Day 7 A-Running Late
Day 7 A-Clock
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Gordon thundered down the lines, the coaches swaying with his speed.
“I will not be late, I will not be late. I will not be late.” He chanted, steam billowing from his funnel as he strained forward.
‘Blast it all.’ He swore in his mind, ‘I should have known better than to doze at the front of the express.’
He had forgotten to ask Jinty how far behind he was when she woke him, urgently telling him he was late starting. He had simply raced off as the Guard whistled and waved his flag.
In his cab he could feel Rain working as hard as she could to keep his fire fed as he raced west. Amanda managed his steam precisely to give him every chance to catch the train up. He had never been late without either a mechanical failure or someone else causing his delay. Today would not be the first!
He normally slowed for the descent down the incline, instead he plunged down at full steam, using the five mile grade to gain back every second he could.
He thundered through Wellsworth, whistling furiously, barely hearing Edward’s surprised return whistle.
He soared along the rails, the coaches behind him singing happily at their speed. He rocketed past Knapford, Duck whistling for him to slow.
As much as he hated to admit it, the pannier was right. He braked, bringing the train under control.
‘Please don't be late. Please don't be late. Please don't be late.’
He only managed to slow the train to the yard speed limit without jostling his passengers through his years of experience.
He came to a stop, his steam obscuring the Station clock. Sir Charles Hatt was on the platform and frowned as he looked at the express, glancing towards the clock as he clicked his stopwatch.
No…they couldn't be.
The Fat Controller walked up to Gordon, “Afternoon Gordon, how was the express?”
“Afternoon Sir.” Gordon said, his heart sinking, “How late are we?”
The Fat Controller frowned, “late? Gordon you're early.”
Early?!?
The smoke and steam finally cleared, revealing the clock…and the fact they were a full twenty minutes ahead of his normal arrival. “How!?” Gordon shook his head, “I fell asleep at the head of the express, Jinty had to wake me up and we were still late leaving!?”
Amanda walked up, staring at the clock, “we left thirty minutes late!” She said, “the Barrow clocks said so!”
Sir Charles Hatt frowned, “You left on time, albeit in a hurry according to the station master.”
Gordon realized what had happened first, “that miserable Fowler!” He wheeshed, “she tricked us!”
Amanda and Rain swore as they realized the station pilot’s prank.
“Language,” Charles chuckled with a smile.
He checked his stopwatch and snorted, patting the pacific's running board.
“49 minutes, 53 seconds. Congratulations Gordon, you broke your own record.”
He continued chuckling as he walked away, leaving the express engine and crew to plot their revenge.
A/N: Hello Loves! Uman and Din fans may recall having heard of this event before. Hope you all enjoyed Day 7! Love Y'all!
