Chapter 106: Thomas and Trevor

Trevor enjoys his new life working at the Vicarage Orchard. He has a stable income, a nice home, and he can see his friend Edward every day. But there are times when there isn't a lot of work for him to do, which makes him feel sad.

"I do like to keep busy," he told Edward one day, "And if I'm not working, well I don't feel useful."

"I know what you mean," Edward responded, "But cheer up. Sir Topham Hatt needs your help with the new harbor, and The Vicar has agreed to let you help."

"Oh, that will be lovely," Trevor smiled. Once his traction engine was safely attached to the wellwagon, he climbed into the cab of Edward's engine and set off.

It wasn't long until they reached the junction to Thomas's branch line. Thomas soon pulled in with a train load of metal pilings.

"Good morning, Edward," he said cheerfully, "Who's your friend, and what's that strange contraption behind you?"

"Hello, Thomas," Edward replied, "This is my friend Trevor, and his traction engine."

Thomas was puzzled. "A what engine?"

"Traction engine," replied Trevor, "it runs on roads instead of rails. Could you please take me and my engine to the harbor?"

Thomas still didn't understand, but obliged. On their way, he and Trevor struck up a conversation.

"It is nice to get out of the orchard every once and a while. I do love working there, but it is nice to see new places and meet new faces."

"I feel the same way about my branchline. So, where have you worked before?"

"Wherever I was needed. Farms, orchards, scrapyards, even harbors."

"But your traction engine doesn't run on rails."

"It doesn't need them. Besides, I remember Terence telling me about the time you said a similar thing to him and wound up in a snowdrift."

"Don't remind me. Well, here we are."

The construction site was a mess. Trucks had been derailed, blocking the line. Stone slabs lay everywhere, and no work was being done.

"Bother. There isn't a clear path for me to bring the pilings through. They're essential for building."

"Don't worry, Thomas, just leave it to me."

Trevor soon set to work cleaning up the mess. With strong chains fastened to the scrap, he used his traction engine to tow them away, making room for Thomas to come through.

"Thanks, Trevor. Maybe your traction engine isn't so bad after all."

"What did I tell you? Come on, there's still lots of work to be done. If we don't start now, this harbor will never finish on time."

Thomas and Trevor spent all day at the site. Before long, it had been cleaned up and ready for work to star again.

Thomas gave Trevor a lift back to the Vicarage Orchard. As he was about to leave, he could see that Trevor was upset.

"Cheer up, Trevor," he said kindly, "Because of you the harbor will be completed on schedule. But we may need your help again soon."

Trevor smiled at this.

"Thank you, Thomas. Will we be seeing you at the church fair?"

"You know it."

And he did. Thomas even brought Annie and Clarabel, whom got a ride in the wagon behind his traction engine.

"He sure is nice to children. I like him."

"He reminds me of Thomas."

Both Thomas and Trevor laughed.

That night, Trevor went to sleep happy, thinking about the new friends he had made.