Chapter 94: Bulldog

The next night, Sir Handel and Peter Sam continued to regale their friends with their tales from The Mid Sodor Railway.

"…and that is why Peter Sam is officially banned from Norway."

The engine drivers all laughed, except Peter Sam who was annoyed.

"Oh, like you've never had any accident before."

"Of course, not. I'm perfect."

"Oh really? Because I can remember one where Duke had to rescue you."

Sir Handel stopped laughing then.

"Don't. You. Dare."

The others looked up curiously.

"Perhaps you two would like to share your story?" Rusty suggested.

"If you don't tell them, then I will, Sir Handel."

Sir Handel groaned in defeat.

"Alright, alright, I might as well tell you. Knowing Peter Sam, if I let him tell it he'll make me look like a total doofus. Anyway…"

(Flashback, Sir Handel narrating)

It was when Stuart and I were new to the island, and the railway. I was young then, and full of my own ideas.

"Back then? Seems like you never changed."

"Who's telling the story here, Duncan? You or me?"

"Alright, alright, sheesh."

Anyhow, one evening the manager spoke to me at the common house.

"You have done well so far, Falcon, but you still have a lot to learn. Tomorrow I want you to take the express. There you will experience The Mountain Road."

I was excited. The Mountain Road was the steepest part of the line. Stuart and I had never been allowed to go on it before, as the manager thought we weren't ready. And my engine had just gotten a fresh coat of paint, so it was bound to impress the passengers.

"Duke will double- head the train with you. Be sure to listen to him. He knows more about this line than anyone else."

This made me cross.

"That old fuddy duddy will just slow me down," I grumbled when I was sure manager was out of earshot, "I don't need him at all."

The next morning, Duke and I were getting our engines ready for the train. Stuart wasn't due out until later, so he was sleeping in.

"Listen," Duke said in his gruff way, "The mountain road can be dangerous to the unexperienced. I should lead."

"No, I'll lead. How can I enjoy the view with your engine's fat tender blocking my view?"

"Very well but keep your eyes on the track. Never mind the view."

Everything went well at first, and I soon forgot to be cross. We did have a beautiful line, and my thoughts soon drifted away from old Duke. Then we came onto The Mountain Road.

"Remember, keep your eyes on the track. Never mind the view."

"I know, I know. You don't need to constantly remind me."

Then we entered a tunnel. It was narrow and dark, and I could hardly see. I hated it and wanted to get out. I soon got my wish, but it wasn't as I expected. One minute, my engine was on the rails. The next, it jumped off them and found itself dangling over the ledge, and I found myself clinging to the controls for dear life. Just then, I saw Duke leaning over to me, arm outstretched.

"Grab my hand. I'll pull you to safety."

Without hesitation I grabbed it. Before long I was back to safety, but my engine was far from secure.

"Bother. How are we going to fix this?"

"My engine would be able to pull yours back onto the rails, but it needs more water."

Luckily a worker's cottage was nearby, and all the passengers helped us fill up the engine's tanks. Before long, my engine was safely back on the rails, and we made our way safely to the top station. We were a few minutes late, but the passengers didn't mind.

"Duke was a true hero," they told our manager, "He refused to leave Falcon in the cab, and kept at it until his engine on the rails. He was like a bulldog, loyal and fierce."

As the passengers left to explore the station, I spoke to Duke.

"I'm sorry for being rude, Duke. You were brave, and thanks for the save."

"Think nothing of it. After all, it wouldn't be right to just leave you there. You might be pompous, but you're a hard worker. A few more trips on the mountain road and you'll be an expert."

But I wasn't too keen on making another trip anytime soon.