Thomas' visit to the Indian Railway was coming to an end. "Before you are due to leave," said Charubala, "you will be making a special visit to Sri Lanka."

"Where's that?" Thomas asked.

"It's an island country off the coast," replied Ashima.

"That's right," Charubala continued. "You are to catch the ferry at Rameswaram tomorrow morning."

As the two engines set off for work, Thomas was curious. "Why do I have to take a ferry to Sri Lanka? Is their bridge closed."

"No," Ashima chuckled. "There is no bridge. The island of Sri Lanka is twenty-two miles away. That's why we have the ferry, but I'm sure you will like it. Passengers and goods use the ferry every day. We call it 'Boat Mail'."

Thomas smiled. "I think Percy would like that."

The next morning, Ashima traveled with Thomas to Rameswaram. "Have fun, Thomas," she said.

"I will and I'll tell you all about it when I get back tomorrow."

There were no passengers on the ferry that morning, but there were lots of trucks going to Sri Lanka with Thomas. When he arrived, the Dock Master was waiting for him. "Welcome Thomas," he said. "I hope you won't mind, but can you take these supplies to the Timber Depot for us? Another engine was going to take it, but he's been delayed, and the Depot will be on your way, so you will still be on time."

"Of course I can," whistled Thomas. "I'm always happy to be Really Useful." So, Thomas was coupled to the supply trucks and was on his way.

As he puffed along, Thomas saw many amazing sights. He thought Sri Lanka was a very beautiful country, but it was also hot, dry and very dusty. Thomas didn't mind too much. He was used to dust from working in the Quarries on Sodor.

When Thomas passed a tea plantation, he remembered what Ashima had told him about the mountain railways in India. Tea was grown high up in the mountains and people used the railways to escape the heat on the plains.

More dust flew past Thomas' face making him cough and splutter. He was getting very dirty. "I could use a good washdown before my visit," he wheezed, but he still had a job to do, so he couldn't stop.

At last, Thomas arrived at the Logging Depot. "Right on time," said the Manager. "Thank you, Thomas." Thomas was happy to have helped, but he was very tired from working in the tropical heat and the air around him was filled with noise and lots of saw dust.

The supplies were unloaded, and Thomas set off again. I hope I can be cleaned before my visit, Thomas thought.

Finally, Thomas could see his final destination up ahead, but as he rounded the last bend…it happened. Thomas wheels hit a snag in the rails and with a big jolt, he came off the line.

"That's torn it," said his Driver. "Now, I'll have to go for help." Poor Thomas.

Suddenly, they heard a familiar trumpeting sound…and three elephants came into view guided by some workmen. "Can we be of assistance?"

"Yes, please," said Thomas. He remembered his first day in India when he derailed in a paddy field and an elephant helped him back onto the rails. He had never seen an elephant be Really Useful before.

The workmen guided their elephants around and they set to work. Thomas knew elephants could be very strong and with three of them working together, they easily helped Thomas back onto the rails again.

"Oh, thank you," sighed Thomas.

"Our pleasure," said one of the workmen.

"Say, aren't you Thomas the Tank Engine?" asked another.

"Yes," replied Thomas. "I'm making a special visit to the town just ahead." Then, he looked back; he was dirtier than ever. "Now, I really do need a washdown."

"Not a problem," said the workmen. They set out some buckets of water and the elephants sprayed it all over Thomas.

Thomas laughed; he felt clean and comfortable once more. "Now that's what I call a washdown… 'Sri Lanken style'." Everyone else laughed too and the elephants trumpeted once more as Thomas puffed away whistling 'thank you'.

The next afternoon, Ashima was waiting at Rameswaram as Thomas steamed off the ferry. "How was it, Thomas?"

"It was great. There were so many people taking photographs, I didn't know which way to look, but when I first got to the harbour, I was asked to make a delivery on my way." Then, he smiled. "You know, it's funny; my visit here started with elephants, and it seems to be ending with them too."

"That does sound poetic," replied Ashima, "but what exactly do you mean by that?"

"Alright," laughed Thomas Driver, "you can talk more tonight, but for now, let's get back to Varkala." And that is exactly what they did, but Thomas promised he would tell his friends soon.