Chapter 2

CHAPTER 2 Toto and Silver weren't entirely sure what the Tube was, where it was and what it did, so they were a little nervous as they followed Catface away from the safety and comfort of their new home. 'So, my little mites, you said you were from Italy. Where exactly, and how in the world did you find yourselves in Camden Town?' Catface asked.

'It's been a pretty strange few weeks to be honest, said Silver. 'We're from Puglia, in the heel of the boot of Italy. We were born in an olive grove and we lived in the roots of a massive, gnarled old olive tree. The grove was beautiful, and huge- the trees went on as far as we could see, which wasn't that far in Toto's case. 'Hmm, the old eyesight a little squiffy, is it?' said Catface. 'Can't say you're on your own there, Toto. I think I'm going to need

some reading glasses myself soon... Go on. 'Well,' said Toto, 'we never really knew our cat mamma and papa- they moved on when we were little. It's the way of the world for cats where we're from. But they left us with some food and we learnt skills to fend for ourselves! 'It was hard, but we had each other,' Silver continued. 'The weather was great, we had lots of olives to eat, and there were small green lizards everywhere. Though they'd always give you a sob story about a wife and eggs back home, so I let most of them go. There were lots of tasty rats though- we LOVED eating them.'

Catface shuddered. 'Are you OK?' asked Silver. 'Fine, fine, just a little chilly,' said Catface hastily. 'So, how did you end up here?' Toto picked up the story. 'Well, to be honest, we were a bit lonely. It's not nice being a stray. The grove was next to a house, and one day our new mamma and papa came to visit. They found us in a tree after a big storm, gave us lots of cuddles and food, and let us sleep inside! Next thing we knew we were on this thing called an aeroplane -no idea how it works, but it fires you into the sky- and here we are, in London. 'Oh, and did we mention that Toto is a nin—' Silver broke off as Toto shot him a look.

'A what?' asked Catface. 'A NIGHT OWL!' replied Toto. I just love the night.' 'Well, that is excellent news,' said Catface, 'as we have a wonderful night ahead of us. They rounded a corner on to Camden High Street, which was deserted apart from a couple of guys with red spiky hair who didn't pay any attention to three cats padding by. Bits of rubbish swirled in the cold wind, and the yellow street lights illuminated the famous red, white and blue of the Tube station. Catface noticed the two cats looking uncertain. 'Oh, don't you worry, my friends, it's perfectly safe. It'll be the ride of your lives!'

Not entirely convinced, the cats followed him across the empty road. 'Listen,' whispered Silver to Toto, 'why did you stop me from telling Catface that you're a ninja? If I had your skills I'd be meowing from the rooftops about them.' 'Silver, being a ninj— a you-know-what -isn't like supporting a football team. I'm an elite warrior with a unique set of skills, ready to be called upon at any time by one of my kind! I can't just tell everyone we meet and let the cat out of the bag... Excuse the pun.' 'Eggy,' said Silver. 'Righty-ho, sorry. I'm just proud of you and, you know, I want us to make a good impression round here!