The Fat Controller and his family go on holiday, though things start to go wrong. A low-flying bi-plane named Tiger Moth goes missing, so the Fat Controller and Harold search for it. He decides to go boating on a canal instead, though they become bogged down in mud.

Thomas tells James to think of others and that he will be much happier if he does. Later, James sees Mrs. Kyndley, who is upset her sister can't come and visitor. A "mystery tour" is arranged for her, and James is chosen for it.