Chapter 243: Escape From Misty Island Part 2

Sneakily, Arry and Bert made their way to the docks. The harbor master was there, inspecting the train of Jobi Wood.

"Ah, good, you two are here. Could you shunt this train over to the third track? Thomas was supposed to do it, but he's been held up."

"Actually sir, there's been a change of plans. Sir Topham Hatt wants us to take it there straight away. Miss Jenny really wants to get started."

The Harbor Master quirked an eyebrow at this. He was well aware of their tricks, and something didn't add up.

"Are you sure? I haven't heard anything from Sir Topham Hatt, and he normally doesn't change the timetable so suddenly."

"Oh, uh..."

"He's in a meeting, last minute pop up. He told us to tell you, and that he's sorry he couldn't deliver the message himself."

"Oh, okay, that makes sense. In that case, one of you should get a brakevan..."

But Arry and Bert wanted to leave before Gordon arrived and they were caught, so while his back was turned they quickly buffered up to the end of the train and took off, leaving the harbor master very confused.

"Arry, Bert, wait! You need a brakevan!"

But they were already too far ahead to hear him, not that they would've listened anyhow. They were too busy chuckling about their plan.

"Smart thinking with the excuse there, Bert. Just wait until Gordon hears about this!"

"Yeah, so much for being important! Once Sir Topham Hatt sees how well we do this job, he'll scrap the steam engines for sure!"

Just then, Thomas drove into the docks. He was surprised to not see the train anywhere.

"What gives? I was told the trucks would be here waiting for me to arrange for Gordon."

"Arry and Bert took it. They told me Sir Topham Hatt wanted them to take it."

"He gave no such order! That train is far too heavy for their engines to handle."

"Then you'd better go stop them. They left without a brakevan, and they're headed for trouble!"

Without another word, Thomas raced down the line, hoping to catch them before they caused any accidents.

"Oh, just wait until I get a hold on them! They've done some stupid stuff before, but this takes the cake!"

Meanwhile, Arry and Bert were beginning to feel the weight of the load. No matter how much they pushed, they couldn't get up to speed.

"I guess this Jobi Wood is heavier than we thought. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea."

"Nonsense, Bert! Come on, I think we're almost there..."

Just then, they heard a very familiar whistle. Looking back, Bert saw Thomas gaining on them fast.

"Blast it! It's Goody-two shoes Thomas!"

Panicked, Arry quickly scanned the area for a way out when he spotted an old, abandoned line.

"There! We'll lose him on that old line there!"

"Are you sure? What if we get lost?"

"This is a shortcut, now come on!"

Still unsure, but not wanting to get caught, Bert pushed his engine to the limit, and Arry threw the switch to send them down the line.

"There! We're home free!"

"I don't know, Bert. Something just doesn't feel right..."

"Ah, you worry too much. By the time Tommy catches up to us, we'll be heroes!"

But they wouldn't be. They had no way of knowing this, but the line they were on lead to a destroyed bridge overlooking the rough sea below. Arry saw this and shuddered.

"Brakes, Bert! The bridge is out!"

"What? But you said..."

"Never mind what I said, brakes!"

Quickly, the two tried to stop the train, but it was no use. First one flatbed went over, then another, until all but one fell into the sea. Arry and Bert soon found the weight of the logs pulling them closer to the edge, with no way out.

"Well Bert, I guess this is it. I'm sorry I dragged ya into this mess..."

"Its alright, Arry. At least we didn't get caught..."

"Hold tight, you two! I'll save you!"

Looking back, they saw Thomas racing towards them. Arry shot Bert a dirty look, but then turnd to Thomas with fear in his eyes.

"Help! The last truck is about to go over, and its taking us with it!"

"Don't worry, I've got this!"

Connecting his engine with Bert's as fast as he could, Thomas put every ounce of steam into the piston's, reversing frantically in an attempt to save them. It was hard going, and gravity wouldn't let go, but Thomas stood firm until...

SNAP!

Arry could only watch in horror as the last truck fell into the chasm, hitting the rocks with a might CRASH! With that out of the way, Thomas more easily brought the two to safety, shaken but alright.

"Phew! That was a close one, eh guys?"

"Yeah, you can say that again. Um...thanks, Thomas."

"Yeah, thanks Thomas."

"Come on, lets get you back to the docks. I know someone who'd like to have a word with you..."

Arry and Bert gulped. They didn't like the sound of that one bit.