The Secret Railway (Female Controller Reader)

Chapter 32: Duncan's Day

The Narrow Gauge Railway is the little railway that connects to the mainline and stops at the top station on the miniature railway. The Narrow Gauge Railway also goes to the coal mine, and the quarry. The railway also goes to places where the other engines can't go. The engines might be smaller, but they are just as useful as the other engines.

One day, Flying Scotsman was waiting on at the station, when Duncan came with his passengers. "Where were you?" asked Scotsman. "There was a cow that strayed on the line!" said Duncan, "I had to wait for the farmer to move her!" "That's no excuse," said Scotsman, "I am always on time, and I don't wait for silly animals to get out of my way!" He then left in a huff. Duncan was cross. 

That night, he told the other engines what Scotsman had said. "And to top it off, he must think we're unreliable!" "Don't listen to him Duncan," said Skarloey, "He's just trying to make himself feel important." Duncan just went to sleep.

The next morning, Duncan was taking his passengers to the station again, and Scotsman wasn't there. He waited, and waited, but he didn't come. Mighty Mac came with a load of coal, and Mighty said, "Hello Duncan. You waiting for Scotsman?" "Yes," said Duncan, "It's not like him to be late." "Well, see you Duncan," said Mac. Duncan waited at the platform, and waited, and then Edward came up. "Hello Duncan, you're usually gone by now." "I know, but I must wait for Flying Scotsman," said Duncan. "He must be held up for something." Just then, James came up, and he was laughing. "I just saw Scotsman, and he is held up by Farmer Brown's animals!! ALL OF THEM!!"

Scotsman was held up at a crossing, where Farmer Brown was getting his animals across the track. All his animals had gotten out, and were now on the other side. All the horses, cows, chickens, pigs, goats, roosters and sheep had gotten out, thanks to Spud tripping over a root, and causing a chain reaction.

Duncan waited, and waited. Soon, the station master came, and said, "You'll have to go now. Flying Scotsman is held up at a crossing." "And he thinks I'm unreliable!" said Duncan, as he puffed away. Duncan soon puffed through the country side, and whistled to Mike, as he pulled some ballast trucks. He whistled to Rusty as he helped clear the tracks. Soon, he reached the village. He was proud of himself. He made up for lost time, and was now a head of schedule. He then took some goods down to the station, where he saw Flying Scotsman pull in, panting. "Well, well, well," said Duncan, "Look who it is! Where have you been?" "I was- held up- at the- crossing. - Spud- tripped and- accidentally- let all the- animals loose." Duncan laughed, "I thought you wouldn't let silly animals get in your way! It sounds like you were wrong!" Scotsman scoffed, "I-I-I just didn't want the poor things to get hurt! Besides, I don't have a cow catcher!!" Duncan laughed, and just puffed away, leaving Scotsman to think to himself.