Chapter 144: Bowled Out
Although Stepney enjoyed his stay on Sodor, his trip would soon be coming to an end. The others would miss him, but they understood that he had his own railway to return to.
"I wish you could stay, Stepney. We could use the help."
"As do I, Percy, but Mr. Holden can't be away from The Bluebell Railway forever, and neither can I. Work stops for no man."
"Well, what will we do about all of this extra work?"
"Perhaps I can answer that, James."
Everyone turned to see Sir Topham Hatt standing nearby.
"First of all, I would like to thank Stepney for all of his hard work this past fortnight. You are a credit to engine drivers everywhere, and will be surely missed."
"Ah shucks, sir. You're making me blush."
"Secondly, don't you fret about the workload. I've requested for help from The Other Railway, and they have agreed to send someone to handle the extra work."
Everyone stood still, waiting for the inevitable.
"Unfortunately, a diesel was the only one they could send. So please, try to avoid any...disturbances."
As soon as he had left, everyone groaned loudly. Except for Percy, who was more confused than anything else.
"What does he mean by that?"
James snorted indignantly.
"It means that this new guy will be trouble."
And he was. The new diesel drove into the sheds the very next day. The driver stepped out of the cab, sniffing indignantly.
"Well, I guess this isn't the worst place in the world. At least you all bothered to get clean."
The others remained silent, glaring at the newcomer, who seemed to shrug them off an continue in his haughty way.
"Its not your fault, of course, but Sir Topham Hatt really should scrap those old steam kettles and get some modern diesels like this one. A touch of oil and a press of a button and I'm off, while you have to sit around for hours just trying to get a fire going. If its alright with you, I think I'll find another place to stay the night."
With that he drove off, leaving his "colleagues" fuming.
That night, they all held an indignation meeting in the common house.
"Disgraceful!"
"Disgusting!"
"Despicable!"
A chorus of agreements erupted.
"To say such things to us!" Put in Donald. "Where does he get off!"
"Aye, Donnie," agreed Douglas, "Its to be teaching him a lesson we be wanting. But how?"
No one had an answer to that. Little did they know their chance would soon come.
The next morning, The newcomer was getting his engine ready for his next train. He was to take the express and was feeling quite smug as an inspector watched the
fitter make some adjustments. The wind blew hard, tugging at the inspector's hat. Duck and Stepney were in the yards as well. The newcomer saw his chance to show off, but he wasn't paying attention to what he was doing.
"He, Duck and Stepney! Why don't you watch how a real engine pulls a train!"
The two ignored him and continued with their breakfast. Undetered, the newcomer glided his engine to a line of coaches, suddenly, a loud spluttering noise filled the air, and with a loud BANG! the engine came to a stop, thick black smoke oozing out. Duck and Stepney had a good laugh.
"So that's how a real engine pulls a train, huh? breaking down before it even reaches the coaches?"
"Doesn't sound really reliable to me."
"SHUT UP! Its not funny!"
Duck and Stepney used their engines to pull the diesel and its seething driver back to the sheds. However...
"MY HAT! Your stupid engine sucked it up into your air intake."
"Never mind your hat," said Sir Topham Hatt, "We have a train due out and its clear that this show off is untrustworthy to take it."
The newcomer was about to rebute, but a glare from Sir Topham Hatt stopped him.
"Duck, you'll have to take the train. Stepney, will you help please?"
"Oh, yes sir. I would love a long run before I leave."
"Excellent, Gordon will take over from halfway, so you only need to worry about it until Crovan's Gate. Good luck."
"Don't worry. We'll get there, and be early too."
The two excited drivers drove their engine around front and set off with their train, leaving a bewildered diesel driver behind.
Before long, they were on the open line, the countryside flying past them as the roared along.
"Come on, Duck. Lets put the pedal to the metal."
"Ready when u are."
Before long, they reached Crovan's Gate 10 minutes early. Gordon soon drove into the station, looking very impressed.
"Well done, you too! You managed to get here before I did. And don't worry about that new guy. I heard he's still at the yards wailing for a fitter."
Duck and Stepney had a good chuckle at that.
"Serves him right for being such a prick."
"Indeed, Duck."
"Well, I best be off. Goodbye, you too!"
"Goodbye, Gordon!"
"Bye Gordon!"
With a mighty blast of the whistle, Gordon's engine roared out of the station for the mainland.
That evening, everyone was at the station to see Stepney and Mr. Holden off.
"Come back again soon!" They all chorused. Stepney smiled.
"Oh I will. And you're always welcome on The Bluebell Railway!"
And with that, Stepney drove out of the station, Mr. Holden waving from the window as they departed. A loud chorus of cheers and whistles rang out, lasting long after the train disappeared into the distance.
What of the newcomer, you ask? Ashamed and disgraced, he slipped out while no one was looking, leaving nothing but bad memories and a battered bowler hat.