Chapter 252: A Surprise for Percy

Percy arrived for work at the coaling plant. He hated it. Every day that week, he had done nothing but take trains too and from. Not helping matters were the workmen, who would laugh at and tease him with rude songs:

"Percy, Percy, he's so small.

He's no use to us at all.

Around the yards, he'll huff and blow,

but on the hills his engine's just too slow."

"Shut up! Don't you lot ever do any work?"

The workmen just laughed, but Percy ignored them After loading up his trucks, he set off to make his delivery. On the way, he met Bertie at a level crossing.

"Hello Percy, you look glum. What's the matter?"

"Oh, I'm just bored. Nothing exciting ever happens. Its just coal here, there, and everywhere! Just once I wish something exciting would happen."

"That's the thing about excitement, Percy. You never know when it'll happen, because otherwise it wouldn't be surprising!"

Bertie departed after that, leaving Percy alone with his thoughts.

Later, he stopped at a water tower to refill his engine's tanks. Toby was nearby, picking up passengers when he noticed Percy looking down.

"Hey there, Percy. How are things?"

"Boring."

"Well, why not go to the fair after work? A few spins in the tilt-o-whirl ought to cheer you up."

"More likely make me throw up."

Just then, Toby's guard blew his whistle.

"Oh well, can't help you there. See you later."

"Yeah, later."

Eventually, Percy made it to a hill. It was very steep, and the coupling was old. Percy watched anxiously as it strained to hold.

"Please don't snap, please don't snap, please don't..."

SNAP!

"...Snap!"

Percy watched in horror as the trucks rolled back down the hill. Acting quickly, he blew the whistle to alert the signalman, who came running.

"My trucks are a runaway!"

"They'll run right into the village! I'll send the message down the line, you go stop them!"

Percy took off after them, but they were gaining speed.

"The hill will slow them down. I just hope I can get there before they roll back down!"

Luckily, some workmen were waiting on the hill. As soon as the trucks began to slide back down, they sprung into action, bracing wooden blocks in front of their wheels. The trucks were now secure.

"Phew!" Sighed Percy, and the men happily agreed. Percy soon set off again, and met Bertie at the level crossing, who had heard everything.

"Surprising enough for ya, eh Percy?"

"More than enough. But you were right, Bertie. A really useful engine driver should never be surprised by surprise!"