02x05 - Old Iron

[bunniefuu]

One day, James had to wait at the station
till Edward came in. “Late again!"

Edward laughed,
and James fumed away.

After James had finished his work,
he puffed onto the turntable.

He was still feeling bad-tempered.

“Edward is impossible," he grumbled.

“He clanks about like old iron,
and he's so slow."

Thomas and Percy were indignant.
"Old iron?

“Edward could beat you
in a race any day.”

"I should like to see him do it."

Next morning,
James's driver was taken ill.

The fireman uncoupled James
ready for shunting.

Then the signalman shouted.
James was puffing away!

“All traffic halted!"
He told the fireman what happened.

Two boys were fiddling with James.
They ran off when James started.

(Ringing) The signalman answered
the telephone. "He's here. I'll tell him.

“The inspector wants a shunter's pole
and wire rope.”

“What for?" wondered the fireman.
“Search me."

The fireman was ready
when Edward arrived.

The inspector saw the pole and rope.
“Good man. Jump in."

“We'll catch him!" puffed Edward.

James was laughing.

“What a lark, what a lark!" he chuckled.

Suddenly he was going faster and faster.

He realised that he had no driver.
“What shall I do? I can't stop! Help!"

“We're coming!” called Edward.

Edward was using
every ounce of steam he had.

At last he caught up with James.

“Steady, Edward," called his driver.

The inspector stood on Edward's front,
holding out the rope.

He was trying to slip it
over James's buffer.

The engine swayed and lurched.

“Got him!" he shouted.
He pulled the noose tight.

Edward's driver braked gently,

and James's fireman scrambled across
and took control.

“The old iron caught you,”
chuckled Edward.

“I'm sorry. Thank you for saving me,”
said James.

“That's all right," replied Edward.

The Fat Controller was waiting
for the engines.

“James, you can rest
and then take your train.

“I'm proud of you, Edward.
We shall mend your worn parts.”

“Thank you! It'll be lovely not to clank.”