Duncan would not stop grumbling. He grumbled that he wasn't polished enough. He grumbled that he was overworked. Most of all, he grumbled about the passengers. I'm ashamed of you, Duncan, said Scarloey. Thank goodness Reneas is coming home soon. Perhaps he'll teach you some sense before it's too late. What has Reneas to do with me? Reneas saved our railway replied Scarloey. Please tell us about it, said Peter Sam. Well, began Scarloey. It was before you came here. Things were bad. Reneas and I had to keep the trains running, or our railway would have to close. How awful murmured Peter Sam. I tried hard continued Scarloey, but my old wheels ached. Reneas understood. It's my turn now, he'd tell me. He was often short of steam, but he always struggled to a station and then rested there. I mustn't stop between stations, he'd say. The passengers wouldn't like it. Huff, huff, Duncan. He had stopped on a viaduct and hadn't cared at all. Passengers continued Scarloey, get cross if you stop at the wrong places. Reneas stopped in the wrong place once, and this is what happened. One wet and windy afternoon in the rails with Dan, Reneas was traveling home with a full train. There were even passengers in the caboose. It wasn't a comfortable ride at all. Reneas' wheels kept slipping, and it was a steep climb. At last his wheels gripped the rails again. The worst is over, he thought. Now we're away. But they weren't. Ah, I got a cramp, he groaned. And Reneas stopped on the loneliest part of the line. His driver examined him carefully. Your valve gear has jammed. We need to reach the next station. Do you think you can still get us there? I'll try. Replyed Reneas. Reneas did his best. If I fail, he thought to himself, the passengers will be crossed and the railway will close. Everything blurred. He was really too tired to make another turn of his wheels, but he did. And another. And another. And another. Finally, tired or triumphant, Reneas reached the station. I'm here at last, he weased. Thank you for getting us home, said the passengers. We'll tell all our friends what a fine railway this is. His driver was delighted. You're a gallant little engine, he said to Reneas. When you're rested, we'll mend you, so you'll be ready for tomorrow. And, smile scarly, Reneas always was ready for tomorrow. Thanks for telling us about him, whispered Duncan. I was wrong. Passengers are important after all. The next day, Reneas came home. All the engines were there to greet him. Edward pushed his truck to the siding where he was lifted onto his rails. This was the signal for a chorus of whistles from engines large and small. Everyone was happy, and Reneas was the happiest of all. You know, he whispered to Scarloy. This helps a little engine to feel that at last he has really come home.