Thomas, Terence and the Snow-taken from Thomas the Tank Engine Complete Collection

AUTUMN was changing the leaves from green to brown.The fields were changing too,from yellow studdle to brown earth.As Thomas puffed along,he heard the "chug chug chug" of a tractor at work.One day,stopping for a signal,he saw the tractor close by. "Hullo!" said the tractor , "I'm Terence;I'm ploughing." "I'm Thomas;I'm pulling a train. What ugly wheels you got!" "They're not ugly,they're caterpillars,"said Terence  . "I can go anywhere; I don't need rails." "I don't want to go anywhere," said Thomas huffily, "I like my rails, thank you!" Thomas often saw Terence  working, but though he whistled, Terence never answered.Winter came, and with it dark heavy clouds full of snow. "I don't like it,"said Thomas' Driver. "A heavy fall is coming.I hope it doesn't stop us." "pooh!"said Thomas, seeing the snow melt on the rails, "soft stuff, nothing to it!" And he puffed on feeling cold, but the confident. They finshed their journey safely: but the country was covered,and the rails were two dark lines standing out in the white snow. "You'll need your snow plough for the next journey,Thomas,"said his Driver. "Pooh! Snow is silly soft stuff - it won't stop me!" his Driver replied, "We are going to fix your snow plough on,and I want no nonsense." The snow plough was heavy and uncomfortable and made Thomas very cross.He shook it, and he banged it and when they got back it was so damaged that the Driver had to take it off. "You're a very naughty engine," said his Driver, as he shut the shed door that night. Next morning, both Driver and Fireman came early and worked hard to mend the snow plough: but they couldn't make it fit properly. It was time for the firsh train.Thomas was pleased, "I shan't have to wear it, I shan't have to wear it," he puffed to Annie and Clarabel. "I hope it's all right,"I hope it's all right," they whispered to each other.  The Driver was anxious,too. "It's not bad here," he said to the fireman,"but it's sure to be deep in the valley." It was snowing again when Thomas started, but the rails were not covered. "Silly,soft stuff!Silly,soft stuff!"he puffed. "I didn't need that stupid old thing yesterday;I shan't today. Snow can't stop me." and he rushed into the tunnel,thinking how clever he was.  At the other end he saw a heap of snow fallen from the sides of the sutting.  "Silly old snow," said Thomas.and charged it.  "Cinders and ashes!" said Thomas, "I'm stuck!"-and he was!  "Back! Thomas,back!"said his Driver. THomas tried, but his wheels spun,and he couldn't move.  More snow fell and piled up round him.  The Guard went back for help,while the Driver,Fireman and passengers tried to dig the snow away;but,as fast as they dug,more snow slipped down until Thomas was nearly buried. "Oh,my wheels and coupling rods!"said Thomas sadly,"I shall have to stop here til I'm frozen. What a silly engine I am," and Thomas began to cry.  At last, a tooting in the distance told them a bus had come for the passengers.  Then Terrence chugged through the tunnel. He pulled the empty coaches away, and came back for Thomas.  Thomas' wheels were clear, but still spun helplessly when he tried to move.  Terrence tugged and slipped,and slipped and1

tugged and at last dragged Thomas into the tunnel."Thank you, Terrence, your caterpillars are splendid,"said Thomas gratefully.  "I hope you'll be sensible now, Thomas,"said his Driver severly. "I'll try," said Thomas, as he puffed home.2