It was springtime on the branch line. The snow was melting, birds were chirping, and the engines were nervous.

“Last year the line was swept out from under me,” Timothy said, “Be careful on the line, don’t derail.”

“I’ve dealt with flooding too,” replied Clementine, “Don’t talk like you’ve been around this line longer than me.”

“Quiet you two,” The old controller said, “You’ll have your usual work today, just be careful with the weather.”

“Yes sir,” answered the siblings, puffing away. 

Timothy had a coal train to take, and which was heavy and slow. It started raining hard, adding to the flood. The rails were slick due to the water. There was a bridge that went over the river near their sheds. The water usually was several feet below, even though it rises due to being bottlenecked. However, the flood water was splashing up under the bridge. 

“The bridge is becoming unsafe,” said Timothy’s driver, “After we cross I’ll place danger flags and warn the signalman.”

Timothy slowly puffed across, making sure the bridge held. After the flags were laid, he sped away. 

Clementine was sitting at the harbor with some box cars.

“Hurry up!” She called, “I want to get home without spoiling my paint!”

“There’s not much left to do,” replied the workers, “Just wait.”

“Pity how long you take,” Clementine whispered. 

“We’re done, now get going.”

She angrily puffed away, wanting to get back home quickly.

Timothy finished his jobs and was returning home.

“Let’s stop at the signal box to warn the signal man,” said his driver, “I’m sure the bridge is over flooded so far.”

They stopped at the box, and started talking.

However, Clementine was rushing along the line with her cars. Timothy started whistling loudly.

“What’s the problem?” The signalman asked.

“Clementine is coming!” He yelled, “Change the signal to red!”

Clementine rushed by, not seeing the signal.

Clementine saw the flooded line ahead. She applied her brakes, trying to stop.

“It won’t work,” the driver said, “The water is keeping us from slowing.”

She slid across the line, trying to stop. Eventually, she fell down where the bridge once was.

“Ouch!” She yelled. Her fire was out, and her tender was derailed. Timothy rushed over, taking her cars away. Alex, another steam engine, approached with a crane. 

“We can’t get it under you,” said a worker, “Timothy will have to pull you out.”

Almost on cue, Timothy came back to save his sister. He pulled and pulled, and she slowly started to move. Wood and cement were placed to help move her tender back on the line. After a while, she was safe.

“Your foot plates are dented!” Teased Timothy. 

“What else would you expect,” she answered , “I crashed full speed into bricks.”

“At least I was able to save you,” said Timothy.

“I’m glad you were,” Clementine replied, “I’ll be there to save you, and you’ll be there to save me.”

“Until the scrapyard,” Timothy added. The two went to a siding, waiting for repairs and the flooding to stop. They however didn’t know how soon they would be separated.