engine driver. Now go and get some rest. You deserve it."

Rheneas, too tired to speak, just smiled wearily.

(End flashback, normal narration)

"And the passengers spread the news of Rheneas's bravery to their friends and family," Skarloey concluded, "Bringing more tourists to our line than we could count. This, in turn, boosted our ticket sales, allowing our Railway to continue today. So, you see, Duncan, passengers are important not just for their money, but if they liked the journey, they'll encourage more passengers to come and see our line."

Duncan, who was unusually quiet during the story, smiled.

"You're right, Skarloey," he said, "Passengers are important. I'm sorry for how I've been acting. Rheneas is a true hero."

That evening, everyone gathered at the sheds for Rheneas's return. Edward soon arrived, with Rheneas in the cab with him, and his engine on a well wagon in front. Everyone cheered.

"My vacation was nice," Rheneas told his brother, "But I'm glad to finally be home with my family."

And everyone gave a heart three cheers for Rheneas, the Gallant Old Engine Driver.