The Railway Series/Funny

"I am a splendid engine," answered James loftily, "ready for anything. You never see my paint dirty." "Oh!" said Toby innocently, "that's why you once needed bootlaces; to be ready, I suppose?" James went redder than ever and snorted off.
 * In Dirty Objects, James mocks Toby's shabby paint. Toby has the last laugh in the conversation.
 * "James," he asked, "why are you red?"