Chapter 273: Edward Proves His Worth

Edward's engine is old, but that doesn't mean that it is useless. Often when trains need help up Gordon's Hill, it was him that came to their aid. Although his engine is old and tends to clank about, Edward loves her very much. Though not everyone feels the same way.

One morning, Edward was getting his engine ready for work when he heard an all too familiar whistle.

"Oh dear. Here we go again."

Sure enough, Spencer's engine came into view, the man himself stepping down to announce his presence. But when he saw Edward's engine, he scrunched his nose up in disgust.

"Ugh! I can't believe Sir Topham Hatt still keeps that thing in service."

"Nice to see you too, Spencer."

"I wish I could say the same, Edward. Honestly, I'm surprised that old bucket of bolts can even run. Sir Topham Hatt should put it in a museum before it falls to pieces."

Edward was cross. He loved his engine dearly, and hated it when anyone spoke ill of it.

'My engine may be old, but she's still useful!"

"As a tourist attraction, perhaps. Now, I'd love to sit here and waste time talking to you, but I have a real job to do. Goodbye!"

And with that, he left. Edward just rolled his eyes.

"Real work, please. I doubt he's ever done an honest day's work in his life."

Later that day, Duck was taking a line of coal trucks to Maron. But as he started to climb Gordon's Hill, the weight of the train pulled them back to the bottom. Duck gave it all he had, but it was no good. Duck was stuck.

"Bother! Now I'll need a banker."

He soon got it, but when he heard the whistle, he wished he hadn't.

"Oh no, anyone but him!"

Spencer strolled up alongside, bemused by his predicament.

"My, my, my, having trouble are we?"

Duck just nothing. He simply seethed in silence.

"Ah well, It happens to the best of us. I suppose I'll have to give you a hand. Shouldn't be too hard for an engine such as mine."

So Spencer buffered his engine up, and began pushing the long train up the hill. For a moment, it looked like they'd reach the top. Suddenly, a loud hissing noise was heard, and the train crawled to a stop.

"What the-Spencer, what are you playing at?"

"It's this stupid safety valve! I told Sir Topham Hatt my engine couldn't handle such demanding work, but he insisted that I…"

"Stow it! Your engine is more than capable of doing the work, just like any other engine. You're just too lazy to let it."

"Why, you-"

Just then, Edward came along to help. Spencer scoffed when he saw who had come to their rescue.

"Just what we need, the old timer. Go away, I'd rather be saved by Gordon!"

"Spencer, for once in your life, SHUT UP!"

Spencer, taken aback by Duck's outburst, promptly did that. Smiling, Edward began pushing his engine forward against the back of Spencer's coaches. Slowly, the train started to move up the hill. It was slow going, but Edward wouldn't give up until, at last, they coasted over the hill and down to the next station. There waiting on the platform was Sir Topham Hatt.

"Well done, Edward! You are a really useful engine driver!"

"Thank you, sir."

"As a reward, your engine shall be sent to the works to be refitted and repainted. She'll be good as new!"

Edward beamed proudly. Sir Topham Hatt then turned to Spencer, and his mood soured.

"I've heard that you've been treating Edward rudely for driving an older engine! I shall not tolerate bullying on my railway. Now, I believe you have something to say to him?"

"I'm…sorry, Edward. Thank you."

"Good. Now, while his engine is at the Steamworks, I've arranged with the Duke and Duchess for you to act as banker at Wellsworth. Perhaps a few weeks of that shall teach you a newfound appreciation for hard work!"

I sure hope so. Don't you?