A/N: R.I.P. Michael Angelis. Although you may be gone, your memory shall live on.

Chapter 192: Sir Topham Hatt's Holiday

It was a a rare day for Sir Topham Hatt: the start of his vacation. He had arranged for a day at the seaside for himself, Lady Hatt, and their grandchildren. They had a wonderful time, and Thomas was waiting to pick them up. Lady Hatt sniffed indignantly when she saw how dirty Annie and Clarabel looked.

"Honestly, look how filthy they are. Clearly, their care taker isn't doing a good job. Perhaps they should be put in a foster home, given to someone who can actually take care of them."

The three were absolutely horrified by the idea. Before he climbed into the coach, Thomas had a quick conversation with Sir Topham Hatt.

"You wouldn't let that happen, would you? I know they're a little dirty, but-"

"Don't worry, Thomas, I wouldn't dare. I know you take good care of them. Don't mind Lady Hatt, she just has a bit of cabin fever. Perhaps some fresh air will do her some good."

Thomas breathed a sigh of relief, but all the same he couldn't help but feel a little worried.

The next day, Percy took them Dryaw Airfield, where Harold would give them a helicopter tour of the Island. But just as they were about to board Harold, a biplane swooped down low, everyone just barely ducking in time as it climbed back into the sky. Needless to say they were all shaken up.

"Wh-What was that?!"

Harold sighed in annoyance.

"That's Harry Topper's new advertising pilot. His name is Terry, but he prefers to be called Tiger Moth because of the plane he flys. But around these parts we call him The Red Baron, because he's just as much a terror. He's always flying to low and causing trouble."

"Yes, I see. We'd better take off quickly before he comes back."

The Hatt family had a lovely ride, and enjoyed seeing the Island from a new perspective. But a few days later, Harold arrived at their vacation home with urgent news.

"Tiger Moth has gone missing. He left this morning to do some flying and hasn't been seen since. Would you care to join the search party?"

"Yes, I think I'd better."

They found him in the hay fields. He had been flying to low, and didn't have enough time to pull up before he hit a large hay pile. Tiger Moth wasn't badly hurt, unless one counted his pride. While Harold called for Butch, Sir Topham Hatt severely spoke to Tiger Moth.

"If it hadn't been for your showboating, this could've been avoided. I shall speak with the airfield manager and request that you be grounded."

"Yes, sir."

"Now if you'll excuse me, I'd like to get back to my holiday."

"Jolly good idea, sir!"

On the last day of their holiday, Sir Topham Hatt had arranged for a special treat: a boat ride down the river. Stephen and Bridget clambered excitedly into the boat, and even Lady Hatt couldn't find a bad thing to say as they floated down stream.

"Oh Topham, you do know how to end a vacation. This is the life!"

"Couldn't agree more, my dear."

But trouble lay ahead. They were enjoying the scenery so much that they weren't paying attention, and by the time the saw what lie ahead it was too late. The boat skidded onto a mud bank and got stuck, trapping the family of four.

"Bother! Bother!"

Other boats came to try and pull them off, but it did them no good. All seemed lost until Percy came by.

"Is there anything I can do to help?"

"Yes, indeed there is."

It wasn't long before they were up and moving again. Sir Topham Hatt smiled broadly as the wind blew across his face.

"Its like I've always said, there is no better way to travel."

"Sir, you know its not safe to ride on that while the train's in motion, right?"

"Not now, Percy."

Percy smiled, but said nothing more.

The next morning, Thomas arrived to bring them home. Annie and Clarabel were with him, looking bright and clean. Lady Hatt nodded in approval.

"Now that's better! But what did you do with the other two?"

Nobody said a word.

That night, Thomas tucked Annie and Clarabel into bed.

"Thomas? You love us no matter what, right?"

"Of course," Thomas said, as he kissed their foreheads before shutting off the light.