02x02 - Cows

[bunniefuu]

Edward was getting old.
He was worn and clanky.

He was taking cattle trucks
to a market town.

The sun shone, birds sang.

But Edward was heading for trouble.

“Come on!" he puffed.
"Oh! Oh!" screamed the trucks.

Edward puffed and clanked.

Some cows were nearby.
They were not used to trains.

The noise disturbed them.
They broke the fence and ran across.

A coupling was broken
and some trucks were left behind.

Edward felt a jerk but didn't take
much notice - he was used to trucks.

“Bother those trucks!
Why can't they come quietly?”

He was at the next station before
anyone realised what had happened.

Gordon and Henry laughed.

“Fancy allowing cows to break his train.
They wouldn't dare do that to us.”

Toby was cross.

“You couldn't help it, Edward. They've
never met cows. Cows are trouble."

Some days later, Gordon rushed
past Edward. "Mind the cows!"

“Hurry!” puffed Gordon. "Don't make
such a fuss," grumbled his coaches.

A bridge lay ahead in the distance.

Gordon and his driver thought
there was something on the bridge.

“Whoa, Gordon!” said his driver.

“Pah!” said Gordon.
"It's only a cow! Shoo!"

But the cow wouldn't shoo.

She had lost her calf and felt lonely.
“"Moooo,” she said sadly.

Everyone tried to send her away
but she wouldn't go. Henry arrived.

“What's this? A cow? I'll soon settle her.
Be off! Be off!"

“Moooo,” said the cow.

Henry backed away.
"I don't want to hurt her."

Henry's guard told the next station
that the line was blocked by a cow.

“That's Bluebell,” said the porter.
“Her calf is going to market.

“Percy will take it along.”

(Whistles)

Bluebell was pleased to see her calf
again and the porter led them away.

(Mooing)

“Not a word, keep it dark!"
whispered Gordon and Henry.

They felt silly,
but the story soon spread.

(Frog croaking, owl hooting)

“Two big engines afraid of a cow?"
chuckled Edward.

“Afraid? Rubbish!" said Gordon.

“We didn't want to scare the poor thing
so we stopped.

“You see what I mean,
my dear Edward?"

“Yes, Gordon.” said Edward.

Gordon felt that Edward saw
only too well.