Chapter 280: The Old Bridge

One fine morning, Duncan was headed towards the quarry for work. On the way, he had to cross an old, wooden bridge that had been standing since the railway had opened. Duncan took a deep breath, enjoying the fresh air.

"I could get used to this. If only we had weather like this back in Scotland."

But as he crossed the bridge, he heard an ominous creaking sound from below. Looking down, his eyes widened in horror when he saw the bridge start to give way. But before he could back up to safety, the rails beneath him fell, nearly sending him tumbling towards the raging waters below. Luckily, the rails didn't fall completely, but he and his engine were hanging on by a small slither of track. Duncan held on to the controls for dear life.

"HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLP!"

Luckily, Rusty was nearby and rushed to the rescue. He managed to pull Duncan to safety, just in time for the bit of rail he was on to plummet into the raging waves.

"Phew! Are you alright Duncan?"

But Duncan was in such a state of shock that he couldn't answer. Rust smiled kindly in understanding.

"Come on, let's get you back to Crovan's Gate."

A week passed, and Duncan was soon back to his normal self. But every time someone so much as said the word bridge, he tensed up in fear.

One morning, Mr. Percival came to see his employees.

"I'm happy to report that the bridge has been repaired, and work at the quarry can now resume."

This message was met by a chorus of cheers. Except for Duncan, who remained uncharacteristically quiet.

"Duncan?"

The Scottsman jumped when he heard his name.

"I'd like you to work on passenger runs for a while. Something tells me you need a break from bridges."

"Aye, sir. Thank you, sir."

Duncan enjoyed working on passenger trains, since he rarely got the chance. But even as he crossed the viaduct, he couldn't help but shudder.

One afternoon, Rusty was crossing the bridge on his way back from the quarry. He was no more than halfway across when the engine began to splutter. Before long, his engine went slower and slower until it crawled to a stop.

"Bother! I'd swear I had filled up before I left."

At Skarloey Station, Duncan had just arrived with a passenger train. He was just about to drive his engine into a siding for a rest when the stationmaster came running up.

"Rusty's diesel has run out of fuel on the bridge! You must rescue him!"

"Er, right!"

Duncan was worried, but he knew that he had to save Rusty. But as he approached the bridge, fear began to take over. Rusty could see the fear on his face, and tried to encourage him.

"You can do it! Just don't look down!"

Taking a big gulp, Duncan slowly eased his engine onto the bridge. Once he was close enough, he coupled Rusty's engine to his and backed down the line.

"Don't look down, don't look down, don't look down…"

"You did it, Duncan!"

Sure enough, they had cleared the bridge without incident. Duncan just took a deep sigh of relief.

"Phew! Glad that's over!"

"Thank you, Duncan! You were splendid!"

Duncan beamed proudly.