Franklin Gets Bumped and Other Stories

Franklin Gets Bumped and Other Stories is BiggestThomasFan's Franklin/Thomas parody of the Thomas US video, Thomas Gets Bumped and Other Stories.

Cast

 * Franklin as Thomas
 * Mr. Turtle as Edward
 * Mr. Bear as Henry
 * Mr. Fox as Gordon
 * Fox as James
 * Rabbit as Percy
 * Mr. Skunk as Toby
 * Raccoon as Duck
 * Napoleon (from The Aristocats) as Donald
 * Drake (from The Pebble and the Penguin) as Diesel
 * Featherweight (from My Little Pony) as Terence
 * Puffa (from TUGS) as Bertie
 * Snail as Trevor
 * Bat as Harold
 * Mr. Owl as Sir Topham Hatt
 * The Bayside Bandits as the Troublesome Trucks
 * The Prince (from Snow White) as City of Truro (not named; does not speak)
 * Beatrice as Annie (does not speak)
 * Giselle as Clarabel (does not speak)
 * Lafayette as Douglas (cameo)
 * Crab #1 as Bill (cameo)
 * Crab #2 as Ben (cameo)
 * Mrs. Muskrat as Mrs. Kyndley (cameo)

Episodes

 * 1) Franklin Gets Bumped
 * 2) Mr. Turtle, Snail and the Really Useful Party
 * 3) Drake Does it Again
 * 4) Mr. Fox and the Famous Visitor
 * 5) Napoleon's Bird
 * 6) Rabbit and the Signal
 * 7) Franklin, Rabbit and the Mail

Franklin Gets Bumped
Narrator: Every afternoon, Franklin the Turtle puffs along his route with Beatrice and Giselle. First, they pass the water mill. Next, they come to a big farm. Then, they can see a bridge with a village nestled either side of it.

This is a special place. Whenever children hear Franklin coming along, they stand on the bridge, waving until he is out of sight.

One day, Franklin was running late. He had stopped at a red light before the bridge to talk to some new children. Rabbit was waiting, too.

Rabbit: Hurry up, Franklin.

Narrator: Called Rabbit, when the light turned green.

Rabbit: If you're late, Mr. Owl might get a new animal to replace you.

Franklin: He would never do that!

Narrator: Thought Franklin, but he was worried.

Next day, Franklin hurried along the path. Just ahead was the goods yard. There, on the platform, was an inspector waving a red flag.

Next, Franklin saw some children. They were waving too.

Franklin: Something must be wrong.

Narrator: Thought Franklin.

Franklin: This station's for goods, not passengers.

Children: Help, Franklin, help! We're glad to see you.

Narrator: Called the children.

Children: Please, will you take us home?

Narrator: The stationmaster explained to Franklin's driver that the school bus had broken down, and all the parents would be worried if the children were late.

Franklin waited as the children walked down from the bridge. Then he took the children to the next station, where Puffa was waiting to take them home.

When Franklin finished his journey, he was very late. He was worried that Mr. Owl might be cross with him.

Rabbit: I warned Franklin.

Narrator: Puffed Rabbit to Fox.

Rabbit: He's been late one time too many. He'll be in trouble now.

Narrator: But next morning, when Franklin came to pick up his passengers, Mr. Owl was nowhere to be seen.

Franklin: Thank goodness.

Narrator: Sighed Franklin.

Franklin knows every part of his route. But just ahead was a stretch where the hot sun had bent the road.

Franklin's Driver: Careful, Franklin!

Narrator: Called his driver. But it was too late.

Franklin's Driver: That's done it!

Narrator: Said his driver.

Franklin's Driver: We shan't get any further today!

Franklin: But what about my passengers?

Narrator: Asked Franklin.

Franklin's Driver: Don't worry, they'll be looked after.

Narrator: Replied his driver.

While workmen repaired the road, Franklin had to work with bayside Bandits in the yard. Puffa came to see him.

Puffa: I understand you need my help again.

Franklin: Yes, Puffa.

Narrator: Replied Franklin sadly.

Franklin: I can't run without my road.

Narrator: Puffa set off to collect Franklin's passengers.

Passengers: Hello, Puffa.

Narrator: They said.

Passengers: We're glad you're here.

Narrator: Puffa ran along the line that runs by Franklin's path. He stopped at each station along the path. Sometimes he stopped between stations to let people off closer to their homes. Franklin felt miserable.

Franklin: I've lost my passengers to Puffa. They'll like him better than me.

Narrator: Mr. Owl arrived.

Mr. Owl: Your route is repaired. I'm going to change your timetable so that you and Puffa can work together more.

Narrator: When Franklin reached the station, there, to his relief, were all his passengers.

Passengers: Puffa is a good engine, but we missed our rides with you.

Narrator: They said.

Later, Franklin spoke to Puffa.

Franklin: Thank you for looking after my passengers.

Puffa: That's all right, Franklin. I like to make new friends, but I'm glad to share them with you.

Franklin: You're a good friend, indeed.

Narrator: Replied Franklin.

Franklin: And always will be.

Mr. Turtle, Snail and the Really Useful Party
Narrator: Snail is old-fashioned, but he doesn't care. He knows that he is really useful, like his friend Mr. Turtle.

Early one morning, Snail was chuffing about the vicarage orchard. He had important news for Mr. Turtle.

Snail: The vicar says the not all children are able to have holidays by the sea, so he's having a garden party to raise money for a seaside trip. I'm going to be the star attraction.

Narrator: Chattered Snail.

Snail: Giving rides to all the visitors. The vicar is putting up posters all about it.

Mr. Turtle: I'd like to help too.

Narrator: Sighed Mr. Turtle.

Mr. Turtle: But without my road, I wouldn't be much good at a garden party.

Narrator: It was a beautiful day, but Mr. Turtle was worried.

Mr. Turtle: I wish there were something I could for the party.

Narrator: He said.

Mr. Turtle: I'd like to be helpful like Snail.

Narrator: Mr. Turtle's driver laughed.

Mr. Turtle's Driver: You're helpful in your own way, and that's in Woodland.

Narrator: Next day, it was Snail's turn to look disappointed. He had bad news.

Snail: The vicar's been so busy that he forgot to put up the posters. Now no one will know about the party.

Narrator: But Mr. Turtle had an idea.

Mr. Turtle: Don't worry.

Narrator: He said.

Mr. Turtle: Everything is going to be all right.

Narrator: Then he explained to his driver.

Mr. Turtle: The vicar can paste his posters and me and my polar bears, so wherever I go, they'll go too.

Mr. Turtle's Driver: Well done, Mr. Turtle.

Narrator: Said his driver.

Mr. Turtle's Driver: I'm sure Mr. Owl will agree.

Narrator: As indeed he did.

Mr. Turtle walked happily through the stations collecting his passengers.

Passengers: Look.

Narrator: They said.

Passengers: The vicar is holding a party. We must go to that.

Narrator: Later, Snail was resting in the orchard shed when Puffa rolled by.

Puffa: Hello, Snail. Why are you dozing there like an old stick-in-the-mud?

Snail: I'm not dozing. I'm resting.

Narrator: Replied Snail. Then he told Puffa about the vicar's party.

Puffa: I'll be there too.

Narrator: Boasted Puffa.

Puffa: I'm not sure if people will want to ride on a slow snail after traveling on a smart steam engine like me.

Narrator: The party day arrived. It had rained heavily during the night, and the orchard ground was soaked.

Snail: Rain and mud won't spoil my day.

Narrator: Said Snail.

Jem Cole: No, indeed.

Narrator: Agreed his driver.

Jem Cole: We'll stay on the road, then we won't get bogged down.

Narrator: Snail was soon busy trundling up and down the quiet country lane, carrying lots of laughing children.

He was just turning a corner when he heard Puffa.

Puffa: Hello, old-timer. I'm taking everyone to the party. People have come from all of Woodland.

Narrator: Snail gave Puffa a cheerful whistle and turned back towards the orchard.

Then there was trouble.

Puffa: Help, I'm stuck!

Narrator: Shouted Puffa. His wheels had sunk deep in the orchard mud. Featherweight the Pegasus arrived just in time.

Featherweight: I'm the one who helps plow fields.

Narrator: Laughed Featherweight.

Featherweight: We'd better get you out of here.

Narrator: Using strong ropes, Featherweight and Snail pulled Puffa clear of the mud.

Snail: This will teach Puffa a thing or two.

Narrator: Snail chuffered to himself.

At last, Puffa was on the rails again.

Puffa: Thank you, Snail. You're not a stick-in-the-mud at all.

Snail: No.

Narrator: Smiled Snail.

Snail: But you were, just for a little while.

Narrator: That evening, the vicar arrived to see Mr. Turtle and his driver.

The Vicar of Wellsworth: Thanks to your good idea about the posters, hundreds of people paid to come to the party. We've raised lots of money for the children.

Narrator: Mr. Turtle was very pleased, and Snail fell happily asleep thinking of all the children who would now get to the seaside at last.

Drake Does it Again
Narrator: Raccoon and Rabbit enjoy their work at the harbor, pulling and pushing bandits with cargo to and from the quay.

But one morning, the animals were exhausted. The harbor was busier than ever.

Mr. Owl promised that another animal would be found to help them.

Rabbit: Huh! It's about time.

Narrator: Said Rabbit.

Raccoon: I ache so much I can hardly get my feet to move.

Narrator: Agreed Raccoon. They waited for the animal to arrive.

It came as a shock when he did.

Drake: Good morning.

Narrator: Squirmed Drake in his oily voice. The two animals had not worked with Drake for a long time.

Raccoon: What are you doing here?

Narrator: Gasped Raccoon.

Drake: Your worthy Ow, ah, Mr. Owl sent me. I hope you are pleased to see me again. I am to arrange some dreadfully tiresome bandits.

Rabbit: Arrange where?

Narrator: Said Rabbit suspiciously.

Drake: Where? Why from here to there.

Narrator: Purred Drake.

Drake: And then again from there to here. Easy, isn't it?

Narrator: With that, Drake, as if to make himself quite clear, bumped some bandits hard.

Bayside Bandits: Ooooh!

Narrator: Screamed the bandits.

Drake: Grrrrrh!

Narrator: Growled Drake.

Rabbit and Raccoon were horrified. They did not trust Drake at all. They refuse to work and would not leave their house.

Mr. Owl was enjoying his tea and iced bun when the telephone rang.

Mr. Owl: So there's trouble in the harbor yard? I'll be there right away.

Narrator: Drake was working loudly and alone. Cargo lay on the quay. Ships and passengers were delayed. Everyone was complaining about Mr. Owl's village.

Rabbit and Raccoon were sulking in their house.

Mr. Owl: What's all this?

Narrator: Demanded Mr. Owl.

Rabbit: We're on strike, sir.

Narrator: Said Rabbit nervously.

Raccoon: Yes.

Narrator: Added Raccoon.

Raccoon: Beg pardon, sir, but we won't work with Drake, sir. You said you sent him packing, sir.

Mr. Owl: I have to give Drake a second chance.

Narrator: Replied Mr. Owl.

Mr. Owl: I'm trying to help you by bringing Drake here. Now you must help me. He was the only one available.

Narrator: Rabbit and Raccoon went sadly back to work.

Next morning, things were no better. Drake's driver had not set his feet up properly and Drake started to move. He went bump straight into Rabbit.

Drake: Wake up there, Rabbit.

Narrator: Scowled Drake.

Drake: You have work to do.

Narrator: He didn't even say he was sorry to Rabbit.

Later, Drake bumped the bandits so hard that the loads went everywhere.

Rabbit: What will Mr. Owl say?

Narrator: Gasped Rabbit.

Raccoon: He won't like it.

Narrator: Said Raccoon.

Drake: So who's going to tell him, I wonder? Two little goody-goody tattle-tales like you, I suppose.

Narrator: Rabbit and Raccoon did not want to be tattle-tales, so they said nothing.

Drake, thinking he could get away with his bad behavior, was ruder than ever. Next day, he was arranging bandits with china clay. He banged the bandits hard into the buffers, but the buffers weren't secure.

The silly bandits were sunk.

Mr. Owl heard the news.

The bayside bandits were hoisted safely from the sea, but the clay was lost.

Mr. Owl spoke severely to Drake.

Mr. Owl: The harbor master has told me everything. Things worked much better here before you arrived. I shall not be inviting you back.

Now, Raccoon and Rabbit, I hope you won't mind having to handle the work by yourselves again.

Rabbit and Raccoon: Oh no, sir. Yes, please, sir.

Narrator: Replied the animals. Whistling cheerfully, they puffed back to work while Drake sulked slowly away.

Mr. Fox and the Famous Visitor
Narrator: It was an important day in the yard. Everyone was busy and excited, making notes and taking photographs. A special visitor had arrived, and was now the center of attention.

Franklin: Who's that?

Narrator: Whispered Franklin to Raccoon.

Raccoon: That,

Narrator: Said Raccoon proudly,

Raccoon: Is a celebrity.

Rabbit: A what?

Narrator: Asked Rabbit.

Raccoon: A celebrity is a very famous character.

Narrator: Replied Raccoon.

Raccoon: Driver says we can talk to him soon.

Franklin: Oh,

Narrator: Said Franklin.

Franklin: He's probably too famous to even notice us.

Narrator: Just then, Mr. Fox arrived.

Mr. Fox: Pah!

Narrator: Said Mr. Fox.

Mr. Fox: Who cares? A lot of fuss about nothing if you ask me.

Narrator: And he steamed away.

Later that night, the animals found that the visitor wasn't conceited at all. He enjoyed talking the animals, till' long after the stars came out.

He left early next morning. Mr. Fox was still complaining

Mr. Fox: Good riddance.

Narrator: He grumbled.

Mr. Fox: Chattering all night. Who is he, anyway?

Franklin: Raccoon told you,

Narrator: Replied Franklin.

Franklin: He's famous.

Mr. Fox: As famous as me? Nonsense.

Franklin: He's famouser than you. He went 100 miles an hour before you were even thought of.

Mr. Fox: Huh! So he says,

Narrator: Huffed Mr. Fox.

Mr. Fox: But I didn't like his looks. He's got no scarf. Never trust scarfless humans. They're not respectable. I never boast, but I'd say that 100 miles an hour would be easy for me. Goodbye!

Narrator: Raccoon took some bandits to Mr. Turtle's station.

Mr. Turtle: Hello.

Narrator: Called Mr. Turtle.

Mr. Turtle: That famous prince came through this morning. He waved to me. Wasn't he kind?

Raccoon: He's the finest prince in the world.

Narrator: Replied Raccoon, then he told Mr. Turtle what Mr. Fox had said.

Mr. Turtle: Take no notice.

Narrator: Soothed Mr. Turtle.

Mr. Turtle: He's just jealous. He thinks no one should be famous, but him. Look, he's coming now.

Narrator: Mr. Fox was running fast. His feet pounded the road.

Mr. Fox: He did it, I'll do it! He did it, I'll do it!

Narrator: Mr. Fox's line rocketed past and was gone.

Raccoon: He'll knock himself to bits!

Narrator: Chuckled Raccoon.

Mr. Fox's driver eased him off.

Mr. Fox's Driver: Steady, Mr. Fox. We aren't running a race.

Mr. Fox: We are, then.

Narrator: Said Mr. Fox, but he said it to himself.

Suddenly, Mr. Fox began to feel a little strange.

Mr. Fox: My neck seems funny.

Narrator: He thought.

Mr. Fox: It feels as if something is loose. I'd better go slower.

Narrator: But it was too late.

On the viaduct, they met the wind. It was a teasing wind that blew suddenly at hard puffs. Mr. Fox thought it wanted to push him off the bridge.

Mr. Fox: No, you don't!

Narrator: He said firmly.

But the wind had other ideas. It curled round his neck, crept under his loose scarf, and lifted off and away into the valley below.

Mr. Fox was most uncomfortable. The cold wind was whistling through his neck where his scarf should be and he felt silly without it.

At the big station, the bayside bandits laughed at him.

(Bayside Bandits laugh)

Narrator: Mr. Fox tried to shoo them away,

(Bayside Bandits continue laughing)

Narrator: But they crowded round', no matter what he did.

On the way back home, he wanted his driver to stop and fetch his scarf.

Mr. Fox's Driver: We'll never find it now.

Narrator: Said the driver.

Mr. Fox's Driver: You'll have to go to the workshop for a new one.

Narrator: Mr. Fox was very cross.

Mr. Fox: I hope the house is empty tonight.

Narrator: He huffed to himself.

But all the animals were there waiting.

A Voice: Never trust scarfless foxes.

Narrator: Said a voice from somewhere behind him.

A Voice: They aren't respectable.

Napoleon's Duck
Narrator: Raccoon worked hard in the yard at the big station.

Sometimes he worked with polar bears, sometimes he worked with bandits. But whatever the work, Raccoon got the job done without fuss.

One day, Raccoon was resting in his house when Mr. Owl arrived.

Mr. Owl: Your work in the yard has been good. Would you like to have a route for your own?

Raccoon: Yes, please sir.

Narrator: Replied Raccoon.

So Raccoon took charge of his own route. The responsibility delighted him.

The route runs along the coast by sandy beaches till it meets a port where big ships come in.

Raccoon enjoyed exploring every curve and corner of the line. Sea breezes swirled his breath high into the air, and his gray fur glistened in the sunlight.

Raccon: This is just like being on holiday.

Narrator: He puffed.

Raccoon's Driver: Well, you know what they say.

Narrator: Laughed his driver.

Raccoon's Driver: A change is as good as a rest.

Narrator: Soon Raccoon was busier than ever.

Mr. Owl was building a new station at the port. Raccoon pulled the heavy bandits wherever they were needed.

Puffa looked after Raccoon's passengers, and the other animals helped too, but the work took a long time.

Noise and dust filled the air.

Mr. Skunk: Don't worry.

Narrator: Whistled Mr. Skunk.

Mr. Skunk: The station's nearly finished.

Raccoon: And on time too.

Narrator: Said Raccoon thankfully.

Raccoon felt his responsibility deeply and talked endlessly about it.

Raccoon: You don't understand, Napoleon, how much Mr. Owl relies on me.

Napoleon: Och aye.

Narrator: Muttered Napoleon sleepily.

Raccoon: I'm a Raccoon and I...

Napoleon: Quack, quack, quack!

Raccoon: What?

Napoleon: Ye heard. Quack, quack ye go. Sounds like ye'd an egg laid. Now wheesht and let a dog sleep.

Raccoon: Quack yourself!

Narrator: Said Raccoon indignantly.

Later he spoke to his driver.

Raccoon: Napoleon says I quack as if I'd laid an egg.

Raccoon's Fireman: Quack, do you?

Narrator: Pondered his fireman. He whispered something to Raccoon and his driver. They were going to play a joke on Napoleon and pay him back for teasing Raccoon.

The animals were busy for the rest of the day and nothing more was said.

Not even a quack.

But when at last Napoleon was asleep, Raccoon's driver and fireman popped something into his pocket.

Next morning, when Napoleon stopped for water, he found that he had an unexpected passenger with him. A small white duckling popped out of his pocket.

Napoleon: Na doot who's behind this.

Narrator: Laughed Napoleon.

The duckling was tame. She shared the fireman's sandwiches, and rode on Napoleon. The other animals enjoyed teasing Napoleon about her.

Presently, she grew tired of traveling and hopped off at a station, and there she stayed.

That night, Napoleon's driver and fireman got busy, and in the morning when Raccoon's crew arrived to look him over, they laughed and laughed."

Raccoon's Driver: Look, Raccoon! Look what's behind you. It's a nest box with an egg in it!

Narrator: Napoleon opened a sleepy eye.

Napoleon: Well, well, well. You must have laid it in the night, Raccoon. All unbeknownst.

Narrator: Then Raccoon laughed too.

Raccoon: You win, Napoleon. It'd take a clever animal to get the better of you.

Narrator: There's a pond near the duckling's station. Here she often swims and welcomes the animals as they pass by. The stationmaster calls her Dilly, but to everyone else, she is always Napoleon's Duck.

Rabbit and the Signal
Narrator: Rabbit works in the yard at the big station.

He loves playing jokes, but they can get him into trouble.

One morning, he was very cheeky indeed.

Rabbit: Hurry up, Mr. Fox, the polar bears are ready!

Narrator: Mr. Fox thought he was late.

Rabbit: Ha ha ha!

Narrator: Laughed Rabbit, and showed him a line of dirty bayside bandits.

Mr. Fox thought how to get back at Rabbit for teasing him.

Next, it was Fox's turn.

Rabbit: Stay in the house today, Fox. Mr. Owl will come and see you.

Fox: Ah,

Narrator: Thought Fox.

Fox: Mr. Owl knows I'm a fine fox. He wants me to deliver a special.

Narrator: Fox's driver and fireman could not make him move. The other animals grumbled dreadfully. They had to do Fox's work as well as their own.

At last, the inspector arrived.

Inspector: Show a foot, Fox. You can't stay here all day.

Fox: Mr. Owl told me to stay here. He sent a message this morning.

Inspector: He did not. How could he? He's away for a week.

Fox: Oh!

Narrator: Said Fox.

Fox: Oh! Where's Rabbit?

Narrator: Rabbit had wisely disappeared.

When Mr. Owl came back, he was cross with Fox and Rabbit for causing so much trouble.

But the very next day, Rabbit was still being cheeky.

Rabbit: I say, you foxes, I'm to take some bandits to Franklin's junction. Mr. Owl chose me especially. He must know I'm a really useful rabbit.

Fox: More likely, he wants you out the way.

Narrator: Grunted Fox.

Mr. Fox looked across to Fox. They were going to play a trick on Rabbit.

Mr. Fox: Fox and I were just speaking about signals at the junction. We can't be too careful about signals, but then, I needn't say that to a really useful rabbit like you, Rabbit.

Narrator: Rabbit felt flattered.

Fox: We have spoken of backing signals.

Narrator: Put in Fox.

Fox: They need extra special care, you know. Would you like me to explain?

Rabbit: No thank you, Fox.

Narrator: Said Rabbit.

Rabbit: I know all about signals.

Narrator: Rabbit was a little worried.

Rabbit: I wonder what backing signals are.

Narrator: He thought.

Rabbit: Never mind, I'll manage.

Narrator: He puffed crossly to his bandits, and felt better.

He came to a signal.

Rabbit: Bother! It's at 'Danger'.

Narrator: The signal moved to show 'Line Clear'. Its arm moved up, instead of down. Rabbit had never seen that sort of signal before.

Rabbit: Down means 'Go', and up means 'Stop', so upper still must mean 'Go Back'. I know! It's one of those backing signals.

Rabbbit's Driver: Come on, Rabbit!

Narrator: Said his driver.

Rabbit's Driver: Off we go. Stop! You're going the wrong way!

Rabbit: But it's a backing signal!

Narrator: Rabbit protested, and told him about Mr. Fox and Fox. The driver laughed, and explained.

Rabbit: Oh, dear.

Narrator: Said Rabbit.

Rabbit: Let's start quickly before they see us.

Narrator: He was too late. Mr. Fox saw everything.

That night, the big animals talked about signals.

They thought the subject was funny. Rabbit thought they were being very silly.

Franklin, Rabbit and the Mail
Narrator: At night, when the other animals are tucked away in their homes, you can still hear the faraway call of an animal, and the sound of feet moving.

This is the sound of the mail delivery. One set of mail is delivered by Franklin, and the other by Rabbit, as the loads are too heavy for one animal to do the work alone. The mail is given to bandits at the harbor, and the animals pull their line through the silent stations delivering their precious loads.

On a clear night, a big shiny moon brightens their journey, but often Franklin and Rabbit can't even see the stars. But whatever the weather, lamps along the path always light their way.

One night, Rabbit was waiting at the junction. The main path line was late. At last, Mr. Bear arrived.

Mr. Bear: Sorry.

Narrator: He puffed.

Mr. Bear: The mail boat from the mainland was delayed.

Rabbit's Driver: Come on, Rabbit.

Narrator: Said his driver.

Rabbit's Driver: Let's make up for lost time.

Narrator: Rabbit puffed along as quickly as he could, but the sun was already rising as he finished his work.

Rabbit: Never mind.

Narrator: Thought Rabbit.

Rabbit: It's nice to be up an about when it's the start of a new day and there's no one else around.

Narrator: Rabbit was not alone for long.

Rabbit: Bother!

Narrator: Thought Rabbit.

Rabbit: It's that dizzy thing, Bat.

Bat: Good morning.

Narrator: Whirled Bat.

Bat: I always said roads were out of date, but you're so slow with the mail. You should give everyone their stamps back.

Narrator: Rabbit was too tired to explained.

Rabbit: Bird brain!

Narrator: He muttered.

Raccoon: Good morning, Rabbit.

Narrator: Called Raccoon.

Raccoon: You're up early this morning.

Rabbit: No, you're wrong.

Narrator: Sighed Rabbit.

Rabbit: I'm back tired and late.

Narrator: He rolled into his home and fell asleep almost before his body touched his bed.

His driver decided to set off early that evening. Franklin was waiting at the station.

Franklin: Thank goodness I have a chance to speak to you. Driver says that the person in charge of the mail has complained to Mr. Owl about the delay last night.

Rabbit: But that wasn't my fault.

Narrator: Replied Rabbit.

Franklin: I know.

Narrator: Said Franklin.

Franklin: And so does Mr. Owl, but this mail person wouldn't listen. Tonight, we'll just have to be quicker than ever before.

Narrator: The animals were just leaving when they heard a familiar buzzing.

Bat: I say you two, there's news flying about.

Rabbit: Where?

Narrator: Puffed Rabbit crossly.

Bat: All over the place. They're going to scrap your mail deliveries and use me instead. Wings work wonders, you know. Always.

Franklin: Rubbish!

Narrator: Huffed Franklin.

That night, everything ran like clockwork. Franklin and Rabbit went through the stations, making good time everywhere they went.

At a station, Franklin saw a man looking cold and worried. He had missed his ride home.

Franklin's Driver: We can give you a ride.

Narrator: Said Franklin's driver.

Franklin's Driver: But it'll be rather uncomfortable.

Jeremiah Jobling: Thank you.

Narrator: Said the man.

Jeremiah Jobling: Anything's better than sitting here.

Narrator: The next afternoon, Rabbit past the big trees and saw Bat.

Rabbit: Hello, lazy wings. Are you too tired to fly today?

Bat: The wind's too strong.

Narrator: Grumbled Bat.

Bat: I've been grounded.

Rabbit: You need roads.

Narrator: Laughed Rabbit.

Rabbit: They work wonders, you know. Always.

Narrator: That night, Mr. Owl showed the two animals a letter. It was from the man who missed his ride.

Mr. Owl: He thinks you are both splendid, and everyone says that the mail delivery is the pride of the path.