Duk, the great western engine puffed sadly to Edward's station. It's not fair, he complained. Diesel has been telling lies about me and made Sir Topham hat and all the engines think I'm horrid. Edward smiled, I know you aren't, and so does Sir Topham hat. You wait and see. Why don't you help me with these cars? Duk felt happier with Edward and set to work at once. The cars were silly, heavy and noisy. The two engines had to work hard, pushing and pulling all afternoon. At last they reached the top of the hill. Goodbye, whistle duck, rolled gently over the crossing to the other line. Duk loved coasting down the hill, running easily with the wind whistling past. Suddenly, it was a conductor's warning whistle. Hurrah, hurrah, hurrah left the cars. We've broken away, we've broken away, chasing bump him, throw him off the rails they yelled. The duck hurrying said the driver. They raced through Edward's station, but the cars were catching up. As fast as we can, then they'll catch us gradually. The driver was gaining control. Another clear mile and we'll do it. Oh, glory, look at that! James was just pulling out on their line from the station ahead. Any minute, there could be a crash. It's up to you now, Duk, the driver. The duck put every ounce of weight and steam against the cars. It's too late, Duk, grown. He veered into a siding where a barber had set up shop. He was shaving the customer. The silly cars had knocked their conductor off his van and left him far behind after he had whistled the warning. But the cars didn't care. They were feeling very pleased with themselves. Big pardon, sir, gasped duck. Excuse my intrusion. No, I won't. Said the barber. You frightened my customers. I'll teach you and he'd lathered Duk's face all over. Poor Duk. Thomas was helping to pull the cars away when Sir Topham had arrived. I do not like engines popping through my walls. Fumed the barber. I appreciate your feeling, said Sir Topham had. But you must know that this engine and his crew have prevented a serious accident. It was a very close shave. Oh, said the barber. Oh, excuse me. He filled a basin of water to wash Duk's face. I'm sorry. I didn't know you were being a brave engine. That's all right, sir. I didn't know that either. You were very brave indeed, said Sir Topham had. I'm proud of you. Sir Topham had watched the rescue operation. Then he had more news for Duk. And when you were properly washed and mended, you are coming home. Home, sir. Do you mean the yard? Of course. But, sir, they don't like me. They like diesel. Not now. I never believed diesel, so I sent him packing. The engines are sorry. Want you back. A few days later, when he came home, there was a really rousing welcome for Duk, the Great Western Engine.