Chapter 136: Better Late Than Never
The viaduct on the Main Line needed repairs. Sir Topham Hatt didn't want to close the railway while it was mended, dragging out the repairs. Until they were complete, speed restrictions were put in place for that section of line, and the engine drivers had to take great care while crossing. Often, this made them late to the junction to meet Thomas's Branchline. This made Thomas very cross indeed.
"Late again! If I wasn't a guaranteed connection, I would have left 10 minutes ago."
"We need to go slowly for safety reasons," retorted Henry, "If we were to hurry across the viaduct, it might collapse, taking your passengers with it. Then what would you do?"
Thomas knew Henry had a point, but he was still cross, so he left without saying another word.
"Yeah, that's what I thought," snorted Henry as he left the junction.
Thomas wasn't the only one cross about the delays. Bertie sat at Ffarquhar station, waiting for him to arrive. Usually, Bertie arrived after Thomas, allowing their passengers to quickly change from one to the other. But now, they were most upset to find that they had to wait on the platform for Thomas to arrive. Bertie was upset.
"Late again! Third time this week, too."
At last, The train drove into the station. Thomas's face was red with embarrassment.
"Sorry I'm late, everyone. Delays on the mainline."
The passengers quickly boarded the coaches, still grumbling about what a bad railway it was. Bertie saw his chance for a quick tease.
"I thought your engine was fast, Thomas. I bet if we had another race, I would beat you in a landslide."
This made Thomas crosser still.
"Its not my fault! Its those stupid mainline drivers holding me up! Blaming the workmen on the viaduct for making them late. Laziness, I tell you."
"Uh huh. Suuuuure."
Before Thomas could respond, Bertie drove off in a hurry, leaving him spluttering at the platform.
Thomas resolved to be on time no matter what, but that was easier said than done. One day, he was waiting at the junction for James's passenger train. James was later than ever, and Thomas grew crosser by the second. At last, James drove his train wearily into the station.
"Let me guess, the viaduct?"
"I'm sorry I'm late, Thomas. I was held up at the station, and then there was the viaduct, and the sheep on the line, and a broken signal, and…"
"Alright, James, I understand. Still, I hope that viaduct gets repaired soon."
"You and me both, Thomas."
As soon as his guard's whistle blew, Thomas drove out of the station as quickly as he could. But try as he might, he found that he couldn't save much time at all.
"Oh brother. Bertie will never let me hear the end of this."
But he soon found out that wasn't the case. At the level crossing, he could see Bertie's bus stuck, smoke bellowing from the radiator. Bertie had the hood up and was fiddling with it, trying to fix it.
"Bertie, is everything alright? You should be at the station by now."
Bertie stuck his head out, relieved to see Thomas.
"Thomas! Oh boy, am I glad to see you. My bus's radiator has gone bust. I've done my best, but I need a mechanic to fix this. It's a good thing you're late too. Can you take my passengers home, please?"
"Certainly. Hope in, everybody."
The grateful passengers climbed into the coaches.
"I'll call for help at the next station."
"Thanks, Thomas, you're a lifesaver."
Thomas set off quickly, and before long they reached the top station. They were a little late. But the passengers didn't mind. They all got out and praised Thomas.
"Thank you for getting us home, Thomas. You are a really useful engine driver."
Thomas just beamed proudly.
The next day, Bertie came to the station to thank Thomas.
"I'm sorry I teased you about being late, Thomas. You truly are a good friend."
"It's alright, Bertie. I'm just glad I could help. I guess sometimes it pays to be late."
And with a heartfelt laugh, the two friends returned to work.