Percy's Chocolate Crunch and Other Thomas the Tank Engine Stories (2 page)

When Percy arrived at Callan Station, he was very upset. “From now on, I am only doing work where I won’t get dirty.”

Harold the Helicopter was at Callan Station picking up medical supplies. “Hullo, Percy,” he called. And he took off, blowing cinders and ashes everywhere.

“Not again!” cried Percy. “I want a washdown!”

“Usefulness before cleanliness,” reminded his driver.

“I want to be useful where I can’t get dirty!” Percy huffed.

“There’s a load of sugar going to the chocolate factory,” his driver said. “We could take the sugar cars.”

“Sugar,” said Percy. “
That’s
nice and clean.”

Percy was pleased.

Percy didn’t know that earlier a leaky freight car had spilled oil on the track.

When he approached the chocolate factory, his driver applied the brakes. But Percy’s wheels just skidded on the oily rails.

“Oh, no!” hooted Percy. “Yuck!” he groaned. “I’ve never been
this
dirty!”

He was covered from funnel to firebox in sticky, gooey chocolate.

Back at the sheds, everyone thought it was very funny.

“You look good enough to eat!” Thomas hooted.

“Bonbon Percy,” teased James.

“Choc Ice on wheels!” chipped in Henry.

“Disgraceful,” said Gordon pompously.

“Ahem!” said a stern-sounding voice. It was Sir Topham Hatt. “You have had a trying day, Percy!” he said.

“Yes, sir,” replied Percy from beneath the chocolate.

“But you’ve showed us all that usefulness does come before cleanliness. So,” he added, “you shall have your washdown—”

“Oh, sir!”

“And a new coat of paint!”

Percy just
beamed
!

SALTY’S SECRET

All the engines on the Island of Sodor love their work.

But sometimes there is too much work. That’s when Sir Topham Hatt brings new engines to the island.