Chapter 91: Busy Going Backwards

Toad was feeling bored. Every time he acted as guard for a train, he could never enjoy the journey, as he was always saw the view sliding past him. He wanted to be able to see the rails from the front for a change.

Later that day, he spoke to his brother Oliver.

"I do appreciate my job, Oliver," he said, "And I do realize how important it is. But I do long for a change. A chance to see Sodor from the front, not the back. "

Oliver sympathized with him.

"I understand what you mean, Toad. Perhaps you should talk to Sir Topham Hatt. I'm sure he can set you up as a trainee fireman. But I'm afraid It'll have to wait. We've got a ballast train to take in a half hour."

Later, the two were on Gordon's Hill with their train. Toad was feeling better, but still longed for a change of pace. He didn't know that he was about to get his wish. As soon as they reached the top of the hill, the coupling between Oliver's engine and the first truck, sending Toad and the train coasting down the hill.

"Oh no! Don't worry, Toad, I'm coming."

At first, Toad was excited. But then he realized he couldn't stop. The brakes wouldn't work, and the train just kept pushing him forward. He was scared. To make matters worse, James was rolling down the line straight ahead of him.

"Somebody save me!"

A quick-thinking shunter did so just in time. James could only watch in confusion as the runaway train rolled off into the distance. Just then, Oliver drove up.

"Have you seen Toad?"

"That way."

"Thank you!"

"Well, that was weird."

Oliver alerted the signalman, who spread the message down the line. Before long, Toad approached a bridge under construction. Luckily, the train was diverted into a siding and straight into a dirty pond. Toad jumped out just in time and watched as the brakevan bobbed in the muck.

"Safe at last."

Oliver pulled up, followed by Duck with the breakdown train.

"Oh, thank goodness you're safe. Don't worry, we'll get this mess sorted out.

It took a long time, but at long last the mess was cleared up. Later that night, Toad spoke to Oliver.

"I'm sorry for all of the trouble, bro."

"It's alright, Toad, it wasn't your fault. So, how was it like to be going forwards for a change."

"It's alright, I suppose. But I think I much rather prefer to be going backwards. Your job is exciting, but dangerous.

And the two shared a long laugh before falling to sleep.