Chapter 61: Old Faithful (Yes, I went with the title from The Railway Series book instead of the episode, because the episode's name is bland and kind of stupid)
A week went by before Sir Handel could work again. Peter Sam had fallen ill, so Sir Handel had to take the train. It was market day, and the coaches were full to the brim. The stewardesses didn't trust Sir Handel, and kept giving him death glares until the train departed. Sir Handel tried to get on their good side, but they would have none of it. The ride went smoothly, but not for long. A herd of sheep had strayed onto the line, and Sir Handel had to brake quickly. Agnes was serving tea to the passengers at the time, and it spilled all over her dress. She was livid.
"He did that on purpose!" she scowled, "I'll make him pay!"
"Uh, miss, is there any tea left?"
"Stow it, I'm not in the mood!"
When the train reached the final slope, she put her plan into action. As the train climbed the hill, she used the emergency brake in the coach to slow the train down. It made the journey. Sir Handel realized what had happened quickly.
"Bother that stewardess," he grumbled, "I've apologized for my remarks, and yet they still play tricks on me for something that wasn't my fault."
Then, just as they started to head down, Agnes released the brakes, sending the train rocketing down before detaching the coaches. Beatrice braked the train, but Sir Handel had to jump out quickly as his engine fell over on its side at the bottom curve.
As no one could bring the breakdown train at the time. Butch the tow truck driver gave Sir Handel a ride back to the yard. Mr. Percival was waiting there for them.
"I'm sorry about this, sir," said Sir Handel, "I didn't mean for this to happen."
"Don't worry, Sir Handel, Beatrice phoned me and explained what happened," Mr. Percival sighed, "But your engine will be out of work for quite some time, and we don't have anyone else to bring the passengers home. I suppose I better call the bus depot and see if they can Bertie."
"Excuse me, sir," said Skarloey, "But maybe I can do it? I should be able to get my engine up to steam quick enough.
Mr. Percival though for a minute.
"Very well, Skarloey," he said, "But be careful. If your engine fails there'll be no one left to take the train."
Skarloey was ready soon, and set off to collect the train. He was not pleased with Agnes, who was trying to hide behind Jemmima.
"You should be ashamed of yourself, Agnes," he said crossly, "You could have hurt your passengers."
"I'm sorry, Skarloey," Agnes whimpered, "but Sir Handel-"
"Could've been seriously hurt because of you," Skarloey interrupted, "All because of something that was out of his control. Mr. Percival shall speak with you tonight."
Skarloey pushed the train to the last station, then ran his train around front for the return journey. The journey went well, but Skarloey could not help but worry. He kept hearing a rattling noise somewhere, but couldn't figure out where.
"I'll have to look at it once we get home," he thought, but he never got the chance. Without warning the cab spring popped, tilting the engine to the right and nearly throwing Skarloey out of the cab. Skarloey stopped the train, and all the passengers climbed out to see what was the matter. Skarloey sadly told them.
"Well that's torn it," said Beatrice, "I'll call for a bus immediately."
"No!" Skarloey said bravely, "We're not too far now, and my engine can still run."
"Are you sure? It seems pretty dangerous to me."
"Rheneas wouldn't give up, and neither shall I. I'll bring this train home even if it's the last thing I do."
Seeing that Skarloey wouldn't back down, Agnes, Ruth, Lucy, Jemima, Beatrice, and the passengers returned to the train, and once they were all settled Skarloey set off. It was hard going, and Skarloey nearly fell out several times, but they struggled on.
Meanwhile, Mr. Percival was waiting at Crovan's Gate with James, who was to take the passengers home. Mr. Percival paced the platform, constantly checking the clock.
"He should've been back by now," Mr. Percival sighed, "I knew this was a bad idea."
Just then, they heard a familiar whistle, and in cam Skarloey's engine, tilted to one side, and the train. All of the passengers sang Skarloey's praises, and James just smiled proudly as he drove out of the station.
Later that night, Mr. Percival visited the sheds. Skarloey was there, giving his engine a good cleaning.
"You were right, sir," he sighed sadly, "Old engines just doesn't run like the new ones can. I guess it's time for old faithful here to be put in a muesuem."
Mr. Percival smiled.
"They can if they're mended, Skarloey," he said, "and that's what will happen to yours. You've showed me that just because its old doesn't mean its fragile. As for you, I think a nice long vacation is in order. You deserve it."
Skarloey just beamed proudly. The next day, Skarloey's engine was sent to the Steamworks, while Skarloey decided to head over to the Talyllyn Railway. Although Peter Sam and Sir Handel have to work twice as hard now, they're happy with their new life, and long for Skarloey to return.
As for Agnes, Mr. Percival suspended her for a month and told her that he will fire her if she ever does something like that again. Agnes now regrets her action, and hopes that Sir Handel will forgive her. I think it serves her right, don't you?
A/N: Well, another short story arc come to a close. Now that my semester is over, I'll hopely be able to write more, but I make no promises. Also, keep an eye out for something… special coming soon.