Chapter 149: Thomas, Percy, and the Mail Train

Even at night, the railways of Sodor are busy as ever, with passengers and goods being ferried to and from. One train that Thomas and Percy hold near and dear to their hearts in the mail train. All night long, they bustle up and down the tracks of Sodor, from the docks at Brendam to as far as

the tracks will take them. When the night is clear, the full moon guides their way. But sometimes fog lays thick, making it so they cant even see the stars, leaving only lamps along the route as a marker. But whatever the weather, they deliver the mail without confusion or delay. Thomas and Percy love this job, and think no other can compare.

One night Percy was stuck at the harbor. He was waiting for Henry, who was late with the mainline mail.

"Where is that Henry? He better not be hiding in his tunnel again, I've heard the circus passed by a few years ago. I swear, Thomas will never let me hear the end of it."

At last, Henry drove into the harbor, red in the face and very tired. Percy huffed impatiently.

"Its about time you showed up! Where have you been?"

"Hey, don't blame me! Stupid mail boat was late, and stupid Cranky took his sweet time."

"Whatever. Just consider yourself lucky that I'm a guaranteed connection."

Before Henry could retort, Percy's guard blew his whistle and he hurried off, desperate to make up for lost time. It was early morning before he was done, and stopped at Dryaw to catch his breath. Harold was there, getting ready for his patrol. He watched on in amusement.

"Morning, Percy. Had a late night, did you? I know I've said that railways are out of date, but this is pathetic. The mail train is so slow that you should give everyone their stamps back."

And Harold took off, leaving Percy too tired to give a clever comeback, giving only a weak:

"Birdbrain."

At long last Percy made it back to the common house. Duck was there making breakfast as Percy slumped in."

"Morning, Percy! You're up early this morning."

"No, I'm back, tired and late. Good night."

And Percy slumped to his room where he collapsed on the bed, asleep before he even hit the mattress.

That night he left for the harbor early, leaving right on time. Later on he met Thomas at the junction. He looked very worried.

"Percy, thank goodness I have a chance to speak with you. Its best you hear this from me. The mail depot has filed a complaint with Sir Topham Hatt about last night's delay."

"But that wasn't my fault! The mail boat was late, and Henry..."

"I know it wasn't your fault, and Sir Topham Hatt does too. But the Depot manager wont listen. We'll just have to run quicker than ever."

Just then a loud buzzing was heard as Harold landed his helicopter in the nearby field. He stepped out looking very smug.

"Evening, you too. Have you heard the news?"

"What news?"

"There's been talks that the Mail Depot will cancel your contract and sell it to the us air folk. Wings work wonders you know, always."

Before anyone could retort he took off, covering Thomas and Percy in dust as they coughed and spluttered.

"Thomas, they-they won't really do that, will they?"

"No, of course not. The railway has held this contract for years, they wont just give it away because of one bad night."

But all the same, he felt very nervous. That night, Thomas and Percy pushed their engines as hard as they could, making sure to arrive and leave right on time so that there would be no more delays. At one station, Thomas noticed a lone man shivering on the platform. He had missed the last train, and was trying his best to keep warm. Thomas knew he had to help him.

"Excuse me, sir. I can give you a ride to your stop if you'd like.'

The man smiled as Thomas helped him into the cab.

"Thank you very much. Anything is better than sitting here in the cold."

Thomas gave him his coat and a nice hot drink before setting out. It wasn't long before they reached his stop, and Thomas waved to him as he went on his way, happy to

have helped him.

The next morning, Percy stopped at the airfield. Harold was there, looking very upset.

"Hello, birdbrain! What's the matter, too tired to fly?"

"The wind is too strong. I've been grounded."

Percy laughed heartedly.

"Rails are what you need! They work wonders, you know. Always."

Harold just huffed as Percy ran off laughing.

That night, before they set off for their evening runs, Sir Topham Hatt came up to them. In his hand was a letter from the man who missed his train.

"He says that he made it home safely and thanks Thomas for letting him use his coat. He thinks you are both splendid, and everyone says that the mail train is the pride

of the line."