The Escape

The Escape is a magazine story.

Plot
One of Percy's favourite places is the the big wildlife park. Sometimes he takes the train which stops at the park's halt. He loves seeing all the animals, but is particularly fond of two giraffes named Gerald and Sally because he had made a special trip to bring them to the park. The park manager is good friends with Percy and they like to chat. Sometimes, they chat for so long that Percy runs behind schedule, but he usually makes up time.

One day, when Percy stopped at the halt, the park manager came running over. He explains to Percy that he is to meet the chief of police as one of the park's animals has escaped. Percy asks which animal is missing and the manager tells him that it's a lion. The manager boards Percy's train and the little green engine hurries on his way.

They had not gone far when Percy approaches a bend. Ahead, he can see something on the track and as he slows to a stop, he can see its the escaped lion. Percy doesn't know what to do and nor does his driver, but the park manager does; they were used to the lion and did not get frightened. They shoot the lion with a special tranquiliser gun. When the lion was asleep, they lifted the lion gently into the brakevan. The guard is not happy, but the gamekeepers assure him it will be okay. Percy takes his passengers to their stations and then makes a special trip back to the park.

Characters

 * Percy