04-I'M TOO FOND OF MY WHISKERS!

I'M TOO FOND OF MY WHISKERS! Teeth chattering, I entered a dark and GLOOMY hall. Suddenly, another bolt of lightning struck close by. The blood-red windowpanes glowed like the eyes of a hungry cat.

I jumped. Talk about a fur-raising experience! I headed down a dark corridor. It led to a heavy wooden door. "M-m-may I c-c-come in? Anybody h-h-home?" I stuttered, pushing open the door. In front of me was a huge room filled with antique furniture. Dust and cobwebs hung over the sofas like unwanted guests the morning after a party. Gigantic paintings of cats from centuries long ago covered the walls. I was glad not to be living in that period! Too many cats back then. Then I noticed a velvet wall hanging with embroidered writing, It read: This castle belongs to the most honorable Duke Bigpaw Cannycat. Cannycat? That reminded me of something. I closed my eyes and pictured my

precious set of the Encyclopaedia Ratannica. Now, what was that I had read about Cannycat??? Oh, yes, of course! The Cannycats were leaders in the great battle of Raterloo. It took place in 1754. The cats and rats fought courageously with paws and claws. Of course, as every mouse knows, the rodents won. Since Raterloo, there have been no cats on our island. Just then, I noticed a plaque above the fireplace. I crept closer for a look. My whiskers began to tremble as I read the writing: "Oh, you foolish rodent who has made It thus far, I bet you don't know how unlucky you are! Retrace your steps and hit the old trail. if you wish to save your miserable tail! Meooow!!!"

Now I was shaking all over. I started to back away and bumped into a bookcase. A big fat book landed on my right paw. Cheese niblets! That book weighed more than a ten-ton block of cheddar! I shrieked, hopping around like the Easter Rat.

Seconds later, I tripped over the carpet. I landed snout-first in the fireplace. Now I was covered in ashes from head to tail! How would I explain this mess to Starchette, the cute mouse down at my dry cleaners? I tried to grab the edge of the fireplace but missed. Instead, I grabbed a doily with a HEAVY silver tray on it. The tray bonked me on the head. Rotten rats' teeth! I was going to have some lump on my head.

I wouldn't be able to wear a hat for weeks! Of course, I never really wear a hat. It would clash with my suit and tie. But now I wouldn't have a choice. I sighed, leaning against a suit of armor standing beside the fireplace. Big mistake. The armor tumbled to the floor. Whoosh! A sharp hatchet nearly took off my snout! I'M TOO FOND OF MY WHISKERS!!! I got up in a daze, trying to steady myself. Then I noticed a mirror over the fireplace. I peered