Chapter 6

CHAPTER 6 Toto, Silver and the helpful stranger ran breathlessly along the riverbank, and then ducked into a shadowy alleyway. Well, that was impressive and very brave, Toto said gratefully. 'Yes, added Silver. 'But how did you know we were in trouble? And why did you help us? And WHO ARE YOU? 'Well, this is one of my local bars, and I've

always hated that bully Elias. So, when I saw there was a spot of bother, I thought I'd come and lend a hand. Even though I know you know how to look after yourself, Toto. 'How do you who I am?' gasped the small, furry ninja. 'Oh, that's quite simple my dear... I'm one of your closest friends, he said, taking off the hat and bowing in a grand sweeping gesture.

'CATFACE!' the kittens said in unison, and jumped on him, nuzzling his face. They were over the moon to see their friend, but Toto still felt confused: 'But you hate fighting? And why are you in disguise?' 'After my frankly weedy attempt at fighting in our last adventure, I've been getting self-defence lessons from Brenda, the King Cobra. And the disguise? Well, I happened to run into Larry earlier, and I thought I'd do my own investigating into this missing cheese. It affects us all you know- very serious business. 'I'd forgotten about the cheese, said Silver, piteously. 'We have no clue where it is. And since our informant double-crossed us, the bad guys will know all about us but

we know nothing about them! It's hopeless.' "That might not be entirely true, brother. When Elias was about to give me a good right hook, I pilfered this from his pocket, said Toto, producing a crumpled piece of paper from her closed up paw. 'You're a GENIUS sis, I bet it's a clue!' Catface, got his reading glasses out of his jacket pocket. 'Ah! It's a peckergram, It's what humans call telegrams- but here in London, the woodpeckers of the royal parks create the telegrams with their beaks. Now, let me see, "Shipment of Fromage STOP Leaving Greenwich STOP Midnight STOP Bring crackers and grapes for journey STOP And something warm to wear STOP Wouldn't want you to catch cold STOP

Lots of love ADF STOP"! The colour drained from his face as he read the last three letters. 'What is it Catface? This is great news, the cheese must be in Greenwich... wherever that is, said Toto. 'Yes, but I'm also pretty certain I know who's behind it, and it's not good news. There's not a moment to spare,' he said as he looked at his watch. '11pm. We need to get moving and fast! But you're going to need new disguises, or they'll recognise us. Luckily, after my chat with Larry I came prepared.' From beneath his coat Catface brought out a couple of stripy Breton tops as well as bandanas. He tied these around the kittens'

heads and stepped back to admire his handiwork. 'Oh, that is quite something, even old Elias himself would think you were part of his motley band! Now for our transport...' Catface launched himself at a nearby lamppost. He climbed to the top, where he perched and started making the strangest and most ungodly SQUAWK the kittens had ever heard in their lives. Toto and Silver held their paws to their ears in shock. What on earth was he doing? Then, through the misty night air, three shapes began to materialise. They were vague at first but they began to get CLOSER and BIGGER and SCARIER! 'Catface, a shrieking voice said out of the