Chapter 177: Dunkin Duncan

Duke, Sir Handel, and Peter Sam cheerfully drove their engines through the Sudrian countryside. Mr. Percival had sent them to the slate quarry to help Duncan fulfill a huge order for the mainland. They enjoyed the hustle and bustle of the quarry, but Duncan made them uneasy.

Duncan hated working at the quarry, and wanted to get back to the junction as soon as possible. This made him rush, causing confusion and delay everywhere he went. The quarry manager and told spoke to him several times each about his behavior, but he still carried on the same way.

Duncan snorted rudely at them as they approached the incline.

"About time you showed up. Was beginning to think I would have to finish the work all by myself."

"We were told to be here by 9 AM, and it just turned 9."

"Unlike some people, we don't rush through our work. Its more important to get it done right than fast."

"Quite right, you two. You best shape up, Duncan. Your carelessness would never suit his grace."

But Duncan just rolled his eyes.

"Whatever. Just stay out of my way. You can start by fetching some empties and get them to the base."

And before any of them could respond, Duncan snorted off, grumbling all the way.

"This is gonna suck, isn't it?"

"He reminds me of Smudger."

Peter Sam and Sir Handel shuddered, Duke's story still fresh in their minds after all these years.

The three of them quickly got to work, and soon trains of slate were flying out like clockwork. But it was never fast enough for Duncan, who kept telling them to work faster.

"You're supposed to be helping me, but you're as slow as snails!"

"In case you haven't noticed Duncan, we've sent out half the order already and it isn't even noon. Unlike some people, we know when to be patient."

"Well I'm a blunt speaking man and quite bluntly if you'd pick up the pace we'd be done by now. Honestly, am I the only one with a brain?"

Sir Handel and Peter Sam gave up. They knew Duncan would learn one way or another.

Duke was just sitting down to enjoy his lunch when he saw Duncan still working.

"Come on Duncan, its break time. No good working on an empty stomach."

"Why not? Once this last line of trucks is loaded, the job is done and I can get back to some real work."

Duke rolled his eyes, then noticed something troubling. The truck limit for the incline was 4, but Duncan had a twice that amount waiting to be hitched.

"Duncan, you know the limit is 4, right?"

"So they say, but this way the work will be done in half th-"

Duncan's sentence was cut short with a tremendous yank as the entire train was dragged up the incline, engine and all. Duncan had been in such a hurry to finish that he hadn't noticed his engine's coupling had gotten tangled up, leaving him unable to free himself as Duke watched in horror.

"Don't worry, Duncan! I'll get the manager to shut it off!"

"Hurry! I don't think the chain will hold much-"

SNAP!

"Longer."

At once the train rocketed down the incline, Duncan along for the ride.

"HEEEEEEEEEEEEEELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLPPPPPPPPPPPPP!"

Then, to Duncan's horror, he saw the end of the line up ahead. He jumped to safety, rolling along the ground as his engine and trucks tumbled off the cliff and into a muddy pond. Duke arrived just in time to see it all unfold.

"Duncan, are you alright?"

"No, you twat! I sprained my ankle."

Paramedics arrived, as did Mr. Percival. He was not pleased with Duncan's behavior at all.

"Because of your constant hurrying about, you've caused confusion and delay. You owe these three an apology."

"Yes sir. I'm sorry, everyone."

"Once your leg is healed, you will work here until you learn patience."

"Yes, sir," Duncan replied weakly, as the other tried to suppress laughter.