Chapter 106: Gordon, James, and the Trouble with Trees

James loves his job on The North Western Railway. Although he prefers to drive passenger trains, he can just as often be seen doing goods work as well. Although he may grumble about having to take these trains, he is a hard worker at heart and always does his best.

Gordon, like James, prefers to take Passenger trains, preferably the express. Unlike James, who will begrudgingly admit that his engine is just as suited for goods work as it is for passenger trains, Gordon believes that his engine should only be used for express trains and thinks that goods work or local trains are far beneath him and it. His behavior gets on the nerve of his coworkers.

"You poor souls just don't understand," he said snootily one evening, "My engine is in a league of its own. It doesn't matter what trains you take; your engines were designed by some no name engineer. But for an engine designed and built by THE Sir Nigel Gresley to be seen pulling dirty trucks, well it's not the proper sort of thing. An engine like mine should only be seen pulling the most important train on the line."

"Rubbish," snorted Edward, "There's no such thing. All jobs on a railway are important, be it goods work or express work."

"Besides, Gordon," Henry retorted, "You're not the only one who's ever taken the express. James has, I have, heck, even Edward used to when it was lighter."

"Yes, but you only take it every now and then, and as Thomas, Percy, and Duck proved a while ago it is not a job that can be done by just anyone."

Before the argument could continue, James reversed his engine into the shed. He had been working in the coal yard all day, and both he and his engine were covered in coal dust.

"You know, it never fails to amaze me. Everyday I see something new. Today it's the sigh of a moving pile of coal!"

"Oh ha, ha, very funny Gordon. Your engine would be this dirty too, if it did some real work for a change."

"And thank you for proving my point, dear James, on how my engine is above you all."

"That's quite enough Gordon. Unlike you, James understands that every job on this island is important, and whether he likes the job or not he does it to the best of his ability. You could learn from him."

"Unlikely, Edward."

Since it was getting late, everyone started getting ready for bed.

"Hey, Edward. I just wanted to say thanks for having my back there."

"It's quite alright, James. Quite frankly I'm getting sick and tired of hearing his constant boasting. All I know is that he's heading for trouble."

"I can't believe I'm saying this, but I hope it bites him in the behind real soon."

"You and me both, James."

That night, a storm hit the island. Fallen trees and debris lay everywhere. It was not a pretty sight.

Gordon left early that morning so that he would be on time for the express. On his way he met James and Terence.

"Hurry up, you two. I can't believe I left a half hour early and I still might be late."

"Stow it, Gordon. We're clearing the line, so you and your passengers don't go flying off the rails."

"Watch out for fallen trees, Gordon," Terence added, "They can cause trouble, you know."

"Pah," snorted Gordon, "Trees are nothing to me. If one was on the line, I'd just push it out of the way with my engine. Now if you'll excuse me, I have some visitors to take to the mainland. Goodbye."

And he left without another word.

When he arrived at the station, he was surprised to see that there weren't any coaches at the platform, nor any passengers. Sir Topham Hatt was waiting for him.

"Ah, Gordon, just the man I wanted to see. Due to the line work, I've pushed back the morning express, but I'm glad you're here. A train of supplies need to go to Brendam Docks, and since you're here now you can take it. Henry will handle the express."

Gordon was horrified.

"But sir, surely someone else can take it. My engine…"

"Gordon, I don't want to hear it. I've had to deal with passengers complaining about the delays and their plans being ruined, I don't have time for your petty whining. I'm only asking you to do the one train, I think your image can handle it. See to it that it does."

And with that he walked away, leaving Gordon fuming. It only got worse for him, as he had to shunt his own trucks. He biffed and banged them about the yard.

"A goods train, a goods train, a goods train! The shame of it, the shame of it, Oh, the shame of it!"

Within ten minutes he left the goods yard, still grumbling and snorting.

The trip went well for most of it, but Gordon still grumbled. Until Gordon saw a sign that read "Go Slow."

"Pah! There is only one speed on this engine, and that is fast!"

So Gordon sped up. Now he was beginning to enjoy the train, until he saw a tree blocking the line.

"Time to prove how strong my engine is," he thought, continuing to go full speed. But instead of shoving it aside like he thought he would, his engine ran smack dab into it, derailing and knocking Gordon off of his feet. He wasn't badly hurt, but when he looked up he saw something that made him shutter. The tree was beginning to tilt, and tilt towards him

"Help! Somebody, Help!"

James had been working nearby and heard the crash and rushed over to help.

"Don't worry, Gordon, I'll save you!"

"Hurry!"

Thinking quickly, James immediately hooked his engine up to the back of the train, and slowly but surely, he pulled Gordon and his train to safety just in time.

"Thank you, James. I'm sorry I was rude to you."

"It's okay, Gordon."

James left the train in the yards, then gave Gordon and his engine a lift back to the yards. Sir Topham Hatt was waiting for them.

"Well done, James! I am most pleased with your work today. As a reward, you may pull the express for a month."

"Oh, thank you, sir."

Sir Topham Hatt turned his head sharply to Gordon.

"As for you, Mr. too good to pull goods trains, I have heard from the others about your attitude, and I am not impressed. Not only that, but your recklessness could have hurt not only yourself, but also your guard and anyone nearby. As punishment, you will be shunting in the yard until you have learned that every job on the railway is important."

Gordon remained silent as Sir Topham Hatt walked away. He knew he had a lot to think about.