Chapter 40: The Deputation
A few weeks had past, and Sir Topham Hatt had still not made up his mind. Donald soon got back to work clearing the line of snow with Douglas. Winter had come early, and snow covered the island. With their engines coupled back to back with a works coach between them, they set off.
One day they were clearing the main line when they reached a huge snowdrift. Douglas drove his engine into it, but it did not budge. Just as they started to reverse, a voice was heard.
?: Help! Help!
Douglas: Los sakes, Donald! It's Henry! Hang tight, Henry! We'll get you out soon as we can.
They got him out within a few minutes, and other than a slight cold he was alright. Henry was grateful, but he could see that Donald and Douglas were worried about something.
Later that evening Donald and Douglas told the other drivers everything.
Donald: We cannae bare to be separated from eachother. We've been inseparable since we were little lads.
Douglas: Aye, and if one of us is sent back we'll lose our job for sure. Our controller only cares about the money in his pocket, and will do anything to cut costs, including scrapping our engines and giving us the sack.
The others felt sorry for the two
Gordon: All because of a little incident with a signalbox.
James: Not to mention that stupid guard. I'm glad Sir Topham Hatt fired him, he was nothing but trouble.
Henry: If it wasn't for them, I wouldn't be here right now. It isn't fair.
Everyone agreed that something had to be done, but nobody could think of what. The next day he spoke to Edward about it.
Edward: Hmm. What you need is a deputation.
After he explained it Percy ran back to tell the others.
Percy: Edward said we need to deliver a depostation.
Gordon: I think you mean deputation, Percy, and I agree. The question is: who should deliver it.
Nobody said anything. They just stared at Percy, who soon realized why.
Percy: Oh come on! Why should I have to do it?
But he reluctantly agreed He went to Knapford station and knocked on the door to Sir Topham Hatt's office.
Sir Topham Hatt: Come in.
Percy nervously walked into the office. He felt like a small child walking into the principal's office at school.
Sir Topham Hatt: Can I help you, Percy?
Percy: Huh? Oh yes sir, please sir. Donald and Douglas can't go back sir. Their engines will be scrapped if they are, sir, and they'll be fired. I know they've made their mistakes, sir, but they are hard workers, and it will be a shame if they lose their jobs just so their controller can make a few extra dollars, sir. Please don't send them away, sir.
Sir Topham Hatt just sad for a minute in deep thought.
Sir Topham Hatt: I see. Thank you, Percy. I shall have to take what you have said into consideration. I shall make an announcement at the sheds tonight, so make sure that everybody is there. Dismissed.
Percy left the office, not really knowing if his deputation worked or not. Later that evening all of the engine drivers gathered outside the shed. Sir Topham Hatt arrived a minute later.
Sir Topham Hatt: Percy has explained to me what I believe all of you are thinking. I admire your dedication to these two, but in the future I want you all to feel free to talk to me in person about your concerns. I am a most reasonable person.
Everybody just nodded.
Sir Topham Hatt: Donald and Douglas, I am pleased with your work so far. As a reward your engines shall receive new coats of paint.
Donald and Douglas: Thank ye, sir.
Sir Topham Hatt: But in the future I ask that you do not break anymore of the railway's property, or I will have to take it out of your paychecks. Money doesn't grow on trees after all.
Donald and Douglas: Do yae mean?
Sir Topham Hatt: Welcome to the family, Donald and Douglas.
This statement was met with cheers all around. The twins were here to stay.