Chapter 48: Bittern and the second tender

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Thomas was puffing into the station early one morning with Annie and Clarabel, when he saw an engine that he thought was Mallard, getting ready for his train. 

"Hello Mallard," said Thomas, "Why are you up so early?" "Oh I'm not Mallard, I'm Bittern, his sister," said the engine

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"Hello Mallard," said Thomas, "Why are you up so early?" "Oh I'm not Mallard, I'm Bittern, his sister," said the engine. Thomas looked embarrassed. "I'm sorry," he said. "Don't be, we often get confused, especially since we've been painted the same color," said Bittern. Thomas then looked back, and said, "I see you have a second tender like Flying Scotsman." "I know, I was actually fitted with one, seeing how far Scotsman could go with out refilling on water." Soon, Gordon came, and he eyed Bittern suspiciously. He then huffed off with the express. "What was that about?" asked Bittern. "I don't know," said Thomas.

At a station, Bittern was taking her second tender off to be inspected. Gordon watched at a distance. "I'll take the tender and give it back to Scotsman," he said to himself. Gordon thought that Bittern had taken Scotsman's second tender, and he planned to give it back to him. So, when it was left alone, Gordon coupled up to it, and puffed off with it. Soon, Gordon was puffing along the line, and he reached Beach View Station, and he was uncoupled and headed to the turntable. "Hello Gordon," said Flying Scotsman, "Why do you have a second tender?" "Oh, I was just bringing it back to you. Your second tender was stolen and I managed to get it back for you." "What are you talking about? I still have my second tender." Scotsman then pulled out of the sheds, showing he still had both of the tenders. Gordon was shocked. "So, I was the one who stole a tender?" he asked. "It seems that way," said Scotsman. 

Soon, Gordon was racing along the line, and he put the tender back where he found it, when Bittern puffed up. "What are you doing?" she asked. Gordon then explained what happened, and Bittern said, "Well, some of the other engine have been fitted with a second tender for extra water. Scotsman was the main inspiration for us all." Gordon then said, "I'm sorry I took it." "It's okay," said Bittern. Soon, Mallard and Spencer came into the yard, and Mallard said, "Bittern, it's good to see you!" "You too, brothers," said Bittern. Soon, the three engines all talked endlessly of the glory days of the silver jubilee and the coronation trains in their prime. The engines were very happy to have a family reunion together. Gordon now looks to Scotsman, and smiles, knowing he has been an inspiration to everyone.

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