THE RAILWAY CHILDREN – E NESBIT

When Father goes away with two strangers one evening, the lives of Roberta, Peter, and Phyllis are shattered. They and their mother must move from their comfortable London home to a simple country cottage, where Mother writes books to make ends meet. However, they soon come to love the railway that runs near their cottage and make a habit of waving to the Old Gentleman who rides on it. They befriend the porter, Perks, and through him learn railway lore and much more. They have many adventures, and when they save a train from disaster, the Old Gentleman helps them solve the mystery of their father’s disappearance, reuniting the family happily.