The Surprise Present!

The Surprise Present! is a magazine story.

Plot
One morning, Percy is happily shunting in the yard and whistles while he works. Gordon then arrives at the station with the Express and tells Percy that he overheard the Fat Controller mention giving Percy a "dressing down" while talking about giving his wife a present. Percy goes back to his work, but his mind is preoccupied with what Gordon has said.

Later, Thomas puffs by with Annie and Clarabel. He mentions the present to Percy, however Percy pays little attention. He is so distracted that he knocks into a truck and derails it before his driver can stop him. His driver goes to inspect the damage and tells him that the Fat Controller will surely hear about this.

When the Fat Controller arrives he is very cross. Percy explains to him that he was worried about being given a dressing down, confusing the Fat Controller. Percy then tells him what Gordon overheard and the Fat Controller laughs. He had really been saying that he was getting a dressing gown for his wife and needed Percy to collect the van from the harbour as Thomas was busy. Percy is relieved to hear this, however Gordon is the one who ends up getting a dressing down for upsetting Percy!

Characters

 * Percy
 * Sir Topham Hatt
 * Thomas
 * Gordon
 * Annie and Clarabel
 * Lady Hatt

Locations

 * Knapford Harbour