I do no own Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends. They are strictly the property of both the Awdry Family and Britt Allcroft, this story is purely for entertainment and never profit.
IN LOVING MEMORY OF MICHAEL ANGELIS
(April 29th, 1944 – May 30th, 2020)
Henry's Forest Instrumental, 2:15 – 2:42
Thank you for all the wonderful childhood memories you gave us all Michael, may you rest in peace.
Episode 43: A Close Shave, Original Airdate: November 5th, 1986
It was a cool and clear night on the Island of Sodor. In the Billinton household over in the village of Ffarquhar, Thomas was putting Lucy to pet and as promised, he was going to tell her the story of how Duck's name was cleared. After giving Lucy both her dinner and bath, Thomas had dressed her in her pyjamas and had now put her in her cradle.
"There you are Lucy" said Thomas as he sat down in his chair next to her crib, "are you comfortable sweetheart?".
"Comfortable daddy" replied Lucy.
"Are you ready to hear the story about Uncle Duck?" asked Thomas.
"Story daddy" said Lucy excitedly.
"Right then" said Thomas he prepared to begin, "it all began shortly after Sir Topham Hatt sent Uncle Duck to work with Uncle Edward at Wellsworth".
(Story Begins)
(Wellsworth Yards)
It was evening at Wellsworth. Edward was putting his K2 away at the small two berth shed located in the yards. Normally he kept it at Tidmouth, but since he had been working late, he decided not to head back to the main sheds. He also decided to walk home as he lived just 10 minutes away from the station.
He was just about to exit the shed when he heard a whistle.
"That's strange" said Edward to himself, "there usually isn't anyone out this late".
Edward soon got his answer when he saw Duck's pannier tank engine coming into the yards. After it parked into the second berth, Duck hopped down from the cab, Edward noticed that he had tears in his eyes.
"Duck are you okay?" asked Edward in concern.
"No Edward I'm not" replied Duck with a sniff.
"What happened?" Edward asked, clearly wanting to find out why Duck was so sad.
That was when Duck couldn't keep it in anymore. He began to sob as he threw himself into Edward's arms, instead of being surprised, Edward kindly hugged him back in sympathy. After Duck sobbed for a few minutes, the two engine drivers broke apart.
"You feeling a little better?" Edward asked kindly.
"A bit" replied Duck as he wiped his eyes.
"So please tell me Duck" asked Edward, "what happened?".
"It was because of Diesel telling lies about me" replied Duck.
"Lies what lies?" asked Edward in confusion.
Duck knew that Edward wasn't there and so he decided to tell him the whole story.
(Tidmouth Sheds)
"I just can't believe that Duck told those stories about us to the workmen" said Gordon crossly.
"I can't believe it myself either Gordon" replied James, "and we trusted him".
"The nerve," said Gordon.
"Alright that's enough you two" said Sir Topham Hatt sternly.
"But Sir you heard?" asked Gordon.
"Yes, Gordon I did hear" replied Sir Topham Hatt, "which is why I'll be investigating this first thing tomorrow morning. So, until then, Duck is innocent until proven guilty and as for you and James, I do not want you two to be listening to rumours that probably have no basis. Do I make myself clear?".
Gordon and James both saw that Sir Topham Hatt was being serious. They knew that when he sounded like this, he meant business.
"Well, do I?" asked Sir Topham Hatt sternly.
"Yes Sir" replied Gordon.
"Heard you loud and clear Sir" added James.
"Good" finished Sir Topham Hatt, "I'll see you all in the morning".
Sir Topham Hatt then turned on his heels before heading to his car. As he drove off, Gordon and James continued with their accusations.
"But I still think that Duck did it" suggested Gordon.
"I fully agree with you Gordon" replied James.
Gordon and James then headed off, leaving Henry and Diesel in the sheds. Henry was still reeling from what happened, sure he was cross with Duck for telling those horrid stories to the workmen. But what he couldn't put his finger on was Duck's tearful reaction, from what he saw Duck's reaction wasn't something you'd expect from a guilty person.
But another thing that Henry couldn't put his finger on was why would Duck tell stories about them like that to the workmen, he didn't seem like the kind of person to do that, he was a hardworking and kind person who like to joke with his friends and co-workers. So why would he just turn on them like that
Although it was possible that he was faking his tearful reaction, but deep-down Henry didn't think so. His father had been an acting coach before he retired, he had also taught Henry on how to tell if someone was either acting or being sincere and he could tell that Duck's reaction had definitely been sincere.
His train of thought was broken by the sound of sniggering. He turned to see that Diesel was sniggering to himself, this puzzled Henry as just half an hour earlier, Diesel had claimed to have been "dreadfully grieved" by Duck's actions.
"Why are you sniggering for Diesel?" Henry then asked.
"Oh" said Diesel as he quickly grabbed his composure, "I was sniggering at Duck".
"Why would you be sniggering at that for?" asked Henry, "I thought that you were dreadfully grieved?".
"Oh don't worry I' am" replied Diesel, "I was just sniggering at how he thought that he could get away with it".
"Yeah about that" said Henry.
"About what?" asked Diesel.
"Something about Duck's reaction has got me confused" replied Henry.
"Why would you get confused?" asked Diesel, "it was obvious that Duck was just using crocodile tears".
"That's true but my dad was an acting coach" replied Henry, "and he thought me how to tell if someone is being sincere or not and I can assure you Diesel that Duck was been sincere".
"Well I think that you're just unable to accept the facts" suggested Diesel.
"Maybe or maybe there's something funny going on here" said Henry.
Henry then left the bunkhouse so that he could head home for the night, leaving Diesel all alone in the bunkhouse. His triumphant look had now been replaced by a look on concern.
"Henry must be on to me" Diesel said to himself, "if he finds out the truth then I'm done for. I must find a way to keep him from finding out".
(Wellsworth)
"And now Sir Topham Hatt and the others think that I'm horrid" said Duck when he finished his story.
"Don't worry Duck I know you aren't" replied Edward with a kind smile, "and I'm pretty sure that Sir Topham Hatt doesn't think so either".
This made Duck feel a little bit better.
"Here why don't you help with the shunting around Wellsworth for a while?" suggested Edward.
"That would be nice" Duck replied to Edward's kind offer.
"Glad that's sorted" said Edward, "now why don't you stay with me and my grandmother until everything blows over. She'd like some extra company in the house".
"Thanks Edward" replied Duck, "that is a kind offer".
"Glad you like it" said Edward, "now why don't you wait at the station. I'll be with you in a few minutes, just need to take care of some things".
"Sure thing," said Duck.
Duck then left the engine shed and headed for the station platform. When he was gone Edward pulled out his mobile phone and dialled Sir Topham Hatt's number, he needed to know what was going on.
(Topham Hall)
Sir Topham Hatt was having a tasty dinner of kippers with his wife. They were going over the day's events, particularly the one involving Duck and the other earlier, when the butler entered the dining room.
"Excuse me Sir" he said politely, "but you are wanted on the telephone".
"Oh bother that telephone" said Sir Topham Hatt in annoyance, "who would be ringing me this late?".
"He says his name is Edward" replied butler.
Sir Topham Hatt's annoyed reaction changed to a concerned one. Edward was being ringing to enquire about what had happened. Excusing himself, he left the dining room and went to pick up the telephone.
"Hello Edward" said Sir Topham Hatt
"Sorry to have to call you this late Sir" answered Edward on the other end, "But I thought that it was important to do so".
"You were right to call me Edward" replied Sir Topham Hatt.
Edward then enquired about the situation involving Duck, Henry, Gordon and James. Sir Topham Hatt then informed him about what had happened earlier that day.
"But that's impossible Sir" said Edward, "there's no way Duck would tell those kind of stores".
"Don't worry Edward I believe him" replied Sir Topham Hatt, "which is why I want him to work with you at Wellsworth until I get to the bottom of this".
"Okay Sir" Edward said before asking, "so who do you think started these rumours?".
"I've a vague idea" replied Sir Topham Hatt, "anyway I'm going back to my dinner before it gets cold".
"Okay Sir and goodnight" finished Edward.
"Goodnight Edward" replied Sir Topham Hatt as he hung up.
(Ffarquhar Sheds)
Thomas, Percy, Toby and Burnett were putting their engines away in the sheds at Ffarquhar. It had been a busy day and the four were looking forward to both dinner and a goodnights rest.
"That was sure a lot of stone we had at the quarry today," said Thomas to Toby.
"It sure was" replied Toby, "and I'm glad that both you and Burnett were able to help me today".
"It was our pleasure Toby" replied Burnett with a smile, "although it is a bit different now that Lady's on maternity leave".
"Well that's what intends to happen when your adoptive daughters boyfriend gets her pregnant" said Percy cheekily as he nudged Thomas, "isn't that right Thomas".
"Ha, ha very funny" replied Thomas unamused.
Just then Thomas' mobile phone began ringing. He took it out of his pocket and saw that it was Edward, wondering why he was ringing, Thomas then answered.
"Hello Edward" Thomas greeted his co-worker and friend, "what's up?".
As Thomas spoke on the phone, the others looked at him.
"Wonder why Edward's calling Thomas?" asked Percy.
"Well, he is a friend of Thomas so why not?" asked Toby.
"Duck's what?" Thomas suddenly asked in shock.
This caught the attention of the others. What as Edward calling about Duck for, what was the situation. For a few minutes, Thomas was on the phone with Edward, listening to what he had to say. When he was done, he looked at the others with a shocked reaction.
"What's the matter Thomas?" asked Percy.
"Duck's been accused of telling lies about Henry, Gordon and James" replied Thomas.
"What?" asked Toby.
Thomas then informed the others of what Edward had told him. When he was done, they all had shocked expressions on their faces.
"But that just can't be," said Toby.
"Duck would never say such horrible things like that" added Toby.
"Somethings not right here" suggested Burnett.
"I agree with you" said Thomas, "which is why we should help prove Duck's innocence".
"But how?" asked Percy.
"Me, dad and Burnett are working up at Tidmouth tomorrow" said Thomas, "maybe we'll try and see who the real culprit is".
So, it was agreed, with that they all left the engine shed and headed home for the night. After returning home, Thomas informed Lady, Annie, Clarabel, Howard and Tanya of the situation. Like everyone else they too were shocked by this, Howard, Annie and Clarabel vowed to help him and Burnett clear Duck's name in the morning.
(Knapford Station)
The next morning Thomas had brought his first train of the day to Knapford Station. When he arrived at the station, he saw that Gordon was already there with his first engine of the day. Thomas and Howard then decided to front him.
"Gordon" called Thomas as he and Howard both walked crossly towards him.
"Thomas, Howard" greeted Gordon, "why do you two look like you have the slapped arse of a baby on your faces?".
"Because we would every much like to know why you, Henry and James would be so cruel to poor Duck?" Howard asked angrily.
"Hey, it was his fault" Gordon tried to defend himself, "he shouldn't have told those horrid tales about us to the workmen".
"Well did you know that he was in tears when he arrived at Wellsworth last night?" asked Thomas.
"He was probably just faking in order to gain sympathy" suggested Gordon, "that's what people like him do when they're caught".
"He wasn't faking it" said Henry when he brought his Stanier Black 5 into the station.
"As for you Henry" said Thomas pointing an accusing finger, "I would every much like to know how you can turn on Duck so easily?".
"I admit that it was wrong of me to do so" said Henry, "but after I saw his reaction. I'm beginning to think differently".
"Honestly Henry" said Gordon, "you need to get this whole "everyone is good out of your head". Duck has proven otherwise".
AS they talked about the whole situation, the passengers had begun to arrive. They were soon all onboard the coaches, the guard then blew his whistle.
"That's me" said Gordon as he hopped into his A1's cab, "see you lot later".
Gordon's A1 soon puffed out of the station and was soon out of site. Henry followed soon afterwards and then Thomas followed suite. But what neither of them knew was that Diesel was lurking in the background, he had heard their conversation and especially Henry's words.
"Blast he's onto me" he muttered quietly, "I need to think of something or its endgame for me".
A while later, Gordon had arrived at Wellsworth. As his passengers exited the coaches, he noticed that Edward was on the platform, and he looked crossly at Gordon.
"Hey Edward" Gordon greeted, "what's with the face?".
"I think that you already know Gordon" Edward said crossly.
"If this is about Duck" Gordon said, "I'm not".
"Oh you are going to listen to what I have to say" said Edward crossly.
Gordon backed down, normally Edward was a calm and polite person. But when he was cross like this, this meant that Edward wasn't going to be taking shit.
"I'm truly disgusted with how you three treated Duck last night" said Edward crossly, "how could you be so cruel to him?".
"It wasn't out fault" insisted Gordon, "if Duck hadn't told those tales about me, Henry and James to the workmen then he'd".
"Wouldn't have come to Wellsworth in tears and then cried into my shoulder" said Edward crossly, "because that's what he did".
"Duck cried into your shoulder Edward" asked Henry when his Stanier Black 5 puffed into Wellsworth.
"That he did Henry" replied Edward before turning on him, "and as for you Henry. I must that I'm very disappointed in you, I thought that you of all people would think twice".
"I know I know" said Henry ashamed, "but after I saw his reaction, I'm beginning to realise that he might be innocent".
"Oh, come on" said Gordon, "not you to?".
"Don't forget Gordon" said Henry, "is that Sir Topham Hatt said that he'd be investigating the matter. So, until he proves otherwise, Duck is innocent".
"Well, I'm glad you at least have some common-sense Henry" replied Edward.
Gordon said nothing else. Sidney Hever blew his whistle, as Gordon hopped back into his cab and headed off.
"So where's Duck?" asked Henry.
"Why do you want to know?" asked Edward suspiciously.
"I'm just curious as all" replied Henry.
"He's fine" said Edward, "he's with Bill and Ben are the China Clay Pits. Those two are cheering him up, the poor guy needs it".
"That he does" replied Henry sadly.
(Knapford Yards)
The next day Diesel was once again talking to the workmen, only this time he was telling them a story that Duck had "told" him. This time he was telling them a story that Henry had "supposedly told" him about Edward.
"And he told me that Edward's K2 or as it's called is basically little more then a pile of old scrap" explained Diesel.
"Really?" asked one of the workmen.
"Henry's words not mine" said Diesel, "but would you like to hear a couple of stories that Henry told me about Gordon and James?".
"Oh would we ever" cried the Workmen.
"That's what I'd like to hear" said Diesel with a malicious grin.
Later Edward arrived at Knapford yards with a train of trucks. He had just uncoupled them from his K2 when he heard some laughing, he turned to see a group of workmen laughing at him. Edward was confused by this, normally the workmen respected him, so why were they laughing at him. He decided that he'd ask them, as he approached them, they saw him coming and stopped laughing.
"Alright lads what's the big joke?" asked Edward sternly.
"Oh nothing Edward" replied one of the workmen.
"Then why were you laughing at me?" he asked.
"As we said it was at you Edward" said another workman, "only that your engine is a pile of old scrap".
The other workmen glared at their colleague for spilling the beans as Edward looked shock at what he had just said.
"I'm sorry what?" he asked in shock.
"I said that your engine is a pile of old scrap" replied the workmen, "in fact you have to hit it with a cricket bat in the morning just to get it started".
"Who told you should bullshit?" asked Edward.
"It was Henry" said one of the workmen, "he's the one who told us".
This news shocked Edward. Henry told a story about him like that to the workmen, this wasn't right something had to be amiss here.
"That's impossible" said Edward, "Henry would never say things about my engine like that".
"Well he did tell us" said one of the workmen, "so there's no use trying not believe it".
Edward just ignored them. He turned and headed back to his K2, he hopped into the cab and headed off back to Wellsworth. As he puffed away, he was thinking about what the workmen had told him.
"Henry didn't tell those workmen that story" said Edward to himself in confidence, "there's no way he'd do something like that".
As he left Knapford yards, he heard a tooting noise. He turned to see Diesel shunting some red coaches for James at the station platform, upon seeing him, Edward frowned.
"I wonder" Edward said to himself.
(Tidmouth Bunkhouse)
"Honestly Henry I can't believe that you'd say those things about my engine" said Gordon crossly.
"But I didn't Gordon, I swear it" insisted Henry.
"Yeah that's exactly what Duck said" added James.
Henry just couldn't figure out what was going on. He had been sitting in the bunkhouse kitchen having his lunch when Gordon and James had both burst in and angrily confronted him much to his confusion. When he had asked what was going on, they had both told him that the workmen had said insults to them about their engines and when they were asked, the workmen had told them that Henry had told them.
"Have you suddenly to follow in Duck's footsteps?" asked Gordon.
"But I'm telling you guys I didn't say those things".
"Sure you didn't Henry" sneered James.
"What's going on here?" came a stern voice.
Henry, Gordon and James turned to see Thomas, Howard and Burnett coming into the kitchen. They had heard the argument from the sheds and had come to investigate.
"Why are you two giving Henry grief?" asked Howard.
"Because this traitor decided to follow in Duck's footsteps" informed Gordon.
"I'm telling you" insisted Henry, "I didn't do it. You guys have to believe me".
"We believe you Henry" said Thomas.
Gordon and James both turned to Thomas in shock, had he gone completely mad.
"Are you mad Thomas?" asked Gordon incredulously.
"No Gordon I'm completely sane" replied Thomas sternly, "I honestly can't believe that you'd believe Henry would do something like this. I mean first Duck and now Henry, are you really that dim-witted Gordon?".
"But" Gordon tried to speak.
"No buts Gordon" interrupted Thomas, "it's obvious that someone is spreading false rumours to get both Duck and Henry into trouble and we're going to find out who it is".
"You tell him son" said Howard proudly.
"And that is why Lady is so lucky to have you" added Burnett.
(Wellsworth)
"And you think that it was Diesel who told those stories Edward?" asked Duck when the latter returned to Wellsworth to collect another goods train.
"It's beginning to look like it Duck" replied Edward, "what we need to do now is to try and catch Diesel in the act and prove it to Sir Topham Hatt".
"But how do we do that?" asked Duck.
"I've asked Thomas to keep an idea out whilst I was on my way here" explained Edward.
"Hopefully he'll discover something" said Duck.
"Don't worry Duck" replied Edward kindly, "Thomas is a very observant. I have full confidence that he'll find something. Now why don't you help me with these trucks?".
"Sure thing Edward" replied Duck.
Edward's next goods train consisted of a Lynton and Barnstaple Railway van, a GWR cattle truck, a salt van, two 7-plank trucks and the brake van. Edward was meant to take them to Maron Station over Gordon's Hill and needed Duck's help in getting it up the hill.
Edward brought the trucks to the platform and Duck's pannier buffered up behind the brake van. Sidney Hever then blew his whistle and the two engines set off.
(Knapford Yards)
"And so Henry said that the child isn't Thomas'?" asked one of the workmen.
"Certainly not" replied Diesel, "he said that he saw Lady with another bloke.
Diesel was in the midst of telling another story that Henry had "supposedly" told him. This time the story was that that Lady's child wasn't Thomas' but rather another guy who she had been cheating on Thomas with.
"So does Thomas know that it isn't his?" asked the workman.
"No he doesn't" said Diesel, "what Lady plans to do is to convince the idiot that the child is his".
But what Diesel didn't know was that his luck had just run out. For whilst he was busy talking with the workmen, three figures appeared behind, one of the workmen noticed this and his eyes widened.
"Uh Diesel" stammered the workman.
"Yes what is it?" Diesel asked the workman before noticing the look on his face, "what's the matter with you?".
The workman pointed to something behind Diesel who then turned around but when he did, all colour drained from is face. Standing there was Thomas, Howard and Burnett with angry looks on their faces. They had heard Henry's "supposed" story about Lady cheating on Thomas and weren't happy in the slightest.
"Oh shoot".
(Gordon's Hill)
Over near Wellsworth, Duck had just helped Edward and his goods train to the top of Gordon's Hill. Once they were at the top, Duck whistled goodbye.
"Goodbye Edward" Duck called from his pannier's cab as he left.
"Goodbye Duck" Edward called back, "see you later".
As Edward left, Duck rolled over the crossing to the other line. He loved coasting down the hill, running easily with the wind running past. But as he past Suddery Junction, he heard it.
"Strange" said Duck to himself, "that was a guards warning whistle. But why would".
Duck was cut off when he saw why. Edward's goods train had broken away from him and was now charging down the hill. Upon seeing this, Duck picked up speed as not to having the trucks crash into his engine.
Back at the top of the hill, Edward and witnessed the trucks break away and go after Duck.
"Oh my God Duck" cried Edward in shock.
"Edward" called Sidney Hever.
Sidney Hever had been the guard on Edward's goods train, but the break away had knocked him off his van and as a result wasn't able to apply the brakes on the trucks.
"Hurry Sidney" called Edward as the guard jumped into his K2's cab, "we must get turned around and go after those trucks before they crash into Duck".
"Quick on the double" said Sidney.
Edward then back to drive his K2 back as fast as he was allowed to. But because it was dangerous for tender engines to run fast backwards, Edward knew that he had to get to Wellsworth so that his engine could be turned around on the turntable.
Duck meanwhile raced through Wellsworth, but the trucks were catching up to him. As his pannier and the trucks raced past Suddery Castle, the trucks hit his engine with a bump. As he crossed over the viaduct, he made a plan to try and get the trucks back under control.
"Another clear mile and I'll do" he said to himself as he was gaining control.
But as he approached Crosby Station, there was more trouble up ahead.
"Oh glory look at that" he said in horror.
James was just pulling out on their line from the station ahead, any minute there could be a crash.
"It's now up to me" Duck said to himself.
Duck then put every ouch of weight and steam against the trucks. But they were stilling going too fast.
"It's too late" he groaned in shock and pressed himself against the back of his cab and prepared for the worse. But instead of crashing into James' coaches, he veered into a siding where a barber had set up shop, he was shaving a customer.
CRASH
Duck's pannier crashed into the barber shop. But luckily it was only through its front and not the whole establishment, the barber and his customers had also luckily got out of the way just in time. Duck slowly opened his eyes and realized that his pannier had stopped.
He got up and hopped down from the cab and noticed the shocked looks on the barber and his customers faces.
"Beg pardon Sir" said Duck to the barber, "please excuse my intrusion".
"Excuse your intrusion" snapped the barber crossly, "no I bloody won't. You frightened my customers and not to mention crashed your engine into my shop. I'll show you".
And so he took the shaving bowl and brush that he had been holding when Duck's pannier had crashed into the barber and lathered all over, poor Duck.
(Sir Topham Hatt's Office)
"And you decided to tell lies about Duck?" demanded Sir Topham Hatt angrily.
Thomas, Howard and Burnett had dragged Diesel, kicking and screaming to Sir Topham Hatt's office. That was where they had found out that Diesel had been behind the stories that Duck had "supposedly" told the workmen about Henry, Gordon and James. Sir Topham Hatt had also learned that Diesel had just started to tell lies about Henry.
"It was his fault Sir" insisted Diesel, "he didn't tell me which trucks to take".
"Well he shouldn't have had to" said Sir Topham Hatt crossly, "you should have been able to tell if those trucks were meant to be used. But because you didn't, you tried to take some trucks that were meant to be sent to the scrapyard".
Sir Topham Hatt then stood up and looked angrily towards Diesel who slunk back into his seat in fear.
"I will tell us this Diesel" said Sir Topham Hatt in a calm yet dangerous tone of voice, "if there's one thing, I will never tolerate on my railway is the telling of lies about other drivers. Because engine drivers who tell them are not fit to serve on my railway".
Just then the stationmaster came into the office.
"Excuse me Sir" asked the stationmaster.
"What is it Gerald?" asked Sir Topham Hatt.
"There's been a crash at Crosby" explained the stationmaster, "Duck has crashed into a barber shop".
"What explained Sir Topham Hatt, "is Duck okay. Is he injured?".
"Don't worry he's fine Sir" explained the stationmaster, "just got lathered by a rather upset barber".
"I'll head there immediately" said Sir Topham Hatt as he turned towards Diesel, "as for your Diesel Darby. I want you to get the hell off this railway and go back to the mainland right this instant and you better hope that this accident doesn't result in you going to the courtroom".
Diesel said nothing. He just sighed before standing up and taking a pair of sunglasses out of his pocket and putting them on.
"I'll be back" he said in an Arnold Schwarzenegger tone voice.
Diesel then left the office and hopped into his Class 08 before driving away. Sir Topham Hatt and the others watched him as he disappeared into the distance, when Diesel was out of sight Sir Topham Hatt turned towards Thomas and Howard.
"Thomas get a hold of Percy" said Sir Topham Hatt, "tell him he's to get the breakdown train and head for Crosby immediately".
"Yes Sir" replied Thomas as he and Howard both raced towards the formers E2.
"What's going on Sir?" Gordon asked as he came into the station with the Wild Nor' Wester.
Sir Topham Hatt then turned towards him, Gordon that he had a stern look on his face.
"I shall talk you and James later" he said in a calm and dangerous tone of voice.
Gordon gulped, he knew that when Sir Topham Hatt spoke like this, he was in trouble. Sir Topham Hatt meanwhile headed for his car so that he could drive out to Crosby. Half an hour later, the rescue operation was in full swing. Thomas, Percy and Edward had helped to clear the mess away whilst Sir Topham Hatt went to see if Duck, who still had the shaving lather on his face, if he was okay. Once he was assured, he went to spoke to the barber.
"I do not like your engine drivers popping through my walls" fumed the barber.
"I appreciate your feelings and we'll gladly pay for the repairs to your shop" said Sir Topham Hatt, "but you must understand that Duck prevented a serious accident. If he had gotten in front of the trucks with his engine and brace, then you and your customers could have either been seriously injured or even killed. It was a very close um, shave".
"Oh" said the barber in shock, "oh excuse me".
He quickly grabbed a towel and handed it to Duck who used it to wipe the shaving lather of his face.
"I'm so sorry" said the barber, "I didn't know that you were been a brave engine driver".
"That's okay Sir" replied Duck, "to be truthful I didn't know that either".
"You were very brave indeed Duck" said Sir Topham Hatt with a smile, "I'm proud of you".
Duck followed Sir Topham Hatt outside so that they could watch the rescue operation. It was hard work at first, but Thomas was soon able to pull Duck's pannier out of the wrecked barber shop.
"And when your engines properly washed and mended" said Sir Topham Hatt, "you are coming home".
"Home Sir" said Duck in surprise, "you mean the yard?".
"Of course" replied Sir Topham Hatt.
"But Sir" said Duck sadly now, "Henry, Gordon and James don't like me. They like Diesel".
"Not now I'm afraid" said Sir Topham Hatt, "after you left he tried to tell stories about Henry. But luckily Thomas, Howard and Burnett caught him and after I learned the whole story I sent him packing. The others are sorry and want you back".
"Really Sir?" asked Duck.
"Really" replied Sir Topham Hatt.
Duck was so happy that he didn't know what to think, instead he just jumped around for joy, much to the delight of Sir Topham Hatt, Thomas, Howard, Percy and Burnett. Later that evening after all the work was done, he spoke severely to Gordon and James.
"I thought that you two knew better than to believe unfounded rumours?" said Sir Topham Hatt.
"But we didn't mean to Sir" said Gordon.
"Yeah Diesel had us all fooled with his silver tongue" replied James.
"That doesn't matter" said Sir Topham Hatt, "what matters is that you both jumped to conclusions without looking at the facts first and its because of you didn't that you tried almost turned on Henry as well".
Gordon and James looked towards Henry in shame.
"We're very sorry Henry" said Gordon in shame.
"I'm not the only person who you should be saying sorry to" Henry replied sternly.
"I hope that his whole has taught you a very valuable lesson" asked Sir Topham Hatt.
"It has Sir" replied James.
"Good" said Sir Topham Hat because if something like this every happens again you will both be on dirty goods work until further notice".
Gordon and James both nodded that they had gotten the message. A few later when Duck came home to Tidmouth, there was a really rousing welcome for Duck the Great Western Engine driver. Henry, Gordon and James all apologised profusely to Duck for their actions, especially Henry. Luckily Duck forgave them and accepted their apologies.
(Story Ends)
"And ever since then Uncles Henry, Gordon and James have looked at the fact before jumping to the wrong conclusion" said Thomas he finished his story.
Thomas looked down to see that Lucy had fallen fast asleep. Smiling at his sleeping daughter, Thomas leaned over and gently kissed her on the forehead before turning off her light and leaving her bedroom before going downstairs to watch some tv himself before going to bed.
(Barrow-in-Furness)
Diesel had returned to the Other Railway defeated. His hopes to prove that diesel power was superior to steam on the Island of Sodor had failed completely. He was sure that his manager was going to get the note about his bad behaviour on the island, which meant that he was going to get one hell of a talking to.
Just then he heard a pair of diesel toots as he looked and saw a pair of Class 08s like his engine coming towards him. One of them had purple colouring, whilst the other had olive colouring. A pair of twins, wearing purple and olive uniforms hopped down from the cab and walked up him.
"Hey cousin" greeted one, "back from Sodor so soon?".
"I'm afraid so Splodge" Diesel growled.
"Actually cousin its Splatter" replied Diesel's cousin.
"And Dodge" replied the other.
"And I haven't got time to say both names" growled Diesel".
And done. Boy was that a long chapter but I must say that I'm please with how it turned out. Maybe you could try and guess who Diesel's twin cousins are. Anyway please be so kind as to leave a preview and as always see you all next time.