Mr. Hughes works at the Grumbly Gas Works and is an animal lover who likes to keeps budgies. Jones the Steam took an injured baby elephant (Alice) straight to him for help. Mr. Hughes was initially reluctant to help, as he knew nothing about elephants, but on seeing Alice, she melted his heart and he made her feel very welcome. He used an old sheet to bandage her foot. While Jones tried to find where she came from, Mr. Hughes made Alice comfortable with a bed from old sacks and a canvas screen to protect her from the weather. He fetched stale loaves from the baker for her to eat, and even set up a gas fire to keep her warm.