Missis said gladly, Oh, Pongo, it’s tomorrow! Now we shall be with our puppies today!€

What They Saw from the Folly

As the night wore on, they travelled through many pretty villages to a countryside wilder than any they had yet seen. There were more woods and heaths, fewer farms. So wild was it that Pongo would risk no short cuts and stuck cautiously to the roads, which were narrow and twisted. The moon was behind clouds, so he could not read what few signposts there were.

I’m so afraid we may go through our village without knowing it,€ he said. For as we have not been able to send any news by the Twilight Barking, nobody will be on the lookout for us.

But he was wrong. Suddenly, out of the darkness, came a loud Miaow.€

They stopped instantly. Just ahead of them, up a tree, was a tabby cat. She said, Pongo and Missis? I suppose you are friendly?

Yes, indeed, madam,€ said Pongo. Are you by any chance the cat who helped to find our puppies?€

That’s me,€ said the cat.

Oh, thank you, thank you!€ cried Missis.

The cat jumped down. Sorry to seem suspicious of you, but some dogs just can’t control themselves when they see a cat not that I’ve ever had any trouble. Well, here you are.€

How very kind of you to keep watch for us, madam,€ said Pongo.

No hardship, I’m usually out at night. You can call me Tib. My real name’s Pussy Willow, but that’s too long for most people a pity, really, as it’s a name I could fancy.€

It suits you so well,€ said Pongo in a courtly tone he had picked up from the Spaniel, with your slender figure and soft grey paws.€ He was taking a chance in saying this, for it was too dark for him to see her figure, let alone her paws.

The cat was delighted. Well, I have kept my figure and it was my paws got me the name Pussy Willow. Now you’ll be wanting a bite of food and a good long rest.€

Please tell us if all is still well with our puppies,€ said Missis.

It was, yesterday afternoon when I last saw them. Lively as crickets and fat as butter, they were.€

Could we see them just a glimpse before we eat or sleep?€ asked Missis.

We can’t climb trees, as Mrs. Willow can,€ said Pongo.

You won’t need to,€ said the cat. The Colonel’s made other arrangements. But you can’t see the puppies before they are let out for exercise, and that’ll be hours yet. Those Badduns are late risers. Well, come along and meet the Colonel.€

A human Colonel?€ asked Missis, puzzled.

Bless me, no. The Colonel’s our Sheepdog. A perfect master of strategy you ask the sheep. He calls me his lieutenant. €