Chapter 2

CHAPTER 2 'Toto! Silver! I say, over here!' cried Catface, waving at his young friends. The cats had reached Paddington station, the great Victorian gateway to the west of Britain. They were old hands at using the ANIMAL TUBE now, which was how most animals travelled around the big city of London. But the main Paddington terminal was a whole new experience. They had

exited the Animal Tube right below platform number one where a GIGANTIC, HISSING LOCOMOTIVE stood waiting. It looked very fancy, with shining wooden doors and window frames, and carriages painted in a regal racing green. 'It's much bigger than the Tube, sis,' said Silver, in awe. Both cats were very excited to be taking their first real train journey, especially as it was taking place overnight in a sleeper carriage. Catface had explained that this was a particularly wonderful train- a vintage Belmond Pullman, which humans only used for SPECIAL OCCASIONS. They trotted over to their friend. Toto had to admit, her early fears had been replaced

with excitement about her first music festival. As always, Catface was dressed like the ECCENTRIC English gentleman he was. He wore a pale-yellow linen suit, his trademark cravat, trousers that were

tucked into knee-high cream socks, a pair of brown brogues and a waxed green peak cap. He looked both COOL and ODD, which kind of summed him up! 'My friends, where are your festival outfits?' he asked with a tinge of disappointment in his voice. 'Well,' Toto began, 'we didn't really know what you meant by "FESTIVAL CHIC". And, more importantly, we don't own any clothes...' 'Hmm, that is an excellent point. I suppose fur does the trick, eh? Still, no matter, we'll get you some suitable attire on site. LET'S GET ON BOARD, shall we?' Silver gulped and began to climb on to the roof of the carriage, which is where

they sat when they used the Animal Tube. 'Silver, where the devil are you going?' asked Catface. 'Err, I'm boarding the train... aren't I?' 'Oh no,' Catface laughed, 'we don't travel on the roof! We'd get blown right off in the outside world.' Catface climbed on to the wheelset of the train and opened a small door, just below the human doors, about cat height in size. He leant back, took his hat off and waved it in the air. 'No, my friends: today, we travel in STYLE! Follow me,' he said grandly, then disappeared through the tiny entrance. The cats eagerly climbed up on to the wheelset and poked their heads through

the small door. 'Oh, sis, you are going to LOOOOVE this!' Silver smiled. Silver described what he could see to his sister. There was a narrow corridor lined with dark mahogany walls and dimmed yellow wall lights. Several doors were open along the carriage, all of which opened to small but cosy-looking berths, each with two single beds AND AN ORNATE SINK. The cats padded excitedly down the corridor and found their cabin. (And, being kittens, they immediately had a quick jump on their beds.) The train was abuzz with activity. Conductors were CHECKING TICKETS, guards were making sure all the animals