Skarloey and Rheneas the Little Engines believe they work on the most beautiful line on the Island of Sodor. They are happy to carry passengers and goods all along the line and they love to puff up and down the hills, through the valleys and forests and over the rivers.

An old trestle bridge crosses one of the rivers. One night, there had been a big storm across the whole island. No one knew that some of the wooden beams in Old Bridge were rotten and had now been damaged.

That morning, Skarloey was taking some empty slate trucks up to the Quarry; he puffed happily along, unaware of the danger ahead. As he started to cross the Old Bridge, some of the rotten beams came loose; he didn't see the broken rail…until it was too late…

BUMP!

Skarloey's front bashed against the supports. The beams gave way even more and he dangled dangerously above the water. "HEEEEEELLP!" he cried.

Luckily, a Farmer had seen everything and telephoned for help. Rusty and the workmen arrived as quickly as they could and Rheneas soon pulled Skarloey to safety.

A few days later, the Fat Controller came to the Sheds. "The Old Bridge has been mended. Skarloey, I need you to collect the last of the workers' trucks."

"Yes, Sir," replied Skarloey and he puffed cheerfully away.

When Skarloey arrived at the Old Bridge, he saw the trucks on the other side. He started to cross…but then, he stopped. He looked down into the rushing water…and suddenly felt very unsteady.

His Driver was puzzled. "What's wrong?!" he called.

"I…I don't know," said Skarloey shakily. "I…can't move."

"Come on, Skarloey, the Bridge is safe now!" But no matter what he did, Skarloey wouldn't budge.

At last, they gave it up and Skarloey, his Driver and his Fireman went home. "Where's the rest of our supplies?" asked one of the workers.

"Skarloey wouldn't cross the Bridge," explained his Driver.

"I'm sorry," said Skarloey, "I don't know what happened; I just…stopped."

"Never mind," said Rheneas' Driver, "we'll pick up the trucks."

Rheneas was worried for his friend. "I hope you feel better soon, Skarloey," he said. Skarloey hoped so too.

Later that day, the Fat Controller came to see Skarloey. The old engine and his Driver explained what had happened. "I don't understand it, Sir," said Skarloey sadly.

"I think I do," replied the Fat Controller calmly. "You almost fell off the Old Bridge and that accident left you very shaken." Skarloey sighed. "Don't worry, Skarloey, I'm not cross with you. Something like this can happen to anyone, no matter how experienced they are. Until you're ready to cross the Bridge again, I will find you some other work."

"Thank you, Sir," said Skarloey, but he couldn't help feeling a little sorry for himself.

Later that week, Rheneas had trouble keeping up steam. At last, he was ready; he collected his trucks and puffed and heaved through the countryside, but his Fireman was concerned about water. "You have a leak somewhere," he said. "I'll try to find it when we get back to the Sheds." But he never got the chance.

Rheneas struggled on, but he continued losing water and soon…he ran out on the Old Bridge. "Bother!" he panted. His Fireman put his fire out and the Driver blew the whistle to signal the Farmer.

Skarloey was shunting at the Sheds when the Yard Manager came up. "I think Rheneas has broken down; he's stuck on the Old Bridge."

"We must go and help him!" said Skarloey right away.

"What about the Old Bridge?" asked his Driver. "Can you do it?"

"I have to try. Rheneas is my oldest friend."

"And Skarloey is the only engine available," the Yard Manager added. Skarloey and his Crew set off immediately; Skarloey was determined to help Rheneas.

Soon, Skarloey reached the Old Bridge and found Rheneas stranded half-way across. He rolled slowly up to the edge…The Bridge creaked loudly. Skarloey looked down at the river and felt wobbly again. Then, he looked up and saw Rheneas.

"I must rescue my friend," whispered Skarloey…He chuffed slowly onto the Bridge. The beams groaned under his wheels as he rolled forward, but Skarloey kept looking ahead as he puffed on…

Finally, Skarloey buffered up and pushed Rheneas off the Old Bridge. "Thank you," said Rheneas, "you were very brave to help me."

Skarloey smiled. "I couldn't leave my best friend in trouble like that," he replied.

The Driver coupled him up, and Skarloey pulled Rheneas back to the Sheds. When the Fat Controller heard the news, he was happy too and praised Skarloey for his bravery.

Skarloey is no longer nervous of the Old Bridge. After his brave rescue, he can see the beauty of the river and the valley once more and loves his journeys across them more than ever.