Chapter 120: Gordon and Spencer

An air of excitement surrounded the Island of Sodor. The Duke and Duchess of Boxford were visiting Sodor for the Summer, and everyone wanted the chance to meet them.

One day, Gordon was bringing the express back to Knapford when he was diverted onto a siding, much to his irritation.

"What's the big idea? This is the express, its supposed to have the right of way."

The signal man came out.

"Sorry, Gordon, but a fast engine is coming through and we need to clear the way."

"Well, he better get here soon, or I'm gonna-"

WWWWWWWWWWWWWWHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHOOSH!"

A large silver streak rushed by Gordon, scaring him.

"What was that?"

Gordon found out once he arrived at Knapford Sheds. Parked in a siding was a large LNER A4 Pacific. An unfamiliar man was polishing the engine. When Gordon saw who it was, he groaned.

"Oh no, anyone but him."

The man saw Gordon and chuckled.

"Well, well, well, if it isn't my dear cousin, Gordon. Long time, no see."

"Not long enough."

James was nearby and was curious.

"You know this guy, Gordon?"

"Unfortunately. James, meet Spencer, my cousin. What are you doing here, Spencer?"

"I'm the Duke and Duchess's chauffer, driving them as far as the rails can go on my engine here."

"Sounds to me like you're their pack mule."

"Well at least I'm not confined to this island like you, Gordon."

Before Gordon could throttle Spencer, Sir Topham Hatt arrived.

"A welcome party for the Duke and Duchess will be held at Maron Station later this evening. Spencer, please have them there by 6:00."

"Of course, sir."

James looked worried.

"That's all the way over Gordon's Hill."

"Make sure your engine has plenty of water, Spencer."

Spencer was indignant.

"My engine has plenty of water, thank you Gordon. I don't need you to tell me what to do, now if you'll excuse the Duke and Duchess need to check into their hotel. Goodbye."

With that, Spencer and his engine disappeared into the distance. Gordon watched him go crossly.

"Of all the people to work for the Duke and Duchess, why did it have to be him?"

"What do you have against Spencer, Gordon?"

Gordon sighed sadly.

"My Aunt and Uncle are wealthy landowners on the mainland, whereas my family has often struggled to get by. My Aunt and Uncle are actually quite nice people, and do their best to help us, but Spencer is a terror. He always looked down on me and was always showing me up. Everytime I accomplished something, he'd always find a way to steal the spotlight. When I managed to get this job on Sodor, I thought I could get away from him. I see now that is not the case."

James patted Gordon on the back sympathetically. He could only hope Gordon would manage to get through this visit.

Later that day, Spencer was at Knapford Station, collecting the Duke and Duchess to take them to the party. Once the guard had blew his whistle, Spencer raced out of the station, heading for Maron. Along the way, he showed The Duke and Duchess many wonderful sights. But he never stopped for more water.

Gordon and Thomas were collecting passengers when Spencer raced through.

"Don't forget to stop for water!"

"Who cares!"

Thomas watched Spencer disappear into the distance.

"Relative of yours?"

"Shut up, Thomas."

But Spencer soon found out he should've taken Gordon's advice. As he climbed Gordon's Hill, the engine started to go slower, and slower, until it came to a complete stop.

"Oh, bother! Why didn't I listen?"

When Gordon arrived at Wellsworth Station, he found the stationmaster waiting for him.

"Spencer is stuck on Gordon's Hill, and the party will be starting soon. You must rescue them at once."

"Yes, Sir."

Gordon couldn't help but chuckle as he went to rescue the train. He found Spencer at the bottom of Gordon's Hill.

"Hello, cousin. Run out of water?"

"Yes. My engine must have a leaky tank."

"Well, don't worry. I'm here to push you to Maron."

"No good!"

Gordon ignored Spencer and returned to his engine's cab. It took a lot of effort, but Gordon had soon pushed Spencer's train up and over the hill and into Maron, where everyone cheered for him. Sir Topham Hatt was waiting for him as well.

"Well done, Gordon. You are a really useful engine driver."

Gordon beamed proudly, while Spencer blushed in embarrassment.