Chapter 172: Gremlins Everywhere

One morning, Gordon was waiting impatiently to start work. The firelighter tried and tried, but every time he got a spark it went out immediately.

"Your engine must have gremlins in the firebox," he said at last, moping the sweat from his forehead. Percy was puzzled.

"What's a gremlin?"

"Its a little green creature that loves to cause mischief," Thomas told him, "They especially love to mess around with machinery."

James snorted indignantly.

"Please, gremlins aren't real. They're just an excuse people use for when things go wrong."

"James is right, little Thomas. I'm sure the coal is just off or something."

"Silence!"

Everyone jumped when Sir Topham Hatt made his presence known.

"I am expecting a VIP later today. She has heard all about our railway, and I have promised her a tour. Please see to it all goes well."

"We'll try sir, but the gremlins may not let us."

Sir Topham Hatt turned to Percy puzzled.

"Gremlins? What gremlins?"

"The ones in Gordon's engine. That's why its not ready yet."

"Just humor him, sir. You know how he gets once he hears some superstition."

"I see. Well Gordon, I'm counting on you to show her around. But no high speeds, she won't like that."

"Yes sir!"

"That's a good man. Once you're fire is ready, collect the special coaches and bring them to Platform 4 at Knapford. Henry will take the express in your place. Normal duties for the rest of you."

"Sir yes sir!"

Once Sir Topham Hatt had left, everyone set off to do their work while the firelighter got back to trying to light Gordon's.

"Watch out for gremlins, Gordon! They're creeping up on you."

Gordon rolled his eyes as Henry ran off to collect the express. At last, the fire stayed lit and he was on his way, but his troubles were far from over. Percy was passing by with a slow goods train when he saw Gordon waiting by the turntable.

"What's wrong, Gordon?"

"The turntable is jammed, and I can't get to the shed to collect my coaches. The foreman says that gremlins must be responsible."

"My, their everywhere today? We'd all better be extra careful."

"BAH!"

At last, the turntable was fixed and Gordon was able to get under way. He was pleased to find the visitor wasn't waiting for him, but after 10 minutes of waiting he became impatient.

Sir Topham Hatt started to worry.

"Where's Thomas? He's supposed to bring my visitor from Barrow."

"He probably left the coaches at the platform again."

Gordon almost laughed, but a sharp glare from Sir Topham Hatt stopped him. At last, Thomas drove into view, out of breath and exhausted.

"Sorry about that. A cow strayed onto the line, and we had to wait for the farmer to take her away. But your visitor is here safe and sound."

"Its alright Thomas, as long as you made it back safely."

Sir Topham Hatt helped her out of the coach. She was a stout woman, with an adorable dalmation following her. As they caught up, Gordon whispered to Thomas.

"Psst, Thomas, who is the special visitor anyway?"

"I don't know, but she seems to be close to Sir Topham Hatt."

Once the two were aboard, Gordon was under way. Hoping to make up for lost time, Gordon decided to pick up speed.

"I'm sure the visitor wont mind if we go a little bit faster."

But she did. She was taking a bath when the train rounded a sharp bend. Bath water splished and sploshed all over, and soap got in her eyes.

"OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH!"

Hearing this, Gordon decided to slow down again. Despite this mishap, they made it to Wellsworth safe and sound where Edward was waiting to take her along his Branchline.

"Finally, made it at last."

But while everyone wasn't looking, the dog decided to go exploring. He jumped off the platform and into the bushes, coming face to face with a grazing bull. The bull snorted angrily at the dog.

"MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAR!"

Scared, the dog ran whimpering back to the station, not stopping until it was safely in the cab of Edward's engine. Edward caught him and calmed him down.

"Its alright boy, you're safe now. Would you like to ride in the cab with me?"

The dog wagged his tail in excitement.

"I'll take that as a yes, but I better clear it with your owner."

The visitor happily agreed, and the train got under way. The dalmation had a wonderful ride, and stuck his head out of the cab the whole way. But all the same, he was happy to see his owner again once they reached the docks.

"Ho ho, did you enjoy your ride, boy?"

"Pardon me, ma'am, but what's his name?"

"Well, I've been having trouble deciding, but after today I think I'll name him Gremlin. Seems fitting after everything that's happened."

Sir Topham Hatt laughed.

"A ha! I've met a gremlin at last. Well, you better not cause any more confusion or delay. That wouldn't be really useful, now would it?"

Gremlin tilted his head in confusion, not understanding a word he just said.

"Excuse me sir, but who is your special guest?"

"Didn't I tell you? This is my mother, Dowager Hatt. And she agrees that you all are really useful. And of course, my mother is always right!"