02x23 - Edward's Exploit

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Bertie the bus was giving
some visitors a tour.

Edward was preparing to take them
to meet Bill and Ben.

He found it hard to start the train.

“He was straining,” said Henry.

“Painful,” said James.

“Pathetic,” grunted Gordon.
“He should be preserved.”

“Shut up. You're all jealous.
Edward's better than you.”

“He's old, but he'll surprise us all."

“I've done it. We're off,” said Edward,
as he left the station.

Bill and Ben were delighted
to see visitors.

They took the party
to the china clay works.

They had a splendid time.
The visitors were impressed.

Edward took the visitors home.

On the way, the weather changed.

Wind and rain buffeted him.

His fireman rode in front
dropping sand on the rails.

Suddenly his wheels slipped.
Something broke.

The crew inspected the damage.
Repairs took time.

“One of your crank pins broke.

“We took your side rods off.
You look old-fashioned.

“Can you get these people home?"

“T'll try, sir,” promised Edward.

He pulled, but his wheels kept slipping
and he could not start the train.

The passengers were anxious.

Driver, fireman and guard
made adjustments.

“We loosened the couplings. Take
the coaches one by one, like trucks.”

“That will be much easier.”

“Come on.”
He moved cautiously forward.

The first coach helped the second move
and the second the third.

“I've done it,” puffed Edward.

“Steady, boy. Well done, boy.
You've got them.”

He listened happily to Edward's
steady beat as he forged ahead.

At last, battered, weary, but unbeaten,
Edward steamed in.

Henry was waiting for the visitors.
“Peep-peep!"

The Fat Controller pointed to the clock,
but the passengers thanked Edward,

his driver and fireman.

Duck and Boco left Edward in peace.

Gordon and James
remained respectfully silent.