Henry's Hoax

"My valves ache and my water's warm!" "That won't stop you from working!"

- Henry and Percy

Henry's Hoax is a magazine story.

Plot
Henry is feeling lazy. He doesn't want to work and so complains that his valves ache and his water's warm. Percy tells him that that isn't a good enough reason to be spared work, but Henry has another idea. When his driver arrives, Henry hisses weakly. The driver thinks Henry's lost his voice and concludes that Henry must go to the Works to be mended. Soon, Henry was being escorted to the Works by Percy, he is shocked to see that it's full of ill engines. Henry expected it to be more like a holiday! Soon, a mechanic came to inspect him. This time Henry changes his tune, and tells the mechanic that his voice has returned and that he would like to go back to work. This wasn't good enough for the mechanic, who is determined to find out why Henry lost his voice, and he starts stripping and cleaning parts.

Later, his driver returns and the mechanic winks at him. He tells the driver that Henry is not in good shape and may have to retire and become a hen house! Henry is horrified and blurts out that he was only pretending to lose his voice! The Fat Controller overhears Henry's confession and is very cross. He tells Henry that he takes a dim view on lazy engines and, although he won't be retired, he will pull goods trains for a month. Henry is upset, but relieved and promises never to play hoaxes again!

Characters

 * Henry
 * Percy
 * Sir Topham Hatt

An engine, possibly Gordon, can be seen having a boiler replaced.

Goofs

 * Blotches of yellow appear on the second illustration.
 * Henry should have known what the Works were like.