A/N: Before I begin, I feel the need to address an issue that's been plaguing the reviews ever since the Misty Island Arc. Now, its come to my attention that some people have been using multiple names to write reviews on the same chapter, essentially saying the same thing. Now, although most of them are guest reviews, I can't really go an erase those without risking punishing those who abide by the site's rules, so I'll just say this to those who do it, and you know who you are: STOP IT. You're annoying not only me, but plenty of others.

Chapter 251: Signals Crossed

It was late one evening, and Toby was sitting in the Ffarquhar Common house reading a book. Just then, Rosie came in, looking very flustered.

"What's wrong, Rosie?"

"Its the points at Knapford. They're impossible! I had to take some stone cars from the quarry up there, but the layout was so confusing I nearly went cross-eyed!"

Toby chuckled, putting down his book as he reminisced about a story from his past.

"Oh, I know the pain. In fact I had quite a similar experience when I first came here. Would you like to hear it?"

Rosie smiled, and gladly took a seat.

"Alright then. It all started long ago, a week after I had started..."

I had adjusted well to the branchline, and Thomas and his family made me and Henrietta feel right at home. But I hadn't seen much of the Island aside from the branchline.

Now, my first job each day was to take the workmen's train to the quarry for the morning shift. Normally, James or Henry would bring the workmen coming from the mainline in on the stopping train, but one morning Sir Topham Hatt came to see me with urgent news.

"The morning train was more full than usual today, and there was no room for the workmen. I'll need you head to Knapford and collect them yourself."

"Oh, uhm, are you sure, because..."

"Is something wrong?"

"Erm, no sir."

"Good. That'll be all."

But on the inside I was very nervous. I'd never been to a station as big as Knapford, and I didn't know which signal was for which line. But orders were orders, so I collected my coach and headed for the station.

When I got there, it was worse than I had thought. Trains were coming in and out, crossing over tracks as the made their way out to the mainline and various branchlines.

"Oh dear," I thought. "How will I ever find my way about this place?"

I was so lost in thought that I nearly ran onto the express line, though a sharp blast from Gordon's whistle quickly snapped me out of my thoughts. I braked just in time, Gordon's train missing me by mere inches.

"Watch out, you fool!" Gordon shouted. "Watch your signal!"

Well, let's just say I didn't move for a good while after that. I was too scared! Finally, the signalman got fed up and marched on out.

"What's the matter with ya? I set your signal to clear 10 minutes ago, get a move on! You're holding up the track."

"Huh? Oh, yes sir, sorry sir."

Well, I got a move on after that, let me tell you. I was so scared that I drove my tram engine as fast as it could go right to the platform. I was so scared I thought i mighty cry. Edward was at the next platform over, and could see that I was upset.

"Toby, right? Is something the matter?"

"Huh? Oh, hello..."

"Edward."

"Right. Its just...this whole setup. I don't know how you mainliners can put up with such a mess. I can't tell which signal is for my track, and I'm afraid I'll cause confusion and delay."

Edward chuckled kindly.

"Ah yes, I've had my fair share of problems with this setup myself. Just remember, your signal is always the one directly above your track."

Before he could say anything else, his guard blew his whistle.

"Oh, that's my cue. It was nice to meet you, Toby. Remember, right above your track!"

"Right above my track, got it. Thanks Edward!"

Soon enough, it was time for me to go. Although nervous, I knew I had a job to do, so I eased my train out of the station.

"Right above me...Right above me..."

Scanning the gantry, I found my signal shortly. Seeing that it was set to danger, I braked, and waited for either for it to change or the signalman to come out and explain. Neither happened, and after several minutes I began to worry. So I rang the bell, and sure enough the signalman came storming out.

"Not you again! I set your signal to clear already, now move!"

"No you haven't."

"Yes I have, just lo- oh."

Once he realized his mistake, he went red in the face. Some workmen came, and the signal was fixed in no time. But just as I headed out, the signalman called out to me.

"Hey, kid! Sorry about all the yelling, I've just had a rough morning, and its my first day, and..."

"Don't worry about it. Its my first day too. My name's Toby, what's yours?"

"Mark. See you around, Toby!"

"See ya!"

"And I haven't had trouble since. Don't worry Rosie, you'll get the hang of it. Practice makes perfect, after all."

Rosie smiled, feeling a lot better.

"Thanks, Toby. I needed that."

"Any time, Rosie. Any time."