Chapter 31: Bulls Eyes
Daisy proved to be very haughty, griping about anything she didn't like. Toby and Percy tried to carry on regardless, but it proved very difficult. One day Toby was waiting at the junction when Daisy strolled over. She had not been able to get a good look at Toby's engine before, and thought the cowcatchers and side plates made it look ugly, and she told him so.
Toby: "They may not be the most pleasant looking attachments, but they are important. They help to prevent animals on the line from getting dragged under the wheels."
Daisy: "Pah! My railcar doesn't need those silly things. I just toot the horn and they go away."
Toby: "Even bulls?"
Daisy: "Especially bulls."
Daisy had never had to deal with a bull before, but she did not care. She was certain that things would go as she described. A while later, Daisy was collecting passengers at maithwaite when a policeman came up to her.
Policeman: "Champion the bull has strayed on to the line. The farmer needs your help to bring him back to the farm."
Daisy was delighted and agreed to help. The passengers had to stay behind, but they weren't cross, as they understood that it was for their safety. They soon reached the point where Champion stood, eating grass that had grown between the rails.
Daisy: "This will be easy." (Toots the horn)
But Champion did not leave the rails. Instead he turned around to face the railcar. He had never seen one before, and was very curious. He started to sniff the engine's front.
Daisy: "Go away! Shoo!"
Policeman: "Don't worry, Daisy. He may look scary, but he's harmless."
Daisy: "Yes, you know he's harmless. And I know he's harmless. But does he know? Look at those horns! If he charges he might hurt us, er, him. The farmer wouldn't like that."
Champion heard their conversation, and turned his attention to Daisy. He thought she was rather pretty, and started to sniff at her instead.
Daisy: "EWWWW!"
With that, she had enough. She immediately reversed the train and ran back to the shed. Toby came up and couldn't help but laugh.
Toby: "What's the matter, Daisy? I thought all you had to do to get rid of a bull was toot your diesel's horn at it. What went wrong?"
Daisy said nothing.
Policeman: "We still need to get Champion back to the farmer. Could you help, Toby?"
Toby: "Certainly, sir."
And they went back. Toby had dealt with Champion before, and knew just what to do. He blew steam from the engine to get his attention, and then gently guided him back to the farm with kind words and some oats.
Farmer: "Good job, Toby. You are a really useful driver."
Toby beamed proudly. Later Daisy was collecting her passengers that she abandoned when some boys came up to her with a bag of sweets.
Boy: "Look, Daisy. Bulls eyes. Would you like some?"
Daisy: "As if! Good bye!"
And with that she drove away. But for a few days after Toby and Percy spoke of nothing but bulls and horns. Daisy thought they were being ridiculous.