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THE LITTLE ENGINE THAT COULD
Then the animals started back to where the train of cars had stalled. One little steam
Soon they came to a big orange steam engine engine went to the head of the train and the
other to the end of it.
standing on a sidetrack. He was puffing and puffing as if he were tired.
The little animals were sorry, but they went
on.
"He may help us," thought the little animals. They ran alongside and asked, "Will you help us over the hill with our train of cars? It is so long and so heavy that our engine can't get it over."
Then the big orange big orange steam steam engine answered,
"I have just come in from a very long run. Don't you see how tired I am? Can't you get some other engine to help you this time?"
"We'll try," said the little animals, and off they went.
After a little while they came to a little steam engine just like theirs. They ran alongside and said,
"Yes, indeed!" said the second little steam engine. "I'll be glad to help you if I can."
Puff, Puff! Chug, Chug! Choo, Choo! Off they started!
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Slowly the cars began to move. Slowly they climbed the steep hill. As they climbed each little steam engine began to sing,
"I think I can! I think - I - can! I think - I - can! I think I can I think I can.
""
And they did! Very soon they were over the hill and going down the other side.
"Will you help us over the hill with our train Then, as she went merrily on her way she of cars? It is so long and so heavy that our engine can't get it over."
sang to herself,
Now they were on the plain again, and the little steam engine could pull her train herself. Therefore, she thanked the little engine that had come to help her and said goodbye.
"I - thought - I - could! I thought - I - could! I - thought -I- could! I thought - I - could! I thought I could...."
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