Chapter 237: Fire Engine
"I remember when I first worked on the LNER," Gordon remarked fondly one evening. "Back then, my engine was painted green, as were all of her brothers and sisters. It was alright back then, but I much prefer her in blue. Makes it stand out."
"Same thing with then engines of the Caledonian Railway," Donald chimed in. "Except ours, though. They were black then and black now."
"Well one thing's for sure," Henry chuckled. "Any thing's better than red."
"An what," James butted in crossly, "Is wrong with red?"
"Oh, nothing," Henry smiled innocently. "If you're a fire engine!"
"Well, at least people can see my engine coming," James rebuffed. "With all the time you spend in your forest, its a wonder you can ever find it!"
Henry sputtered in response, but anything coherent he could say was drowned out by the laughter of their fellow man. Cross, he stormed off, falling asleep trying to find a way to pay James out.
The next morning, his mood was no better as he backed down onto his first train. The passengers all stayed clear of him, not wanting to set him off. It was a fast run, but Henry wasn't paying much attention to what he was doing.
As they left for the return journey, Henry could swear he felt a rattle beneath the footplate.
"How odd," he pondered. "I'd better stop at the steamworks later to have that checked out."
But he wouldn't get the chance. With a very audible CRACK, the coupling between the tender and engine came undone. Henry jumped quickly to the cab and applied the brakes, but could only watch hopelessly as his train rolled away. Fortunately, the guard brought the train to a stop and no one was hurt, but the train was stranded.
"Great! Just when I thought today couldn't get any worse."
Acting quickly, he brought the fire down, dumping hot coals onto the ground outside. The guard went to the signalbox to phone for help, but when he returned, he couldn't find the train. Only a thick cloud of black smoke!
"Good grief! You've set the sleepers on fire, Henry!"
Henry just moaned pitifully. Soon, the fire was put out, and Edward arrived to bring the train home. Some workmen came and fixed a temporary coupling, allowing Henry to drive his engine mournfully home.
"I hope the shed is empty tonight," he thought sadly, but it wasn't. Edward had already told them everything, but they remained respectively silent.
After a week at the Steamworks, the coupling was good as new and Henry was good as new. But he was a bit wiser for the experience, and remained quiet on the topic of fires. James found the new attitude most satisfying.