Chapter 255: No Joke for Henry
One morning, Gordon was boasting as always, much to his companion's annoyance.
"Yes sir, I'm the pride of the line! The only one capable of driving an express engine."
"Rubbish!" Snorted Henry. "James has done it before, so have I. What makes you so special?"
"You'll notice, dear Henry, that neither of you have done it in a long time. That's because Sir Topham Hatt understands how important it is to keep up appearances, so he always chooses me. Tell me, what was your job yesterday?"
"The Flying Kipper."
"And the day before that?"
"Coal trucks."
"Precisely! With a track record of dirty jobs like that, he'll never assign you to the express."
And before Henry could retort, Gordon drove away, leaving him spluttering in fury.
"That Gordon! One of these days I'd like to teach him a lesson."
"Careful, Henry. You're going down a dangerous path..."
"Stow it, Duck. Don't tell me he hasn't gotten on your last nerve too."
"He has, but unlike you I can keep my emotions in check. Just don't go and do anything stupid."
Henry rolled his eyes and left to fetch his train. Duck sighed and turned to Douglas.
"This is going to end badly, isn't it?"
"Och Aye."
A while later, Henry arrived at Knapford Shunting Yards. Percy was there, arranging a line of coaches.
"Morning, Henry."
"Good morning, Percy. Are these coaches for me?"
"No, they're for Gordon's express. I'll be fetching your train of stone trucks in just a minute."
An idea crept into Henry's brain. He knew he shouldn't, but it would feel so good, and Gordon could use a lesson...
"Actually Percy, there's been a change of plans. Sir Topham Hatt has switched Gordon and I's duties for the day. I'm to take the express, and he's to take my stone trucks."
Percy tilted his head in confusion.
"Are you sure? I haven't been told anything..."
"Oh, he asked me to tell you myself. He had to get to a meeting, you see, and just didn't have the time. You know him, busy busy busy..."
Percy still wasn't convinced, but decided not to question it and let Henry take the coaches. Henry couldn't help but chortle as he left the yards.
"That'll show stuck up Gordon."
A while later, Gordon showed up, eyeing the yard for his train.
"Percy, where is my express?"
"Oh, Henry took it."
"And why would you do that?"
"He said it was Sir Topham Hatt's orders. He's taking your express, and you're taking his stone trucks."
Gordon was speechless! His face went red with fury.
"That Henry! Sir Topham Hatt said no such thing, and when I get a hold of him I'll..."
Luckily for Henry, Sir Topham Hatt got to him first. Even so, he didn't get off lightly.
"Henry, what is the meaning of this? You should know better than this. Honestly, stealing someone else's train. What made you think I wouldn't find out?"
"Sorry, sir."
"You are suspended from work until I can trust you again. Good day!"
Henry was miserable for the next week. No one spoke to him, and all he could do was clean around the house. Finally, the yard manager came to see him.
"Sir Topham Hatt needs an important delivery taken to Brendam Docks. Since you're the only one available, he's lifted your suspension. You'll find your train at Knapford."
Henry smiled, and immediately got his engine ready. When he arrived, he saw Percy arranging his train.
"Hello, Percy. Sorry for tricking you."
"Its alright, we were all tired of his boasting. Remember, 3:00!"
"I will!"
Henry made such good time, that he even got there early! The ship's captain was impressed.
"Well done, Henry! We'll beat the tide no sweat!"
"No problem, Joe!"
Henry was just about to leave when a smartly dressed man approached, looking rather worried.
"Excuse me, but I have an important meeting with Sir Topham Hatt and I'm running late. Could you perhaps give me a lift?"
"Of course, hop in!"
The man smiled, and Henry helped him into the cab. Driving the speed limit, they got there just in time. Sir Topham Hatt was most pleased.
"Splendid job, Henry! You are really useful!"
Henry just smiled proudly.