Chapter 4

CHAPTER 4 With the sound of the rain tapping on the roof of the train, and with the warmth of being all cuddled together, the cats eventually dropped off to sleep. By the time they awoke they had almost finished their journey into the wilds of Scotland. While Catface knew the country well, the rest of the cats were taken aback by its beauty. As the train snaked its way over a viaduct, the cats looked out on to a picturesque loch that stretched as far as the eye could see. On each side

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of the water, the mountains grew steep, turning into snow-lined peaks that looked to the cats as close to the stars as they could imagine. 'I've never seen such a sight,' Socks said, amazed. 'Bellissimo. I had no idea Britain was this beautiful,' sighed Silver as he explained the view to Toto. Catface smiled. 'Quite something, isn't it? I'll never forget the first time I saw Scotland; my mother took me up to meet family as a little baby rat. Now, Glenview shouldn't be far, so let's get ready and keep our wits about us. If these Meowsiders are anything to go by, I can't imagine we'll get the best reception. 'Exactly,' Toto agreed. 'And please REMEMBER THAT I'M UNDERCOVER, so I can't help you if you get into any more trouble. Let's keep our heads down, get through the week and investigate these wildcat sightings. We'll be back safe and sound before you know it.'

Sure enough, as the long locomotive curved around the bend of the hill, the view opened up to reveal a huge glen in the distance, nestled in the shadow of a giant mountain. The train pulled into the station, the doors opened and the motley group of passengers stepped on to the platform. The Meowsiders looked over at Toto and her friends and gave them a sarcastic wave. Elsewhere there were dogs, cats, foxes, ferrets, a couple of magpies and a pair of cold-looking bearded dragons. Some looked tough, like this wasn't their first time at Glenview. Others looked very scared, like they'd rather be anywhere else. Sergeant Major Gordon appeared at the head of the platform and bellowed in a voice so loud that Toto and the cats could hear every word he said. 'Glenview is a ten-mile march. Fall into two lines and follow me. Anyone trying to escape will be dealt with swiftly and without mercy. Quiiiick march!'

A platoon of uniformed and dangerous-looking Border terriers fell into line next to the new recruits and they all made their way into the countryside. A few miles in, as they passed through a pine forest, Toto became distracted by a pair of agitated ferrets in front of her. 'I can't take it, Michael, not this place again. I can't help nipping the odd finger or two, it's in my nature. But this place, those tasks, it's barbaric I tell you. Plus most of the animals here are as bad as the guards, I swear. I want no part of it; I'll go crazy.