It was summertime on the Island of Sodor. All the engines were working hard carrying goods and passengers and chuffing cheerfully up and down the lines. All…except Edward. Edward was worried; he had been working very hard lately. He started wheezing as he puffed, and steam hissed out of his cylinders.

One morning, the Fat Controller came to the Sheds. He had an important job for Edward. "A special delivery of fruit and vegetables is coming to the Docks today," he told him. "I want you to bring it to Knapford."

"Yes, Sir," said Edward, "but he was worried about his wheeze; it felt worse today.

"Thomas, I want you to make a delivery to the Docks this morning and while you're there, you are to shunt Edward's trucks. After that, you can carry on with your usual jobs."

"Yes, Sir," said Thomas eagerly.

The Fat Controller started to walk away. "Sir!" called Edward, "I think I have a problem. I've been wheezing a lot lately, and I can't seem to get up steam properly."

The Fat Controller pondered. "I'm sorry, Edward, but I can't spare another engine right now. You should be able to manage your work. Do what you can, and I will arrange for you to go to the Fitter's Yard later."

Edward was grateful, but he still wheezed and hissed as he puffed out of the Sheds. Thomas thought Edward didn't sound well either and Edward hoped he could still pull his train.

Thomas arrived at the Docks first and set to work shunting Edward's trucks into place. Edward arrived once he had finished…and they were surprised. There were more trucks than they had expected and this made Edward nervous.

Soon, Edward was coupled up and ready to go. "Go it, Edward, you can do it!" called Thomas encouragingly.

Edward puffed as hard as he could…but the train hardly moved at all. "Bother," said Edward's Driver, "we're sure to be late now."

Thomas felt sorry for Edward and wanted to help. "I know," he said, "I'll get my other jobs done as fast as I can. Then, I'll come back to help you."

"It's worth a try," said his Driver. "The Fat Controller said he can't spare anyone else."

Thomas smiled. "Do what you can, Edward, and I'll be back soon.

"Thank you, Thomas," wheezed Edward and he smiled as he watched Thomas puff away.

"Well, old boy," said his Driver, "it seems the 'Old Iron' has to prove himself once more." Edward knew what that meant and as he waited for his Fireman to build up more steam, the Driver went to speak to the Guard.

Thomas raced along as quickly as he could; he knew he had to do all his jobs as quickly as possible. "Hurry up, hurry up!" he told the trucks.

"What for? What for?" they snapped.

"For Edward!" And Thomas biffed them crossly.

Meanwhile, Edward's Driver and Guard had made adjustments between the trucks. "We've loosened the couplings, Edward," said the Driver at last. "Now, let's try this again."

Edward took a big, brave puff and moved slowly forward. The coupling on the first truck tightened…and it started to move. The first truck helped to start the next one behind it…and soon, the whole train started slowly away.

"Well done, boy!" called the Driver, "We're doing it!"

"Go, matey!" called Salty and Edward puffed bravely on.

At last, Thomas finished all his jobs, and he puffed back to the Docks, but before he got here…he found Edward hissing and wheezing slowly along the line. "Bust my buffers!" he puffed. "I didn't think you would make it this far."

"Neither did I," Edward panted; he was very pleased to see his friend.

Thomas switched to Edward's line and coupled up. "No need to worry now, Edward," he puffed. "With the two of us working together, we can still get to Knapford on time." And the two engines pulled away with the long line of trucks.

Edward and Thomas were both very tired. Edward's fire felt feeble, and his wheels felt weak, Thomas had been working hard all day and Edward's train was very heavy, but they were determined not to let the Fat Controller down and battled on.

At last, the two engines arrived at Knapford Station. The Fat Controller was talking to Gordon as they puffed in. "Thomas, what are you doing here?" he asked. "What happened?" The engines and their Drivers told him everything. The Fat Controller smiled. "Well done, Thomas," he said, "and well done, Edward. You are both loyal, hard-working, and Really Useful. Now, Thomas," he added, "please take Edward to the Fitter's Yard straight away. He must be back at work as soon as possible."

Edward wheeshed happily. Thomas was tired from all of his extra work, but he was more than happy to help his friend one more time.