Disclaimer: Same thing as it has always been.

Chapter 23: Thomas in Trouble

At the end of Thomas's branchline lies a quarry. To access it, Thomas has to drive his engine along a line that goes for some distance along the road. There are no crossing on this line, so Thomas has to be extra careful along this line as to make sure he did not hit anyone or anything. So far he had never had an accident.

One morning Thomas noticed a policeman sitting near the line, keeping an eye out for trouble. Thomas had been a good friend with the constable who had retired recently. Hoping that this one would be just as friendly, he blew his engine's whistle, making the man jump.

"Hello, there!" he called to him. Unfortunately, this policeman was not in a good mood.

"What cheek!" he snapped, "I couldn't get any sleep last night, and now you come along and scare me! I ought to write you up for that! Why if a crime had just been committed, I would not have noticed because of your blasted whistle."

"I'm sorry sir," said Thomas, now sorry that he had bothered, "I was only trying to be friendly!"

"Sorry doesn't cut it!" the policeman continued. He then turned his attention to the wheels on Thomas's engines. "Where is your engine's cowcatcher?"

"It's what?" asked Thomas, "I'm sorry sir, but my engine wasn't built for catching cows."

"Don't be funny!" the policeman snapped, and continued to inspect the engine. "No side plates either, I see. Sonny, you're in a world of trouble! All engines going on public roads must have their wheels covered and a cowcatcher in front to prevent people and animals from being dragged under the wheels. Your engine has neither, and is therefore a danger to others."

"Stuff and nonsense!" said Thomas, "I've been down this line thousands of times and never had an accident."

"That makes it worse!" snapped the policeman. He wrote down "regular lawbreaker" in his book. "Just wait until Sir Topham Hatt finds out about this!"

Thomas just drove sadly away. A little while later, Sir Topham Hatt was in his manor having breakfast with his wife when their butler came in.

"Excuse me, sir," he said, "but you are wanted on the telephone."

"Bother that telephone," said Sir Topham Hatt. After he hung up, he sighed and got on his coat. "I'm sorry, dear," he told his wife, "But it seems that Thomas has had some trouble with the police. I shall have to go and see what the matter is."

At the station Thomas explained to Sir Topham Hatt the story.

"Nonsense," he told Thomas, "I know that you always take the upmost caution on that line! We shall have to see what can be done."

Unfortunately, no matter how much they argued the policeman would not budge.

"The law is the law," he said firmly, "and like it or not, you are bound by it. If I see this engine on that line one more time, then I will take action." And with that he promptly left. Sir Topham Hatt sighed wearily.

"I'm sorry, Thomas, but it looks like we can't do much else," he said, "I suppose we'll have to get your engine a cowcatcher and some side plates."

"But sir, it'll look silly," said Thomas, "Everyone will say that it looks like a tram."

At that point Sir Topham Hatt burst out laughing.

"Brilliant, Thomas! I should have thought of it sooner! What we need is a tram engine! I met a nice fellow on my holiday named Tobey who drives one. His line has closed down, and he will definitely need new work. I shall contact his controller."

Toby arrived with his engine, a coach, and Henrietta the next day. Sir Topham Hatt met them at Knapford Junction.

"It's nice to see you, Toby," he told him, shaking his hand. "I know you'll make an excellent addition to my railway."

"Thank you, sir," said Toby, "I can't wait to get started."

Toby was a hard worker, and handled the quarry trains with ease. One day, when he saw the policeman, he rang his engine's bell loudly, making the man nearly jump out of his skin.

"Oi, you!" the man called, but Toby paid him no attention.

Thomas was jealous of him at first, but soon warmed up to him after he heard how Toby had paid the policeman back, and they are now good friends. Henrietta also became quick friends with Annie and Clarabel, and they all became like a big family. Unfortunately, not everyone warmed up to Toby as quickly as they did. But that's another story.

A/N: Hope you guys liked it! In case it wasn't obvious, I based the policeman from Bluenose the navy tug from Thomas's sister series Tugs, which was a great show that got cut to short. Until next time, read, review, and enjoy!