Soon, everything was back to normal. Thomas went back to his Branch Line and Stanley returned to the Shunting Yard. Annie and Clarabel were delighted to see Thomas again and he told them all about his adventure as they went about their work.

As for Nia, she stayed in the Shunting Yard until the Fat Controller gave her a different job. Stanley, Stafford and Charlie were glad of the extra help and Nia was proving herself to be a very capable engine.

That evening, Percy puffed into the Yard. "Good evening, Percy," puffed Nia. "What are you doing here so late?"

"I have to take the Mail Train," said Percy. "My mail trucks should be here."

Stanley puffed alongside with the mail trucks. "Here you are, Percy."

"Thank you, Stanley." Percy raced around to the front and buffered up.

"You must really like pulling the Mail Train," said Nia.

"It's my favorite job," peeped Percy, "and it's very important." And he set off for Knapford Harbour at once.

Whenever Percy delivered mail to a junction station, he would stop twice on his route as there was always more to drop off on his return run. Tonight, Percy saw there was a lot of mail being unloaded at Wellsworth. "Oh my," he said. "I don't usually deliver so much mail here."

Tom Tipper the Postman was curious too. "Whatever they are, they must be very important." As Percy carried on, he started to wonder what the extra mail was all about.

Some days later, Thomas arrived at Knapford Station with Annie and Clarabel. Nia was there arranging coaches.

"Ah Thomas, I'm glad I caught you," said the Fat Controller.

"What is it, Sir?"

The Fat Controller held up a newspaper. The front page read 'Little Engine from Sodor Travels the World' and there was a photograph of Thomas and Nia. "It seems that your little journey around the world hasn't gone unnoticed," said the Fat Controller and he held up some envelopes. "I've been receiving lots of letters asking about you. Some of them even had newspaper articles and they seem to be coming from all over the world."

"Wow, you're famous, Thomas," puffed Nia excitedly.

"Well, we Sodor engines are already famous, but that newspaper mentions you too."

"Tom Tipper says he's never delivered so much mail to one person," the Fat Controller continued, "and I never received so much either. Everyone is asking about you, myself, and the other engines, Thomas, and I think I might have to do something about this."

Thomas was puzzled. The Fat Controller wasn't cross; he looked very pleased. Before Thomas could ask what he meant, the Guard blew his whistle, and it was time for him to go.

That evening at Tidmouth Sheds, Thomas and Nia told the other engines.

"Well Thomas," grinned Edward, "You always said you wanted to see the world and now that you have, everyone seems to have noticed."

Thomas' face went red.

"This is so exciting," said Percy. "So many people will be coming to see us."

"There might be something else," said Thomas thoughtfully. "The Fat Controller said everyone who wrote to him was asking about all of us. The last time that happened, we went to the Mainland for as special show."

"That must have been wonderful," said Emily.

"But will something special happen this time too?"

"You have guessed right, Thomas," said a voice and the Fat Controller walked up. "In spite of the confusion your little journey has caused, it seems that everyone is talking about it. As you know, we are very busy now and not everyone can come to Sodor. Therefore, I have decided to send you, Thomas, on a proper tour around the world." All the other engines whistled and cheered. The Fat Controller held his ears. "Settle down, please!" he bellowed and when the engines were quiet once more, he continued. "As I have said, we are currently very busy, but over the next year, I shall make the arrangements. Meanwhile, Nia is to go to the Steamworks for repairs and a new coat of paint and then, I want all of you to help her learn the line."

"Yes, Sir," said the engines.

"Good. Now, all of you get a good night's rest. We have another busy day ahead of us tomorrow." And the Fat Controller left.

"Wow, Thomas!" said Emily, "Another trip around the world. You lucky engine."

"I'll miss you when you go," said Percy.

"We all will," added Henry.

"Now, now, he's not leaving yet," chuckled Edward.

"Right," said Thomas, "but I wish one of you could come with me."

"Some of us have our own work to do," snorted Gordon, but inside, he and James felt rather jealous.

"And I think I've had enough long-distance traveling for a while," chuckled Nia.

Later that night, all the engines were asleep, except Thomas. He was so excited, he couldn't keep his eyes shut, but when he finally closed his eyes, he dreamed about his recent adventure around the world and all the new adventures he would have on his next journey.