Duke had been surrounded by fitters and people from the Railway Board all morning. He was tired of being inside.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy pistons are stiff,\u201d he groused. \u201cI\u2019ve seen enough of the indoors for a lifetime. I want to feel the sun on my running boards.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe can let you into the Yard,\u201d agreed his Driver. \u201cBut you\u2019ll have to stay put while we finish the safety checks. Can\u2019t have you breaking down tomorrow on your big day.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat cheek!\u201d scoffed Duke. \u201cAre all you Drivers so impertinent these days?\u201d But he was pleased when they released his brakes and let him steam forward out of the Shed.<\/p>\n
The Yard was unusually crowded. Most of the little engines had been pulled from duty early for cleanup and general maintenance ahead of tomorrow’s celebrations. Skarloey, Rheneas, Peter Sam, and Sir Handel were happy to see Duke out and about.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, Granpuff!\u201d peeped Peter Sam excitedly. \u201cYou do<\/i> look splendid!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMuch better than when they found you,” teased Sir Handel. “The Small Controller told us you were very<\/i> dusty.”<\/p>\n
“Better dusty than rusty,” said Duke. “Which is what I would have been if these<\/i> crewmen had sheeted me back then. I tell you, Drivers and Firemen these days aren’t what they used to be\u2013”<\/p>\n
Peter Sam and Sir Handel exchanged knowing looks.<\/p>\n
The engines carried on for some time like this until they heard a familiar beep-boop<\/i>.<\/p>\n
“Hullo!” Rusty rolled into the Yard, fresh off a final round of inspections. “Oh, Duke, it’s lovely to see you out. I don’t believe we’ve properly met, I’m Rusty!”<\/p>\n
Duke’s eyes flicked to Rusty’s sides, then back again. “I can read,” he replied curtly. “Tell me, where is your funnel?”<\/p>\n
Rusty’s face froze in an awkward smile. “My\u2013 Sorry?”<\/p>\n
“Your funnel. It’s missing,” said Duke. “And why is your boiler square? Are you some sort of tram?”<\/p>\n
“Granpuff!” peeped Sir Handel abruptly. “You can’t just ask engines why they’re square!”<\/p>\n
“Rusty is a diesel engine,” soothed Peter Sam. “I suppose you’ve never met one before, have you?”<\/p>\n
“I have not,” said Duke, looking Rusty up and down. “So where does your steam come out?”<\/p>\n
The sound of stifled laughter could be heard coming from Skarloey and Rheneas’s direction.<\/p>\n
Sir Handel flushed red and weeshed. “Enough!”<\/p>\n
Rusty looked between Sir Handel and Duke before Peter Sam piped up.<\/p>\n
“Rusty, why don’t you go to the washdown? You must be in need of one after all your hard work.”<\/p>\n
“Actually, I\u2013”<\/p>\n
Peter Sam gave Rusty a pleading look as Sir Handel and Duke started squabbling.<\/p>\n
“Uppity youngster! Did you lose all your manners after getting sold off?”<\/p>\n
“Talk of manners!” exclaimed Sir Handel.<\/p>\n
“You know what, a washdown sounds like a fine idea.” Rusty beat a hasty retreat back out of the Yard.<\/p>\n
–<\/p>\n
Duncan was already at the washdown when Rusty arrived. He was dozing as his crew scrubbed down his cab and boiler. It was rare to catch Duncan with his brow unfurrowed and his mouth not turned down in a scowl. He looked oddly serene.<\/p>\n
Rusty gave a hearty beep-boop<\/i>, startling Duncan and causing him to hoot abruptly in return.<\/p>\n
“Hullo, Duncan!”<\/p>\n
“Rusty\u2026” replied Duncan gruffly, blinking the sleep from his eyes.<\/p>\n
“Did you have a nice run today?”<\/p>\n
“Och! Obviously not.” scoffed Duncan. “They give those other engines a holiday and work us to the frames. It’s shameful! Though\u2013” he said, looking Rusty up and down. “You don’t look like you did much work at all. You’re hardly dirty.”<\/p>\n
“Oh, it was just some routine inspection work,” said Rusty sheepishly.<\/p>\n
Duncan raised a brow. “So why are you here?”<\/p>\n
“Well,” Rusty’s gaze flicked downward. “I think I might have caused some trouble in the Yard.”<\/p>\n
“Oh? You? Causin\u2019 trouble?\u201d Duncan was very interested now. \u201cWhat did you do?”<\/p>\n
“I don’t really know,” said Rusty. “Duke was in the Yard\u2013”<\/p>\n
“Tin can,” muttered Duncan.<\/p>\n
Rusty ignored him. “He started asking me questions about me being a diesel. I guess he’s never met one before.”<\/p>\n
“Ha! Like a new engine!\u201d Duncan looked delighted.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe asked me why my boiler is square and where my steam comes out.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOch! Some Duke\u2019s engine!\u201d said Duncan with offence. \u201cImagine being so vulgar.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019ve said worse to me,\u201d said Rusty crossly.<\/p>\n
\u201cMibbe,\u201d Duncan\u2019s face was thoughtful now. \u201cBut only because I didnae know you back then.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou said I left an oil slick on the tracks. Yesterday.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI were only teasin\u2019!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re full of it.\u201d Rusty smiled and they both laughed.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut,\u201d Duncan\u2019s face suddenly became serious, \u201cif that new engine gives you trouble again\u2013\u201d he narrowed his eyes and let off a little steam. \u201cYou let me know.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThank you, Duncan,\u201d said Rusty with a little eye-roll. \u201cBut he really didn\u2019t give me any trouble. I don\u2019t think he meant it to be rude.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBut you said there was trouble,\u201d said Duncan, confused. \u201cIf Duke didnae upset you, what was all the fuss about?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHe upset Peter Sam and Sir Handel! He asked if I was a tram and they all started arguing. And then Peter Sam said I should go to the washdown. I think he just wanted me out of the Yard.\u201d<\/p>\n
Duncan tutted in a way that reminded Rusty of Rheneas. \u201cHonestly, the way these engines conduct themselves! Is it any wonder their Railway closed down? You have as much right to be in that Yard as any engine. Why, if I\u2019d been there\u2013\u201d and he launched into a long spiel which lasted through the rest of both their washdowns and all the way back to the Shed.<\/p>\n
–<\/p>\n
When they returned, the sky had already begun to grow dark. Peter Sam and Sir Handel sat outside talking. Sir Handel whispered something to Peter Sam, and they both looked up expectantly as Rusty and Duncan drew closer.<\/p>\n
\u201cGood evening,\u201d peeped Peter Sam.<\/p>\n
\u201cOnly thing \u2018good\u2019 about it is that it\u2019s not tomorrow yet,\u201d replied Duncan, rolling his eyes. “But we might as well get today over with. ‘Night all.” And he steamed past the assemblage into the Shed.<\/p>\n
“Goodnight Duncan,” called Rusty after him. “Suppose I’ll turn in as well, then.”<\/p>\n
“About that\u2013” cut in Peter Sam. “Sir Handel and I were talking and we\u2013 well it’s just that your spot in the Shed is right next to where Duke is going to sleep so\u2013”<\/p>\n
“We thought it’d be better if you switched spots with me for tonight,” finished Sir Handel. He said it as though the matter were decided.<\/p>\n
Rusty looked between the two of them, searching for some sign they were joking and finding none.<\/p>\n
“Just for the night!” said Peter Sam.<\/p>\n
“Or maybe a few,” muttered Sir Handel.<\/p>\n
\u201cDuke can sleep next to me if he likes,\u201d said Rusty uncertainly. \u201cOne spot\u2019s as good as another.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThen you won\u2019t mind taking mine!\u201d said Sir Handel. He flashed a smile that wasn\u2019t nearly as charming as he thought it was.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe just don\u2019t want him to bother you again,\u201d said Peter Sam pleadingly.<\/p>\n
Rusty suddenly felt very tired.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlright, fine.\u201d Rusty reversed onto an adjacent track.<\/p>\n
\u201cThank you,\u201d whispered Peter Sam gratefully.<\/p>\n
\u201cOf course,\u201d said Rusty flatly, pulling past him and into the spot in the Shed where Sir Handel usually sat. \u201cSee you two tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGoodnight!\u201d they peeped back.<\/p>\n
With that, Rusty drifted off to sleep, brow creased and mouth turned down in a frown.<\/p>\n
–<\/p>\n
The morning started early, as it always did for the steam engines. The sun was barely up, but Duke was in as good a mood as the other engines had yet seen him.<\/p>\n
\u201cLooks like good weather today,\u201d he said, pleased. \u201cHis Grace did so enjoy these sorts of mornings. \u2018Nothing like the smell of a steam engine in Autumn,\u2019 he\u2019d say.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, is that what he\u2019d say, Granpuff? You never mentioned.\u201d Sir Handel grinned and Peter Sam stifled a laugh.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was a morning just like this,\u201d continued Duke, as though he hadn\u2019t been interrupted, \u201cthat I once showed a young blue engine how to tackle the Mountain Road, and ended up having to pull him back onto the line when he went over the side.\u201d<\/p>\n
This time Peter Sam\u2019s laughter was joined by a hearty guffaw from Duncan.<\/p>\n
\u201cSpeaking of young engines,\u201d said Duke, his eyes drifting over to where Rusty sat, still asleep. \u201cWhere is that engine\u2019s Driver and Fireman? This is not a day for sleeping in. Wake up, little diesel!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGranpuff,\u201d whispered Peter Sam, horrified. \u201cDon\u2019t shout! Rusty doesn\u2019t need to wake up as early as the rest of us.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cRusty,\u201d yawned Duncan, “doesnae have a cold firebox what needs four hours to heat up.” He made no attempt to hide the envy in his voice.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don’t understand,\u201d said Duke. \u201cIf the coaches for the Special are late, that would never suit\u2013\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, enough about His Grace!\u201d peeped Sir Handel.<\/p>\n
Duke spluttered turning bright, furious red. \u201cWhy, I never\u2013!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNever managed to learn tact nor sense? I\u2019ll say!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cPlease, let\u2019s not argue about it!\u201d<\/p>\n
And the Shed erupted into a cacophony of shouts and whistles and steam.<\/p>\n
\u201cEnough!\u201d<\/p>\n
A little voice from the far corner of the Shed rang out above the noise. The other engines fell silent as Rusty, now fully awake, glared at each of them in turn.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat on earth<\/i> are you all arguing about?\u201d asked Rusty crossly.<\/p>\n
\u201cDuke didn’t quite understand that you don\u2019t need your firebox warmed up,\u201d quavered Peter Sam.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe were just trying to keep things peaceable,\u201d added Sir Handel.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell done,\u201d snapped Rusty. Peter Sam and Sir Handel stood shocked!<\/p>\n
\u201cYou said you wanted to keep Duke from bothering me, but it\u2019s you two who\u2019ve been more of a nuisance! Maybe if you\u2019d asked me how I felt about it, instead of sending me out of the Yard or playing musical berths, things would<\/i> be more \u2018peaceable\u2019 around here.\u201d<\/p>\n
Peter Sam and Sir Handel looked at one another, and then at Duke, who for his part was looking at Rusty with something resembling awe.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you see Driver, tell him I\u2019m ready to leave when he is,\u201d said Rusty tersely, before closing both eyes. \u201cIn the meantime, I would like a little more sleep. Not that anyone asked.\u201d<\/p>\n
The rest of the Shed sat in stunned silence for a few moments.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is why,\u201d said Duncan finally, \u201cI believe in the value of plain speakin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n
No one had anything to say to that.<\/p>\n
–<\/p>\n
Around mid-morning, Duke arrived at Skarloey Station and took his place at the platform to await the coaches for the Special. A short while later, Rusty bustled in with the train and a suspiciously cheerful beep-boop<\/i>.<\/p>\n
\u201cYour coaches are in place, Duke,\u201d said Rusty brightly. \u201cYou are free to back up at your leisure!\u201d<\/p>\n
Duke raised an eyebrow but did not reply verbally, instead whistling thrice to signal his intent to reverse. He maneuvered carefully, stopping just shy of the train\u2019s buffers.<\/p>\n
\u201cStill got it,\u201d he murmured to himself, whistling once to signal that he was coupled up. The response honk came back louder than expected as Rusty pulled up alongside Duke at the next platform.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat was grand,\u201d said Rusty, grinning. \u201cYou make it look so easy, but I imagine you\u2019re an expert at it by now, not having buffers and all.\u201d<\/p>\n
Duke, surprised, only cleared his throat and averted his eyes, mumbling something noncommittal to the track in front of him.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s okay,\u201d said Rusty almost pityingly. \u201cYou can talk to me.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe youngsters said I shouldn\u2019t,\u201d grumbled Duke. \u201cSaid I might offend you. I suppose they think I\u2019m ignorant, now that they\u2019re so worldly.\u201d As he said this, his face fell and he looked a little sad.<\/p>\n
\u201cI didn\u2019t know everything when I first came to the Railway either,\u201d said Rusty. \u201cI think Peter Sam and Sir Handel have been here so long, they\u2019ve forgotten what it\u2019s like to be new. But I really don\u2019t mind questions. I\u2019ll try to answer them as best I can.\u201d<\/p>\n
Duke looked up at Rusty. He didn\u2019t look quite convinced.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd then you can tell me how you manage without buffers and what it was like knowing Peter Sam and Sir Handel in the old days,\u201d added Rusty with a wink.<\/p>\n
Duke’s expression brightened. \u201cSplendid! If you don\u2019t mind my asking, what is it that makes your smoke smell so peculiar?\u201d<\/p>\n
Rusty laughed and told Duke all about diesel fuel and exhaust vents and start-up buttons, until it was time for him to leave.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Duke had been surrounded by fitters and people from the Railway Board all morning. He was tired of being inside.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy pistons are stiff,\u201d he groused. \u201cI\u2019ve seen enough of the indoors for a lifetime. I want to feel the sun on my running boards.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe can let you into the Yard,\u201d agreed his Driver. \u201cBut you\u2019ll have to stay put while we finish the safety checks. Can\u2019t have you breaking down tomorrow on your big day.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat cheek!\u201d scoffed Duke. \u201cAre all you Drivers so impertinent these days?\u201d But he was pleased when they released his brakes and let him steam forward out of the Shed.<\/p>\n
The Yard was unusually crowded. Most of the little engines had been pulled from duty early for cleanup and general maintenance ahead of tomorrow’s celebrations. Skarloey, Rheneas, Peter Sam, and Sir Handel were happy to see Duke out and about.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[164,167],"tags":[156],"class_list":["post-4114","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-fiction","category-the-railway-series-thomas-the-tank-engine","tag-engines-in-sidings"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/djangodurango.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4114","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/djangodurango.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/djangodurango.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/djangodurango.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/djangodurango.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=4114"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/djangodurango.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4114\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4500,"href":"https:\/\/djangodurango.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4114\/revisions\/4500"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/djangodurango.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=4114"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/djangodurango.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=4114"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/djangodurango.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=4114"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}