Gordon believes Toby isn't a proper engine, which makes Toby nervous when he has to look after Wellsworth while Edward is at Brendam. He is uncertain he can do it but Thomas manages to encourage him The test comes when Gordon gets stuck on the hill and Toby has to push him.

Thomas had taken coal trucks all night, and is very tired the next morning. He takes on three jobs: taking chickens to market, sheep to the farm, and children to school. Gordon remarks that really useful engines do not need help, so Thomas decides he doesn't need it. Lack of sleep gets the better of him as he mixes the jobs up.