Chapter 160: The Lightning Tree

One day, Jack and his friends were sent to Maithwaite Forest to work. They were to prop up something called "The Lightning Tree."

"What's The Lightning Tree?" Jack asked.

"Its the tallest tree in the forest," Kelly told him, "A lightning bolt struck it dead on, nearly splitting it right down the middle. Its a very old and rare tree, so we must protect it."

Miss Jenny soon arrived for the work briefing.

"Alright team, we need to be extra careful today. If we aren't, we might send it toppling over. Understood?"

"Right!"

She turned sharply to Max and Monty.

"That goes double for you two! Don't make me regret letting you two come back early, do I make myself clear?"

"Yes, Miss Jenny."

But when she wasn't looking, the two sniggered quietly to themselves. They had no intention of being careful. They wanted to have some fun!

Soon, the entire crew set to work. Jack and Alfie were taking props to the site. They could only stare in awe at the massive tree towering over them. A large scar ran across the base, and it leaned dangerously to one side.

"Wow, Kelly wasn't kidding. This tree is huge!"

"Yes, and very dangerous if left unchecked. We better drop these props off and go back for more."

Just then, two familiar horns blared, as well as the sounds of engines revving filled the air. Jack and Alfie could only stare in horror.

"Oh no!"

"Here we go again!"

Workmen dove for cover as Max and Monty's dump trucks drove into the clearing at top speed. The two of them swerved recklessly in a bid to outrace the other.

"I'm gonna win, Max!"

"Eat my dust, Monty!"

"Look out! You're going to hit the Lightning Tree!"

"Huh? WOAH!"

Max swerved as hard as he could, but it was too late. With a loud THUD! Monty drove his dump truck right into the base of the tree, Max following shortly after. They were dazed, but unhurt.

"Are you two okay?"

"Ugh, who put this tree here?"

Before anyone could do or say anything, a loud creaking noise was heard. Monty looked up to see the Lightning tree beginning to tilt dangerously, ready to topple over.

"Max, lets get out of here!"

"Right behind you!"

Max and Monty tore out in a hurry, not wanting to be around when Miss Jenny saw the damage. Jack and Alfie stared in horror as the lightning tree began to tilt.

"I'll stop it!"

Before anyone could stop him, Alfie rushed forwards, bracing his excavator's arm up against the tree and pushing against it as hard as he could. The tree stopped, but Alfie couldn't hold it forever. But before Jack could go and help, Oliver drove up in his place.

"I'll help Alfie, you go get the prop trolley! And get help if you can find it!"

Jack didn't need to be told twice, and rushed away as fast as he could. On his way to the forest entrance, he found Kelly.

"Kelly, the lightning tree is about to topple over! Oliver and Alfie need your help!"

"I'm on it! Make sure to tell Miss Jenny!"

Kelly drove off to help while Jack continued to base camp. Once there, he wasted no time in telling everyone about the situation. In under a minute, the prop trolley was hooked up to his front loader, and he sped off back to the scene of the disaster. Within minutes, the tree was propped up back into place. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

"We did it!"

"Well done, everyone!"

When Miss Jenny arrived, she smiled proudly at the four who worked to save the tree.

"Spot on, all of you! You'd make a mother proud! As a reward, you all may have the next three days off."

She then turned sharply to Max and Monty.

"As for you two, we'll discuss your behavior later."

Max and Monty gulped in fear. They didn't like the sound of that.

As they were heading for home that evening, Jack took one last look at the lightning tree. There it stood, tall and proud once more.