Vanishing Act!

"Just another trick!"

- Thomas' driver

Vanishing Act! is a magazine story.

Plot
Marvo the Magician makes a string of handkerchiefs appear from his sleeve as his audience clap and cheer. When the show ends, everyone rushes from the theatre to catch their train at the nearby station where Thomas is waiting for them at the platform. He hears everyone talking about the magician's amazing tricks. Thomas wonders if it is really magic, and his driver confirms it with a smile.

Thomas puffs on his way with Annie and Clarabel. At the junction, he meets James who is covered in mud as opposed to looking smart. He explains that some workmen were laying pipes and their digger had spilled mud on him as he passed. James wishes his paintwork could stay nice and shiny all the time. Dirty James puffs on crossly. Shortly, Thomas approaches the main station and Henry comes hurtling past declaring that he can really fly.

After Thomas has delivered all his passengers, he goes to the engine shed for the night. He keeps thinking about Marvo and his magic until he finally falls asleep. Thomas dreams that James is so shiny that he glows and Henry is actually flying. The next morning, Thomas is relieved to see the two engines as normal.

Thomas meets Percy by some signals and tells him what had happened. Percy says that Marvo the Magician has cast a spell on Trevor and directs Thomas' attention to the truck he is pulling. Thomas can hardly believe his eyes. Trevor is tied to Percy's flatbed, but he has shrunk. But Thomas realises that he has been tricked when he meets the real Trevor by the orchard. Trevor says they are going to a steam rally and Percy is carrying a model traction engine there too.

Before Thomas can confront cheeky Percy, he has to take Marvo to the airport. At the station, Marvo says he will be home in a flash and disappears in a big puff of smoke. Thomas' driver assures his engine that it's just another trick, but Thomas isn't so sure this time.

Characters

 * Thomas
 * Henry
 * James
 * Percy
 * Trevor
 * Marvo the Magician
 * Annie
 * Harold
 * Jem Cole
 * Farmer Collett
 * Clarabel