Reservoir Cats 31

Long Tail Al: Oh yea, Tabby, you are descended from the best.
Tabby: But what about Big Tom, I though he was your half brother.
Long Tail Al: So ‘e is son, but you know ‘ow the lady cats are, they can never say no, can they.
Tabby: Dad, do you think I can go back to the country again. I mean it was nice staying here in the town, but I am missing the wide open spaces a bit.
Slimy: and wot about me?
Long Tail Al: And wot about you Slimy, ‘ave I missed somefing.
Slimy: Well Tabby said ‘e would take me wiv ‘im for a while.
Long Tail Al: Wot you cats are up to. Well I suppose I don’t mind. I ‘ave the Black Paw gang to take care of fings and it might do you a bit of good Slimy, get some fresh air into your fur.
Tabby: Slimy has been a good guide around the town for me, especially the sewers, so I thought I would show him around the country.
Long Tail Al: No problem, but I ‘ope ‘e comes back again. Slimy is like a son to me – even if ‘e does smell a bit now and again.
Slimy: I don’t smell, I just ‘ave a different scent to the rest. So Tabby, shall we go.
Tabby: Yes, we make ourselves on the way.
Charlie: ‘allo you two where you off to, back to the country?
Tabby: Well I think it’s time.
Charlie: Do you mind if I come wiv you, just for a few days.
Slimy: You just want to meet Nera again.
Charlie: Well, I suppose so, if she’s willing. Can’t you put a few good words in for me Tabby.
Tabby: Nera makes up her own mind, but if it’s just for a couple of days, then come along as well.
Charlie: Great
Long Tail Al: But be’ave Charlie. I don’t want to ‘ere any bad stories about ya afterwards.

Tabby: Come on Charlie, me and Slimy are nearly there and you are dragging behind.
Charlie: Well, I ‘ad to ‘ave a good lick didn’t I before we went. After all can’t go courting such a lady like Nera wiv the smell of the rooftops in my fur.
Slimy: Listen to ‘im, you would fink Nera is waiting for ‘im wouldn’t ya.
Romeo: Che vieni, who’s coming. This is Big Tom’s territory. Why ciaou Tabby, nice to see you again.
Tabby: I though I would come back to the country, I do miss it a bit. And I brought a couple of cats with me.
Romeo: So I can see, Hisssss, hissss.
Charlie: Well that’s a welcome ain’t it.
Romeo: It’s the welcome I always give out to strange cats, especially when they don’t show their manners to the ladies.
Tabby: Oh, Romeo, give him a chance. He has been very nice to me in the town and would just like to pay his respects to Nera.
Romeo: I don’t know whether Nera wants his respects, you know she is fussy, and we have a new cat in town.
Slimy: No problem, in town we always ‘ave new cats.
Romeo: Don’t tell me you brought that smelly cat as well.
Tabby: Slimy was my best friend in town and helped me a lot to find the way. My dad said all he needs is a bit of fresh country air in his fur and he won’t smell any more.
Big Tom: What’s going on Romeo. Why Tabby is back and has brought two town cats with him.
Charlie: Hello Big Tom, nice to see you again. How’s Miss Nera.
Big Tom: Miss Nera is keeping fine, Charlie, although I don’t see her so much these days. Since Ginger arrived, she goes out a lot more.
Slimy: Oh, Charlie, looks like you ‘ave a rival.
Tabby: Who’s Ginger. I don’t remember a Ginger living around here.
Big Tom: Ginger belongs to some new humans that now live around here. He seems to be quite a little King where he lives and is all over the place.
Tabby: So I think I will go back to my cat nip patch and see how things are developing.
Slimy: Did you say cat nip patch?
Tabby: Stay cool, there is no cat nip any more, but if you dig around in the ground enough you sometimes get the scent of it wafting up in your nose.
Charlie: I will come wiv ya. Might meet Nera on the way.

Nera: Hello Ginger nice to meet you today.
Ginger: You smell nice today Nera, fresh and wonderfully fishy.
Nera: Yes, I had an extra portion of salmon yesterday.
Ginger: My humans give me salmon as well, at least four times a week.
Tabby: Hi Nera, how are things going.
Nera: Tabby, nice to see you again. I thought you were still in town.
Tabby: Well I got a little bit homesick so my dad said that was ok to go back, and I brought Slimy and Charlie with me.
Slimy: ‘Allo Miss Nera. You are looking lovely.
Nera: Hello Slimy, nice to see you again. If I may say so, it seems that you don’t have such a sewer smell about you any more.
Charlie: And wot about me Miss Nera. I did meself up super good before I come. So ‘ow about it.
Ginger: Nera you have strange colleagues. Hissssss, who is that big tom cat with the Cat Pitt fur style.
Charlie: Excuse me, but I ‘appen to be Charlie from town and who are you? A Garfield lookalike? You are fat enuf any’ow. Hisssss
Nera: So boys stop fighting and hissing. Ginger, Charlie is an acquaintance of mine from town.
Ginger: Well sorry Nera, but town cats are beneath my status. We use them as servants from where I come from.
Slimy: Hey Charlie, I wouldn’t stand for that if I was you.
Charlie: Come’ere you stuck up bowl of orange juice.
Tabby: Oh dear, I think there is going to be a fight.
Ginger: It’s not worth it, I might break off the points on my claws.
Charlie: Oh dear, listen to ‘im “I might break of the points on my claws” What part of the royal family is he from – the cat’s whiskers.
Nera: So just calm down you two. Ginger is new here and I have been showing him around.
Charlie: That is obvious to see, what have you been showing him I would like to know.
Nera: Charlie, you don’t own me, and if you want to stay with us in the country for a few days, then I must ask you to behave.
Ginger: I have to go home now, it’s tea time, but I will be back some time in the night.
Charlie: Is that a threat or a promise?
Tabby: What is that supposed to mean Charlie. I hope you are not planning on causing trouble.
Charlie: We will see, now where’s the nearest roof top, I feel like ‘aving a cat nap, looks like I might ‘ave a busy evening.

Reservoir Cats 30

Slimy: Now that was real interesting that stuff about Al Catone.
Tabby: Yes, it was, let’s ask Reggie or Ronnie Crat what happened. After all it was their dad that was leading the Black Paw Gang when Al Catone arrived.
Reggie, do you know anything about Al Catone.
Reggie Crat: Al Catone, now you are talking about legends. ‘e saved us all really, didn’t ‘e Ronnie.
Ronnie Crat: Well I was only a kitten at the the time, but I remember me mum and dad talking about ‘im as an ‘ero.
Slimy: Wot ‘appened.
Ronnie Crat: Well after Al Catone arrived ‘e joined up wiv our dad’s gang, but dad realised then that ‘e was somefing special. See, ‘e was a good organiser. Never said much, but his eyes and ears were everywhere. At the time when ‘e arrived there were a lot of lazy cats in the gang. Only interested in their own fing really. Used to catch mice they did and just ‘id them away. Then Al came along…….

Al Catone: Reggie Senior, can I have a few words with you .
Reggie Senior: Why somefing don’t suit you ‘ere.
Al Catone: Where I came from my dad led our gang and anyone that cheated him could be lucky when he escaped with his life.
Reggie Senior: Are you telling me that some of my gang are cheating on me.
Al Catone: Well, when was the last time that you caught a mouse, or had your share of a mouse.
Reggie Senior: Well, let me think, that was last week. Mice seem to be a bit scarce at the moment.
Al Catone: I followed Jack McCattie down the sewers last week. He didn’t see me, but he had four of his sons with him. They must have caught at least 10 mice between them.
Reggie Senior: That can’t be, all mice ‘ave to be delivered to me when caught.
Al Catone: Well he just takes them up to the cemetery and hides them under the stone of the second grave on the left. Keep an eye on him when he goes out. I am sure he is dealing with them.
Reggie Senior: Mice dealing, no, not possible under my nose.
Al Catone: Just keep an eye on him, and see what he is doing.
Reggie Senior: Ronnie Senior, come ‘ere. Al Catone was just telling me that Jack McCattie is doing mice dealing wiv ‘is sons. Fink we ought to keep an eye on ‘im just in case.

Jack McCattie: ‘Allo Reggie, Ronnie, ow’s fings?
Ronnie Senior: A bit slow at the moment. Me and Reggie Senior was wondering where the mice ‘ave gone. Only caught one last week down in the sewers.
Jack McCattie: Ya don’t say. Probably all fell in the sewers and drowning.
Ronnie Senior: Well I never ‘eard of mice falling in sewers. I mean if they were lemmings it would be a different story wouldn’t it?
Jack McCattie: Tell you wot. I’ll ‘elp ya look for em tomorrow.
Ronnie Senior: Tomorrow is a bit late, I was finking this evening we could organise a search party.
Jack McCattie: This evening won’t be a good idea. I ‘eard that the country cats might be planning a raid and ‘ave to keep a watch wiv me sons on the main path into town.
Ronnie Senior: Well that’s new to me. I fought the country cats were all nice and polite.
Jack Mc Cattie: Well you never know, I mean that don’t even speak like we do, do they. Needs someone like me and me boys to keep an eye on fings. Don’t worry though, we ‘ave everyfing under control.

Reggie Senior: And that’s wot Jack McCattie told ya. Sounds a bit dodgy to me. Never ‘eard of country cats coming ‘ere to make a raid.
Al Catone: I think it might be a good idea to shadow Jack McCattie this evening. Do you have a couple of trustworthy cats here.
Ronnie Senior: Well our kittens ain’t really kittens any more and gathering their experience in town. We can take them. Wot d’ya fink Reggie Senior?
Reggie Senior: Well my two boys, Ronnie and Reggie, are still too small for that sort of fing. But If ya can take your boys together with Al Catone, I fink that will be enough to keep an eye on fings. Let’s go and ‘ave a look at the second grave on the left first to see if Al Catone is telling the truth.
Al Catone: Maladetta, we catafia cats always tell the truth, we have to swear an oath on that, holding a live rat in our paws for at least a minute. And if he bites you still have to hold him. After the minute is up, we can kill him and then do what we want with him. That separates the honest from the liars.
Reggie Senior: Well didn’t want to insult you Al Catone, but we ain’t acquainted so much wiv the catafia methods. Sounds a good idea.
Ronnie Senior: Well, ‘ere is the grave and I can already smell mouse.
Reggie Senior: And wot’s that mouse tail peeping out from under that stone there. Al Catone, giv it a shuv.
Al Catone: So what did I say. There they are, at least 10 mice, all freshly killed.
Reggie Crat: Ronnie take em down to our storeroom under next in the tomb at the entrance to our sleeping area. They will stay nice a fresh there. I fink we will all go on a little excursion this evening. Make sure yer claws are nice and sharp and yer boys’ claws as well Ronnie.

Jack McCattie: So come’on sons, get those mice ready there.
Sons: Wot about the lot we got stowed away at the second grave on the left.
Jack McCattie: We only caught them yesterday, so they are still fresh. If we ain’t got enuf, we can come back and get them can’t we.
Sons: OK dad, but don’t you reckon this is a bit of a risky business if we get caught.
Jack McCattie: Not if your as sly as I am. Reggie and Ronnie Senior wouldn’t notice if a mouse sat on their nose when they were sleeping.
Sons: Looks like that big black cat from the country cats is coming.
Jack McCattie: Hello Mr. Black, got yer gang wiv yer.
Mr. Black. Of course, I can’t carry a bag of cat nip all on my own. How many mice do you want to pay this evening.
Jack McCattie: Normal price I fought. Ten mice for one bag.
Mr. Black. Sorry Jack, but times are changing. My gang want a bit more than that. They had a lot of work gathering all this cat nip from the fields and if I got caught by the other cats in the country, they might get a bit annoyed seeing where the catnip harvest disappears to. They already have a few suspicions.
Jack McCattie: So wot’s yer price
Mr. Black: 20 mice, take it or leave it.
Jack McCattie: 20 mice, that’s double as much.
Mr. Black: The catnip market is no problem at the moment. There are a few cats up at the farms that wouldn’t mind some, so is it a deal or not.
Jack McCattie: Sons go and get the other 10 mice.

Al Catone: Looks like our job of work will be dealt with by fate,
Ronnie Senior: ‘Ow comes.
Al Catone: When Jack McCattie’s boys see that their mouse reserve has disappeared I think justice will take its own course, Let’s just wait and watch. No good making our paws blunt on a bag of cat scum like Jack McCattie.

Sons: Dad, the mice have gawn.
Jack McCattie: Wot, gawn. We ‘id em under the gravestone ourselves.
Mr. Black: So I’m waiting. I don’t like people playing games with me. Me and my gang have trotted all the way down the road to town and now we get nothing for our troubles. Gang, pack the cat nip away, I think Jack McCattie is not to be trusted any more.
Jack McCattie: Awww, wot was that
Mr. Black: OK gang, just give this town pack of cats a lesson they won’t forget. That was a scratch on the nose from me. You can be glad to get away with one of your nine lives this evening McCattie.
Sons: Dad, they are attacking us. Let’s make a run for it.
Jack McCattie. Don’t leave me alone ‘ere, those country cats ain’t playing games.
Mr. Black: McCattie, this is the last warning. The next time I catch you messing up a deal like this, you can be glad they don’t find you floating in the river with a rat where your heart was.
Jack McCattie: Wait for me boys I’m coming.

Reggie Crat: Now, what do we ‘ave ‘ere. I fought you was protecting our town from a country cat raid this evening.
Jack McCattie: Well they didn’t turn up
Ronnie Crat: It seems to me that they did. Where did you get that scratch on yer nose and ‘ow comes yer tail is waggling like a puppy. Anyfing wrong McCattie.
Jack McCattie: I fell down and scratched me nose on a stone.
Al Catone: Did that stone look like a big black cat speaking with a country accent together with other cats all carrying catnip.
Jack McCattie: Don’t know wot yer talking about.
Reggie Crat Senior: Ronnie think we will take a walk down to the tomb at the entrance to our sleeping quarters.
Ronnie Crat Senior: Now just look at that Jack. Wot ‘ave we got ‘ere. 10 little dead mice, just waiting to be eaten.
Sons: Look dad, that’s where our mice got too.
Jack McCattie: ‘old yer miaws sons, this could lead to trouble.
Al Catone: You already have the trouble McCattie. Cheating on you cat family. What shall we do with you. I will leave the decision to Ronnie and Reggie Crat Senior.
Ronnie and Reggie Crat Senior: A month down in the sewers and a delivery of 20 mice a week to the black paw gang. Got it McCattie. Yer sons can stay up ‘ere wiv their muvver just to put them on the right cat path again.
Jack McCattie: No, not the sewers, I will smell for ever.
Reggie Cray Senior: Only for as long as we don’t throw you in the fountain for a good wash when you come up. Wot d’ya fink Al Catone.
Al Catone: A good punishment. that’s the result of dealing in catnip and mice. My dad always left his fingers away from catnip dealing. It corrupts the kittens. They just don’t grow up to be serious cats.
Ronnie Crat senior: Well you got a point there Al Catone.
Al Catone: It’s more than a point, and if I may say, it seems to me that you and your brother Reggie are letting things slip a bit around here. Mice just don’t disappear, unless there is a reason behind it. I think it is about time that I started giving the instructions around here, or do you want the black paw gang to know how Jack McCattie pulled the whiskers over your eyes..
Reggie Crat senior: ‘e’s got a point there Ronnie. We would look at bit stupid I suppose.
Ronnie Crat Senior: Sounds like you want to take over Al Catone.
Al Catone: Well either I take over and do things my way, or you two will be the laughing stock and can be happy when you still have your claws tomorrow. If the catafia had found out that my dad had been cheated out of mice, there wouldn’t have been a cat left to tell the story.
But I don’t want to be too harsh on you two, after all you took me in and looked after me well. I could really do with a good gang like the black paws. What about things carrying on the way they have been and I just pull the whiskers.
Ronnie Crat Senior: Well you do ‘ave a point and me and Reggie ain’t getting any younger I suppose.
Reggie Crat Senior: There is just another little point to this deal. I always fought that me kittens, Reggie and Ronnie, could grow up to take over the Black Paw Gang. I ‘ave sort of started training them for the job. Like showing them ‘ow to organise the other kittens.
Al Catone: Reggie I find that’s a good idea. It stays in the family, and you and your brother Ronnie Crat Senior have so much experience, I think it would be a good idea.
Ronnie Crat Senior: Take my paw on it Al, if you are fair with me then I will be fair with you.
Reggie Crat Senior: And me to, it’s a deal

Tabby: And that’s how Al Catone became boss of the town gang.
Slimy: That’s a lovely story ain’t it.
Long Tail Al: Wot’s a lovely story Slimy.
Slimy: Ronnie and Reggie Crat were telling us a bit more about Al Catone and ‘ow he got rid of Jack McCattie and took over the town cats.
Tabby: He must have been a very wise cat.
Long Tail Al: Oh, he was, the best dad you could ‘ave.
Tabby: He was my grandfather?

Reservoir Cats 29

Gladys: Little Al, keep up with us. I don’t want to lose you again. You caused enough trouble disappearing down the sewers.
Little Al: Yes, mum. I still feel a bit sticky.
Mr. Grey: Well glad to see you all made it back safe and sound. What happened to Little Al. He looks a bit sort of whitish.
Big Tom: Well that’s another story. Anything up while we were away Grey.
Mr. Grey: No dad, everything quiet. Couldn’t even hear a mouse breathe.
Fluffy: That’s because it’s getting colder and snow is falling.
Nera: I think we should all be getting to our sleeping places now, after all that good food I really feel sleepy.
Mr. Grey: Did I hear someone mention food. I’m starving.
Big Tom: We didn’t forget you Grey. We brought some back for you.
Mr. Grey: Well I thought I could sort of smell bird in the air.
Romeo: Si, it comes from the human kitchens in the town.

Slimy: That was a nice party we ‘ad yesterday wasn’t it boss.
Long Tail Al: Yea, reminds me of old times when we were younger.
Tabby: Did you have parties then as well.
Long Tail Al: Well, sort of, if there was grub around we ‘ad something to celebrate. I wasn’t boss in the town, it was Al Catone that organised fings then.
Slimy: I’ve ‘eard about Al Catone, ‘e’s a legend, one of the best.
Long Tail Al: Yea well ‘e ‘ad fings under control. Mind you we ‘ad our problems then as well.
Tabby: Tell us about them dad.
Slimy: Yea, I like to ‘ear stuff about long ago.
Long Tail Al: Well it all started when Al Catone arrived ‘ere on one of them ships in the ‘arbour. Come from a place in America called Cattago. ‘E ‘ad to leave cause ‘is complete family ‘ad been killed by the Whisker gang. And……..

Mama Catone: Al, you gotta go, the Whisker gang have got your dad already, and have taken over the complete catnip harvest. The tom cats have all pounced on your sisters and you being the only surviving son you have no chance. Go down to the Lake, there is a boat leaving. That will take you to New York and you can get on one of those big ships to take you across the sea.
Al Catone: But mum I can’t leave you here.
Mama Catone: My days are numbered Al. I don’t have the strength to carry on, just go and remember whose son you are.
Al Catone: Ok, bye mum, I will make you proud of me.

Al Catone: This must be one of those big ships my mum meant.
Ships Cat: Ahoy, looking for someone.
Al Catone: Well, I’m looking for a ships passage. Any chance?
Ships Cat: Come on board. How good are you at catching mice?
Al Catone: One of the best. Who’s the boss around here.
Ship’s cat: Why does that interest you.
Al Catone: Well, I have to know who is giving the orders, now don’t I.
Captain Cat: Ship’s cat, got problems.
Al Catone: Are you in charge here.
Captain Cat: Who’s asking.
Al Catone: Al Catone, son of Alfonso Catone from Catago. Any problems.
Captain Cat: Well he had a bit of bad luck with the Whisker gang didn’t he. Now if you want to come on board, it’s ok, but you take my orders.
Al Catone: If I come on board, I am giving the orders. Hissssssss
Captain Cat: Hissssssss. Awwwwww.
Ship’s cat: You pushed him overboard with your claws.
Al Catone: I have had enough of being pushed around and now it’s my ship until we reach land. Capisci.
Ship’s cat: Ok, I get it. Blimy you are a bossy one.
Al Catone: I am the boss, and what I says goes. Any problems, or do you want to join Captain Cat in his wet grave.
Ship’s cat: No, no, anything you say goes.

Slimy: And that’s ‘ow Al Catone got ‘ere.
Long Tail Al: Well that’s wot ‘e told me but there is more to come. Eventually ‘e arrived ‘ere…..

Al Catone: Ok, ship’s cat, I am going to leave you now at this port. You have the ship to yourself. Keep it clean and mouse free.
Ship’s cat: Well you certainly did. But you didn’t have to keep it cat free as well.
Al Catone: There were too many other cats wanting to move in on my territory so I had to get rid of them. I told you, my family doesn’t get pushed around any more.

So, this place looks good. Will have to find somewhere to stay for the night. Churches are always a good place, the humans don’t hang around so much at night and during the day they are usually closed. I grew up near the graveyard so let’s have a sniff around.
Reggie Crat Senior: Now who are you. New cat in town?
Al Catone: And who is asking.
Reggie Crat Senior: Me and me bruvver, Ronnie, ‘appen to be the chiefs of the black paw gang around ‘ere and wot I says goes.
Al Catone: Looking for any new members of your gang. I love gang life.
Reggie Crat Senior: Got experience. Where ya from.
Al Catone: Life has been made of experience for me up to now. See that scar behind my ear.
Reggie Crat Senior: Blimy that’s a real scar. Who done that to ya.
Al Catone: Got that from the Captain Cat on the ship when I had a fight with him and pushed him over the ship’s railings.
Reggie Crat Senior: Respect I must say. Wot’s the mark at the side of ya nose.
Al Catone: I had a little bother with the boss of the Whisker gang where I came from, but mind you I only got that mark on my nose, he only has one ear now.
Reggie Crat Senior: And ‘ow am I supposed to believe all this.
Al Catone: Want a cat fight, then I will show you how good I am.
Reggie Crat Senior: No, no, don’t get me wrong. We are always looking for big strong cats like yourself to join us. What do you fink. Interested.
Al Catone: What’s the pay?
Reggie Crat Senior: Nice place to sleep down by the crypt in the church. No drafts and plenty of fresh meat around – although you ‘ave to find it yerself, but the sewers ain’t far away.
Al Catone: How’s the catnip trade.
Reggie Crat Senior: Well, that’s somefing the country cats deal wiv more than us, but you would ‘ave to ask them and that mean’s ‘aving a word with the Duke.
Al Catone: Ok, I will join, and see how things develop.

Slimy: Long Tail Al, tell us more. Was Reggie Crat Senior our Reggie and Ronnie’s dad.
Tabby: Yes, that’s a really interesting story.
Long Tail Al: Yea, that’s it. The Black Paw Gang run in the Crat family. Now listen cats, that’s no story but ‘ow it begun. You’ll ‘ave to wait till tomorrow for the next part. I ‘ave to get some kip now. Exhausted after running round looking for me son and eating all that food and celebrating.

Reservoir Cats 28

Long Tail Al: Well that was a nice bit of singing. Nufing like a lady cat for a good song. Made me old eyes water a bit.
Romeo: Si, but you know we Italian cats have the best voices. I was very good at singing Santa Gattia.
Bobinette: Oh yes, you really sang that well on the rooftops in Venice.
Charlie: Yes, there is nothing like a rooftop song now and again.
Long Tail Al: I fink the rooftop songs you know Charlie, are not the same ones that Romeo might sing.
Romeo: Yes, we have a lot of romantica in our voices in Italy.
Charlie: So do I, you would be surprised.
Big Tom: Well thanks very much for the invitation Al. We had good food, and you enjoy it all the more when surrounded by good friends. I think we should be going back to our headquarters. Al, do you mind if we take some of the remaining food back for my son Mr. Grey. He has been keeping watch over my territory whilst we were here.
Long Tail Al: No problem, Tom. Seems that he has come back to the fold.
Big Tom: Yes, thanks to his mother who put him back in shape up on the farm.
Nera: Yes, I must say he seems to be the Mr. Grey I knew before we had the trouble.
Charlie: What d’ya mean, Nera. Now he ain’t as good looking as I am is ‘e?
Nera: How often do I have to tell you Charlie, good looks are not everything. It’s what lyes below the surface -that counts.
Charlie: Well, I got a lot laying below in me.
Nera: I am sure you have Charlie, but I am not ready to commit myself to a tom cat at the moment. Please be patient.
Charlie: But for that posh Mr. Grey you ‘ave all the time I suppose. I just ain’t good enuf for ya.
Gladys: Now Charlie, just behave. You’re a fine cat but you just have to be patient. Look at me and One Eye Fred. That took time as well, but we would never be apart now, would we Fred.
One Eye Fred: No luv, I found the cat for my life in you, even if you do ‘appen to look around now and again.
Long Tail Al: Pardon, Fred, why are you looking at me.
One Eye Fred: No boss, everyfing ok.
Gladys: Talking about things being ok, where’s Little Al. Kittens have you seen your brother.
5 Kittens: No mum, he said something about taking a walk around when Nera and Bobinette were singing and we havn’t seen him since.
Long Tail Al: Well he couldn’t have gone far.
One Eye Fred: You’d be surprise ‘ow far that little brat, sorry cat, could go when you don’t ‘ave your eyes on ‘im.
Long Tail Al: Slimy tell Reggie and Ronnie Crat to get the black paw gang organised and send them off to look for Little Al.
Slimy: Will do boss, and me and Tabby will go and ‘ave a look as well.
Tabby: Yea, I’m wiv ya Slimy.
Big Tom: Tabby remember what I said.
Tabby: Sorry boss, I mean gatto di tutti gatti. Yes Slimy, I’m coming.

Slimy: Tabby you speak quite a good catney since you’ve been staying wiv us town cats. One day you will be one of us.
Tabby: Well I ain’t, sorry I am not so sure. Big Tom doesn’t like me to speak catney and the other cats in the country don’t understand so well.
Slimy: I can see a big future for ya, somefing like go-between when we ‘ave our conferences together.
Tabby: I think we should now be looking for Little Al. Any suggestions.
Slimy: Well ya know wot I fink. ‘E ‘eard us talking about the cellar of that butchers shop and ‘e might ‘ave gone down in the sewers, looking for the entrance.
Tabby: So let’s go.

Little Al: Well, all that singing was getting on my nerves a bit, and all that sentimental stuff about the human’s Christmas. I am looking forward to Bast’s birthday, now that will be a celebration, I am sure. What did Slimy say. I have to go down to the sewers and take the steps upwards where I get into the cellar of that human meat shop. Well this seems to be the way to the sewers. Smells strong enough. What’s all that stuff running there. Yuck, water – I hate water, it’s so wet. And what are those big mice doing there. They are really big.
Rat: Excuse me, cat, but I am a rat, not a mouse.
Little Al: Did you say something.
Rat: Yes, I did, I havn’t seen you down here before. I didn’t think they let the kittens down in the sewers without their mothers.
Little Al: I am not a kitten, well I won’t be soon.
Rat: So where’s your mother?
Little Al: I don’t need my mum at the moment, I can find my own way around. And be careful rat, we cats eat you for dinner.
Rat: That I don’t laugh. If I introduced you to my dad, I think he would eat you for dinner.
Little Al: Rats don’t eat cats, do they?
Rat: Now you feeling a bit nervous cat. Usually we don’t unless they are smaller than we are.
Little Al: Well you are smaller than me
Rat: Yes but my dad is twice your size, understand?
Little Al: Yes, well I think I will be going on now.
Rat: Ha, ha, ha.

Little Al: Now I didn’t like that creature at all – he was even laughing at me. I always thought rats were like mice. Well a bit bigger, but not so big. Now what, there’s the ladder Slimy was talking about, no just a minute, there’s another ladder opposite and there’s three others down the path. Oh dear, what ladder shall I take. Wish my mum were here.

Tabby: Are you sure he came this way Slimy?
Slimy: Well he did smell a bit of cat milk and I can still smell it in the air.
Rat: Well it seems to be a cat outing down here in the sewers tonight.
Tabby: Who said that?
Slimy: Sounded like a rat’s voice.
Rat: It was me, any problems?
Slimy: The problem being that I don’t like rats.
Rat: Well I don’t like cats either, so it looks like we will get on fine.
Tabby: What did he mean by a cat excursion.
Slimy: Yea, that’s wot I was finking. Seen another cat this evening rat.
Rat: Well, it might just be that I did.
Tabby: Which way did he go?
Rat: Well he might have gone down the path on the right, or perhaps on the left, and then again he may have gone up one of the ladders.
Slimy: Now I don’t like rats at the best of times, but this one is looking to meet wiv the rat god sooner as ‘e finks. Come ’ere rat and tell us where ‘e went.
Rat: Will you put me down cat, otherwise I won’t tell you anything.
Reggie Crat: So there you are, and what is that smelly rat doing in your mouth Slimy. You know what happened to yer bruvver.
Slimy: I don’t care. This stinking lump of rodent meat knows where Little Al went and won’t tell.
Reggie Crat: No problem, men grab that rat on his legs and pull in four directions, I am sure ‘e will soon be co-operative.
Rat: Ok, ok, one rat against an army of the black paw gang just isn’t fair. I will tell you, but leave me in peace afterwards. He went down on the right side of the sewer and up the first steps he came to. And now leave me alone.
Reggie Crat: No problem rat, we don’t really want to eat you, not sure wot we might catch, but be assured that if we don’t find Long Tail Al’s son, then you will be thrown to the dogs.
Tabby: Look at him go, I didn’t know rats could run so fast.
Slimy: No problem, basically ‘es running for ‘is life ain’t ‘e. So up the steps we go.
Tabby: Now where do these steps lead to.
Slimy: Yea, well Little Al ‘as ‘ad some bad luck ain’t ‘e. These lead to the baker’s shop, so ‘e won’t find any meat will ‘e.
Tabby: Well the cellar looks something like the one in the butchers shop, but no meat, just big sacks.
Slimy: Little Al – are you ‘ere?
Little Al: Help, help, I am being suffocated by something big and white.
Tabby: I can hear him.
Slimy: Look there is somefing moving over there in that sack. Reggie, Ronnie are you two ‘ere wiv yer men.
Ronnie & Reggie: Coming Slimy. Wot’s that big sack moving over there.
Slimy: I fink Little Al is in it.
Tabby: Let’s tear it open at the side and have a look.
Little Al: Thanks boys I was being suffocated by a big white monster.
Ronnie & Reggie: Ha, Ha, Ha – just look at ‘im. Looks like the phantom cat of the graveyard.
Tabby & Slimy: Ha Ha ha
Little Al: What are you all laughing at. I was nearly eaten by a rat and now that big white cloud wanted to swallow me.
Slimy: Should be a bit more fankful to yer rescuers. You fell in a big sack of flour that the bakers use for making that ‘uman stuff called bread and cakes.
Little Al: I was nearly suffocated, what till I tell my dad that you laughed at me.
Tabby: Before you tell that to your dad you better have a good lick. And dad might not recognise you.
Little Al: How comes, I look just like my dad.
Slimy: Listen boy, you are white, pure lilly white and when you start licking that stuff off you are going to have a sticky time. So now come back wiv us.
Little Al: No, I don’t like being laughed at. Ow, put me down Slimy.

Long Tail Al: So who ‘ave we got ‘ere Slimy. I said go and find Little Al
Little Al: I am little Al
Long Tail Al: Wot ‘appened, turned white wiv fright?
Gladys: Little Al, where have you been and you are completely white. Looks like you fell into a sack of flour.
Tabby: He did Gladys.
Little Al: Meow, meow, meow – it’s all sticky and gluey when I try to lick it off.
Gladys: That just serves you right. Now stay with you family in future.
5 Kittens: Ha, ha, ha
Little Al: Stop laughing at me meow, meow
Gladys: Yes kittens stop laughing at him. He is a poor little Al at the moment. Now get together and start having a lick at him. Together we will soon get him cleaned up.
Tabby: I’ll help as well.
Slimy: Reggie, Ronnie get the black paw gang in to help as well.
Gladys: Well look Little Al, you will soon be as red as your dad.
Long Tail Al: So wot do you say Little Al to everyone and stop crying, you nearly look as red as I am again.
Gladys: Yes what do you say Little Al.
Little Al: Thanks everyone, I am so happy to be red again, just like my dad.

Reservoir Cats 27

Tabby: Well to be quite honest Slimy, it’s nice to be back in the fresh air, even if it is cold at the moment. Thank goodness for a nice fur coat.
Slimy: You’re right Tabby, that’s why ain’t much point cleaning it too much at the moment. I can smell somfing in the air.
Tabby: So can I, I think that white stuff is falling out of the sky again.
Slimy: Yea, looks like it’s that stuff the ‘umans call snow. Better get back to Long Tail Al.
Long Tail Al: So Tabby ‘ow was yer trip down in the sewers.
Tabby: Let’s just say it was something completely different. Slimy was a good guide, he made sure I didn’t fall in. He seems to know his way around quite well.
Long Tail Al: Yea, well I suppose ‘e would. Before I found ‘im he had been living down there on his tod for a few weeks, wasn’t yer Slimy.
Slimy: Yea and if it wasn’t fer Long Tail Al, I would probably still be down there amongst all them rats and ovver creeping fings.
Tabby: By the way dad, that white stuff is falling down outside.
Alimy: ‘E means it’s snowing.
Long Tail Al: don’t surprise me, I thought there was a nip in the air. Suppose that Christmas fing is around the corner as well.
Tabby: We know that in the country too. That’s when we have plenty of turkey leftovers to eat.
Long Tail Al: Yea, well the ‘umans don’t leave a lot for us in the town, but we know where to go and get it don’t we Slimy.
Slimy: Oh yea, no problem. Tabby does now as well, we went there on our visit to the sewers.
Long Tail Al: Yer know what, what about inviting Big Tom and ‘is mob for a town Christmas. Liven fings up a bit.
Tabby: What a good idea, I do miss my friends in the country some times.
Long Tail Al: OK Tabby, I fink it would be a good idea if you go back to the country and tell ‘em all to come tomorrow evening. We could ‘ave a bit of a get together, warm up old times.

Big Tom: Hello Tabby, I wasn’t expecting you back yet. Town life not your sort of thing.
Tabby: Well not exactly gatto di tutti gatti. That white stuff is falling down again, I mean snow, and Long Tail Al fought it might be a good idea to ‘ave a Chrismas get together in town. Sort of a little party.
Big Tom: Tabby, I do appreciate that your trips to town are slowly improving your knowledge of miaow, but we speak country miaow here and not town miaow. Please don’t drop your “h” when speaking to me and I am sure the other cats in the country may have problems in understanding.
Tabby: But Bobinette never says the “h”.
Big Tom: Bobinette is a French cat and they are not able to say the “h”. But back to the idea of a meeting with the town cats. I think it is the human’s Christmas tomorrow and I heard that there is always plenty to eat in town on those days, so I think it would be a good idea. Spread the word around and tell Gladys and One Eye Fred I would like to see them, with the kittens and Mr. Grey as well, of course.
Gladys: Gatto di tutti Gatti, you wanted to see us all.
Little Al: Hello Tom, how’s things going. Awww
Mr. Grey: You will speak to Big Tom with respect. He is the capo here and deserves to be respected.
Big Tom: Yes, Little Al, your manners should improve. If you carry on behaving like that, I will send you to town.
Little Al: That’s where I want to go, to stay with my dad.
Big Tom: Oh yes, you will see your dad, but when he sees what a cheeky cat you have become, he will probably send you to the black paw gang, to do a few months service until you learn some manners.
Gladys: Did you hear Little Al, now behave.
Kittens 1 to 5 together: He’s always pushing us around, send him to the Black Paw Gang.
Big Tom: You see Little Al, even your brothers and sisters would be pleased to see the back of you.
Little Al: They are not my brothers and sisters. Their dad is One Eye Fred, I am the crown prince of the town cats.
Tabby: I have a few words to say there. I am older and Long Tail Al is also my father. So keep your whiskers under control.
Little Al: Everyone is always getting at me.
Mr. Grey: As your guardian, it doesn’t surprise me. Why yesterday when I told you to clean up after going to the toilet, you just threw half of the earth over me.
Little Al: Yes, but you rubbed my nose in it afterwards.
Big Tom: So what did you learn from that Little Al. Answer please.
Gladys: Yes Little Al, we are waiting.
Little Al: Yes, well, that I don’t throw the earth at Grey any more.
Big Tom: At WHO?
Little Al: At MR. Grey
Big Tom: So I just called you here to tell you that tomorrow the humans are celebrating their Christmas . something like the birthday of Bast, but we have that in Summer when the sun is high in the heavens. Long Tail Al has invited us all, so it would be an opportunity for Gladys and her family to come as well, especially Little Al, depending on weather Little Al behaves.
Gladys: Well, I wouldn’t mind going into town again and I am sure One Eye Fred would like to.
One Eye Fred: Oh yea, do miss it a bit now and again.
Big Tom: Ok, that’s settled. We all go. Grey my son, one of us has to stay to keep an eye on things, Would you mind staying here. You always did want to be in charge, didn’t you.
Mr. Grey: Ok, dad, what you say. But bring me some of that good food back from town afterwards.

Long Tail Al: Welcome my friends. Big Tom, it has been a long time since I could welcome you to my humble abode in town.
Big Tom: Well since we have buried our differences, I see no reason not to come. I don’t find your home so humble. I mean a complete church crypt is very big and quite warm.
Long Tail Al: Yea, well those ‘umans look after their churches don’t they and put in ‘eating pipes to keep it warm. They ‘ave a big machine in the cellar with the ‘ot water, so we have it nice and cozy down ‘ere.
Little Al: ‘Allo dad.
Long Tail Al: Well, I never, and you ‘ave brought me son wiv ya. I suppose ‘e does look a bit like me.
One Eye Fred: Al, he looks completely like you. He ain’t one of mine in any case.
Gladys: Now don’t start arguing about that. We settled that problem some time ago.
Kittens 1-5: Is that big red cat Little Al’s dad mum?
Gladys: Yes he is.
Kittens 1-5: Can we leave Little Al here mum.
Long Tail Al: Now what do I hear, Little Al. Your bruvvers and sisters don’t seem to like you much.
Little Al: They are not my brothers and sisters are they.
Long Tail Al: Looks like you ‘ave a few fings to learn Little Al. You ‘ave all got the same mum and she is the one that looks after you when you are a kitten. So it don’t matter who your dad is, you all ‘ave the same mum. If you don’t learn to respect that Little Al, then I ain’t got no room for you down here. Looks like you have a few things to learn.
Big Tom: Yes, we have been telling him that.
Long Tail Al: Suppose he’s a bit like I was when I was young.
Charlie: Is Miss Nera there as well?
Big Tom: Yes she is. Nera, you seem to have an admirer.
Nera: Hello Charlie.
Charlie: Hello Nera, so what about us two.
Nera: Is that a proposal or an order.
Long Tail Al: Charlie what did I tell ya. She ain’t a rooftop cat.
Slimy: So is the talk all finished now. I’m ‘ungry.
Long Tail Al: Yea, I fink we all are. ‘Ave you organised fings Slimy,.
Slimy: No problem boss. Reggie & Ronnie Crat ‘ave organised everyfing. Reg you can bring the stuff in now.
Romeo: Who are those cats. They are very well organised. Reminds me of my days in Sicily. We had to be organised then.
Long Tail Al: You must be Romeo, the consigliere. Yea well I suppose you are used to organised cats. I ‘eard you was a great ‘elp wiv sorting out the catafia down in Sicily a few years back.
Romeo: Si, nulla problema. You just had to talk to them and explain things.
Bobinette: Oui, my Romeo is so clever.
Reggie: Well where shall we put this stuff, there’s enuf ‘ere for everyone.
Long Tail Al: Reggie, Ronnie you did a good job this time.
Big Tom: Respect Al, I have never seen so much chicken and turkey all at once. We have to raid the farms, and be careful, especially if the famers are around.
Slimy: Yea, well we do a bit of raiding as well.
Tabby: Yes capo, I went with him. It’s quite interesting if you go up the right steps in the sewers.
Big Tom: Sewers? Now that doesn’t sound so appetising.
Tabby: We keep clean, it’s just a good way of getting into the basements of the town shops.
Long Tail Al: Well enuf of the talking, lets get eating.
Little Al: I wanna leg of turkey. Aww, dad why did you swipe me with your claw.
Long Tail Al: Because I don’t like greedy cats, and because my dad did that to me as well when I wanted more than I deserved. And I didn’t turn out bad did I.
Gladys: Did you hear Little Al. Now sit down and eat, otherwise there will be nothing left for you. And give your brothers and sisters some food first of all.
Little Al: They can get their own.
Long Tail Al: Wot did you say Little Al.
Little Al: I said “of course mum”.
Bobinette: What’s the noise up in the church. It sounds just like us cats when we sing.
Long Tail Al: It’s the ‘umans. They ‘ave their Christmans, somefing like Bast’s birfday, then they all go singing in the churches. Wanna come and ‘ave a look.
Bobinette: Oh yes.
Long Tail Al: Ok cats, if you all wanna ‘ave a look, just climb up on that tomb over their. There’s a grating wiv ‘oles in it and you can all see wots going on. We’ll finish the grub afterwards. Ronnie and Reggie, call a couple of the black paw gang in to keep an eye on the food.
Ronnie and Reggie: No problem boss.
Bobinette: Shall we sing as well with them. It sounds so nice.
Nera: Of course, Bobinette, we will do a duet.

Silent mouse, little grey mouse.
How you creep around my house.
Don`t you know, you`re a plaything to me.
Don`t you know I`m your enemy.
Better get out while you can.
Better get out while you can.

Silent mouse, little grey mouse.
Still you creep,round my house.
I`m so tired of you squeaking.
This will be your last warning.
Better get out while you can.

Silent mouse, little grey mouse.
All is calm, round my house.
From your hole you silently crept.
From the shadows I silently leapt.
I can sleep in peace.
I can sleep in peace.

Reservoir Cats 26

Nera: Come on Grey, time to go home.
Mr. Grey: Anything is better than life on this farm. I havn’t had a moments peace. There are so many kittens to look after and my mum has her eyes everywhere.
Nera: Mr. Grey, that’s what mothers are for.
Mr. Grey: I heard there was some trouble down in town.
Nera: You hear everything don’t you, but thanks to Fluffy and the rest of us we helped Long Tail Al to solve his problems.
Mr. Grey: So it seems that you are all getting on well together now.
Nera: Yes, Grey, with little thanks to you and your devious little plan to take over.
Mr. Grey: Yes, well, let’s forget the past and carry on as we were before.
Nera: Not exactly Grey. You are no longer in charge, but Romeo and his girlfriend.
Mr. Grey: Romeo has a girlfriend?
Nera: Don’t pretend you don’t know. Bobinette and Romeo will soon have their own family.
Mr. Grey: And what about you Nera, all on your own.?
Nera: Perhaps
Mr. Grey: You ladies do like to keep things to yourselves. I remember the times we spent together outside talking and we seemed to be getting on quite well.
Nera: A lot of water has gone under the bridge since Grey.
Mr. Grey: Sounds like you have a new admirer.
Nera: So we are now approaching your father’s villa.
Mr. Grey: Now that was a quick change of the subject.
Big Tom: Grey, my son, and how are you
Mr. Grey: Feeling tired, I wouldn’t mind having a few hours curled up somewhere without any miaowing kittens nearbye.
Big Tom: Sounds like you have learnt your lesson. No more take over plans?
Mr. Grey: No dad, would just like some peace and quiet at the moment.
Big Tom: Well I will let you have a few hours sleep, but afterwards you can start your new job.
Mr. Grey: A new job. But please nothing to do with organising the country cats, I think they must be sniggering behind their paws at me now.
Big Tom: Don’t worry Grey. As you know Gladys had her kittens here and they are now growing up. One of them seems to be the offspring of Long Tail Al, but he needs a bit of trimming at the whiskers, if you know what I mean.
Mr. Grey: You mean he is a bit hard to handle?
Big Tom: Well, something like that. Gladys has her paws full with the other kittens and Little Al is always causing trouble, so I thought you could pass on some of your knowledge to him.
Mr. Grey: No more kitten training, please.
Big Tom: Little Al is no longer so small and wants to meet his father. You can prepare him to go to town.
Mr. Grey: Yes, but dad
Big Tom: No buts son. You now have the chance to redeem yourself in my eyes. Don’t forget who I am. Capisci

Romeo: Bobinette mia cara, did you see who is back
Bobinette: Yes, I think Mr. Grey is now amongst us again. I ‘ope ‘e doesn’t start up ‘is tricks again.
Romeo: No, I don’t think he will. Big Tom had a talk with him and has given him a new job. He is to be responsible for the education of Little Al.
Bobinette: Now that will be interesting. Little Al jumped on me while I was sleeping yesterday and gave me the shock of my life. Afterwards he just waved his tail and walked off. He has no manners.
Romeo: And that is exactly why Mr. Grey has to look after him.
Little Al: Did I hear my name being mentioned. Hello Bobinette, your fur is just like a trampoline when I jump on it.
Bobinette: Is that the excuse for waking me up when I am asleep.
Little Al: Well it looked so soft and inviting. Ow, Romeo keep your paws to yourself. I don’t like being hit on the nose.
Romeo: That is for waking up my bella Bobinette when she is sleeping. It is about time that someone taught you some manners.
Little Al: I do what I want to do. No-one gives me orders. I am the son of Long Tail Al.
Gladys: Little Al will you just hold your tongue and stop showing off. I am glad that you now have someone who will teach you some manners.
Little Al: I don’t need being taught anything mum. I can do everything myself already.
Gladys: But you don’t do anything yourself do you. I caught you yesterday threatening your brothers that you would give them a scratch if they didn’t bring you a fresh mouse.
Romeo: you should be ashamed of yourself. It is about time that Mr. Grey takes you in hand.
Little Al: Who’s Mr. Grey, and how comes he has a Mr. in front of his name.
Mr. Grey: I have a Mr. in front of my name because I am the oldest son of Gatto di tutti Gatti, Big Tom. I take it you are Little Al, the cat I am to teach good manners to.
Little Al: Well I don’t need teaching any manners, what I do and say goes around here.
Mr. Grey: You have nothing to say. Now come along with me.
Little Al: I’m not going anywhere with you. Hey, put me down. Mum he has gripped me by the scruff of my neck.
Gladys: And right he is. Mr. Grey put him down at the next muddy puddle, that might freshen him up a bit.
Little Al: No, I hate water.
Mr. Grey: So do we all cats, but you have to be cruel to be kind. You first lesson, respect your elders and do what they tell you to do. So here we go.
Little Al: Owww, I’m all wet.
Mr. Grey: Then lick yourself dry. Afterwards you take an hours sleep and then I will think about what to teach you next.
Gladys: OK, Grey I will leave him to your tender claws.
Mr. Grey: No problem.

Slimy: This way Tabby
Tabby: It smells a bit down these sewers doesn’t it.
Slimy: Well I suppose it’s what your used to. Don’t bother me much, I sort of grew up down ‘ere. Lots of fresh meat if you know where to look. Put your ‘ead in that opening over there and sniff in.
Tabby: Oh, I see what you mean. Smells very strongly of rat.
Slimy: Oh yea, there’s a lot of rats down ‘ere, but I wouldn’t eat any old rat. The younger ones are the best. The older ones ‘ave been around in the water too long and pick up all sorts of funny illnesses. I remember me bruvver, he choked on a rat and that was the last meal ‘e ever ‘ad.
Tabby: Oh, I am not sure that the sewers are my sort of thing.
Slimy: Yea, well just cut along ‘ere and go up those stairs there. At the top squeeze through the opening, then we are in paradise.
Tabby: What do you mean. Oh yes, it smells really good here. Where are we.
Slimy: Keep in the shadows. We are now in the basement of the local butchers shop. Best place around here. That’s where they prepare the meat for the humans. Now over there is a bin where they throw the best parts away. Don’t really understand those ‘umans. What they fink ain’t worth eating, makes a good meal for a cat. Grab a bit and come back down in the sewer. Then we can ‘ave a nice lunch in peace and quiet.
Tabby: Now that smells really good. Not so fast Slimy. I don’t know my way as well as you do.
Slimy: So sit down over there. We won’t be disturbed ‘ere. Just enjoy your lunch.
Tabby: Tastes real good. I just don’t understand why all this is thrown away. In the country we have to hang around the farms to get something like this.
Slimy: Well I ain’t never seen a farm or bin on one.
Tabby: Tell you what Slimy, when I go back home I will take you with me and show you around the country.
Slimy: Well that’s a deal mate.

Reservoir Cats 25

Slimy: Well we were all down in the cellar of the museum and all of a sudden this statue starts talking.
Long Tail Al: Just a minute, are you ‘aving me on.
Slimy: No boss, see it wasn’t really a statue but a geezer called Bast, some sort of cat boss.
Nera: Slimy, I think you better let me explain this to Al, otherwise he might get the idea that there is another cat wanting to take over in the town.
Long Tail Al: Yea, I fink yer better Nera. Sounds like Slimy ain’t recovered from the hypnotising stuff from that Mr. Wang yet.
Nera: Well it’s true what he said. Bast was the chief god of us cats way back in time in Egypt. The Egytians worshipped him and we are all sort of descended from him one way or the other, some more and some less.
Charlie: Yea, and this Bast bloke saw that we needed ‘elp and sorted the Siamese out for us.
Long Tail Al: Yea, well I ain’t so slow as you might fink. I ‘ave ‘eard of this Egytian fing and somefing about a few gods roaming around and sorting us cats out. Where’s ‘e gone now, I would like to fank ‘im for ‘is ‘elp.
Charlie: Well ‘e said somefing about going back to where ‘e came from.
Long Tail Al: Yea, well as I see it, gods don’t usually ‘ang around for a long while. What about me black paw gang.
Nera: Well Bast brought them back to our side and they are waiting outside for any further orders you may have for them.
Long Tail Al: Slimy go and bring in Ronnie and Reggie Crat. Want to ‘ave a few words with ‘em.
Slimy: Will do boss.
Ronnie Crat: ‘allo boss, I ‘eard yer wanted to see me and Reggie.
Long Tail Al: Just wanted to check up on fings. Weren’t exactly showing yourself from the best side when those orientals hit town, were ya?
Reggie: Yea, sorry about that boss, but we don’t really know what hit us.
Long Tail Al: I can tell you one fing, if you go off again like that, you will definitely know what will ‘it you, is that clear.
Ronnie & Reggie Crat: Yes boss
Long Tail Al: Ok, now sort your men out. I want them posted on all the entrances to the town like they always used to. Can’t ‘ave any old cat just walking in and out now can we.
Fluffy: And I think we should be getting back to the country and report to Big Tom. I am sure he will want to know how things turned out.
Nera: Ok Fluffy, just follow my scent and we will soon be home.
Charlie: Well, Miss Nera, I wouldn’t mind following yer scent either.
Nera: Charlie, I told you give me time. I will have to think about it.
Long Tail Al: Yes and when yer get back, tell Gladys I would like to see me son, Little Al. She should come on a visit wiv ‘im.
Tabby: I think I will stay a while, I still havn’t seen much of the town – up to now just the museum.
Slimy: Well that’s true. I’ll give you a tour of the sewers tomorrow if you like.
Long Tail Al: Slimy, there are other places in town except for the sewers.
Tabby: No, that’s ok dad. I don’t mind going on a tour with such an expert as Slimy.
Nera: Bye all – come on Fluffy, just follow me.

Big Tom: Romeo go and have a look outside, I think that Nera and Fluffy are on their way back.
Romeo: Hello Nera, Fluffy, so how did things go.
Fluffy: Purrrrfect. We have managed to chase the Orientals away from the town, with the help of Bast.
Big Tom: With the help of who? Did you say Bast?
Nera: Yes, he did, but that’s what cat gods are for, to help when we are in trouble with other cats.
Big Tom: To be quite honest, my family never had a lot to do with the cat gods. We sort of made our own laws. Must tell Lucky Catiano about that. Where are the Orientals, have they gone?
Nera: Well they are now on their way on a fast boat to China and that’s where they will stay.
Gladys: Hello everyone, glad to hear that everything turned out ok. I knew Bast would help.
Nera: How comes – do you know Bast.
Gladys: Well knowing him is a bit too much said, but now and again he turned up at our Kitty Cat club meetings to give a few tips, so I sort of mentioned that we might need some help.
Fluffy: Gladys, Long tail Al said he would like to see Little Al, if you could pay a visit some time.
Gladys. Well I suppose he is his dad, but it’s a bit too soon. We should wait until Little Al is a few weeks older and can start fending for himself.
Little Al: Did I hear my name being mentioned. I wanna see my dad.
Gladys: Little Al, you just have to be patient. You are too young.
Nera: Well, he certainly isn’t shy, is he.
Little Al: Do you know my dad?
Nera: I have met him a few times.
Little Al: Someone said he is the big boss of the town cats. I wanna be a big boss one day as well.
Gladys: Yes, but first of all you have to grow up.
Little Al: Well I’m the biggest out of my brothers and sisters.
Gladys: I suppose you would be, you are always the first one at feeding time. Where’s One Eyed Fred.
One Eyed Fred: I’m coming. So there’s Little Al. ‘e ran off again.
Big Tom: So I think it’s time for your to settle your family business on your own. Nera stay here, I want to ask you something.
Nera: At your service capo.
Big Tom: It’s time for Mr. Grey to come back to us. He has served his time up on the farm with his mother and I have heard that he is now behaving. Would you go and fetch him.
Nera: Yes Capo, will tomorrow be ok.
Big Tom: That’s fine and when he is back bring him to me, I have a job for him.

Reservoir Cats 24

Madame Butterfly: And who are you to question my supreme authority.
Bast: It seems that you have forgot your origins. You should make your Oriental race proud to have you, but my colleagues in the world where I come from have said they are ashamed to call you a member of their race.
Mr. Wang: We will see who has the power here. I will get the Black Paw Gang. They will soon make an end to your false magic.
Bast: My false magic as you call it, has sent the Black Paw Gang into a deep sleep.
Madame Butterfly: Rubbish, Reggie, Ronnie, come here and bring your colleagues with you. Hello you cloth eared cats. Come at once. Mr. Wang go and see what they are doing.
Mr. Wang: It is true my Butterfly, they are all sleeping outside the museum.
Bast: Enough, Mr. Wang, Madame Butterfly, there is a ship leaving in the harbour for Hong Kong. You can be pleased that I am giving you this chance to leave and survive. Go back to where you came from.
Mr. Wang: Look into my eyes Bast.
Bast: That I don’t laugh. Do not insult my status Mr. Wang. We gods cannot be influenced by any tricks that the humans may have forced upon you. Now depart before I change my mind.
Tabby: I will accompany you to the harbour to make sure that you have gone for ever.
Nera: Fluffy, Charlie, and Slimy – we will also go with Tabby.
Bast: I bid you farewell my brave cats. It was a pleasure to help. It is now time for me to go back to the world I came from. First of all I have a duty to perform on the sleeping black paw gang. Reggie and Ronnie Crat, awake and come to me.
Reggie: Who are you. Blimy I ain’t seen one like you before.
Ronnie: We must ‘ave been at the catnip again. I’ve got a headache. Where’s the gang?
Bast: Your gang are waiting for you outside. You will order your cats to accompany Fluffy and ensure that these two Oriental cats go on board the ship in the harbour. There is only one there and it is going to Hong Kong.
Ronnie: You mean they are going ‘ome again.
Reggie: About time – there was somefing about those cats that I didn’t like.
Bast: And on the way out you can collect Pablo from the cellar. He should now be awakening
I must now go back to where I came from.
Fluffy: Is that a long journey, Mr. Bast?
Bast: In distance, no, but in time – a very long journey. May the feline power be with you all.

Slimy: Where’s ‘e gawn. Now that was a real gent, wasn’t it. Come on you Orientals, the faster you go, the better.
Mr. Wang: Look into my eyes Slimy
Slimy: Forget it – those days ‘ave gone. The only bit of you I want to look at now is your tail end when you wave it goodbye.
Nera: Well said Slimy.
Tabby: Well we are now going through the cellar and here is Pablo.
Pablo: What’s going on. Madame Butterfly, Mr. Wang, where are we going.
Madame Butterfly: Don’t ask stupid questions, just follow these smelly town cats.
Charlie: That will do. We might smell, but we know what we ‘ave and even our Slimy smells like a rose in comparison to you three.
Slimy: Thanks Charlie – this is my big day today.
Nera: Reggie, Ronnie tell your cats to surrounded the traitors. Then they will stay in line.
Reggie: Will do Mrs. Nera
Charlie: Nera, did I ever tell you that, well, you know what I mean. Now what about us two.
Nera: Charlie, this is neither the time, nor the place, but you may ask me again when things are back to normal, and I will think it over.
Tabby: Cats, I don’t believe it. I have been rescued, the biggest danger has now been swept out of the way and you two are talking about getting together in the future.
Fluffy: Let them get on with it. Nera is always good for a surprise. We have now reached the harbour and there is the ship.
Ronnie: So, up the gangway wiv ya, dally, dally.
Ship’s cat: Ahoy, what’s this coming onto the ship. Not those three Oriental cats. I remember those three – I think I had enough trouble with them on the journey here. I am now alone on this ship, but there were four of us when we came over from Hong Kong. The Orientals managed to throw my colleagues overboard. I hid in the hold and they didn’t find me.
Slimy: Well ya don’t ‘ave to be worried about them any more. They ain’t got no oriental powers any more. I would just keep em busy clearing out the mice leftovers that you ‘ave.
Ship’s cat: good idea. Put them in the hold. They can’t climb out of there without help and I am not giving them any. Disgrace to the cat nation they are. I hope they don’t get up to any tricks on the journey.
Bast: We will watch over you little ship’s cat and make sure that no evil will be done.
Ship’s cat: Who said that?
Fluffy: That was the voice of Bast, an Egyptian cat god. When he says he will keep an eye on things, he will.
Ship’s cat: Well it looks like they have lost their powers so I suppose everything is ok. And now you all have to go, we are pulling out. Oh for a life on the waves, just me, a ship and lots of mice to keep away from the provisions.
Charlie: Sounds like a good life for a cat, Nera.
Nera: If you go with them, you will no longer see me. I get sea sick just by looking at the water.
Charlie: Of course, I would rather stay here with you
Nera: Just have some patience Charlie, I have to think things over.
Slimy: I wanna go back to Long Tail Al and tell ‘im the good news.
Tabby: Yes I think my father will be proud of us.

Long Tail Al: Fluffy, ‘ow did fings go. And who do we ‘ave ‘ere. Me son Tabby. What ‘appened. Where’s the orientals gone.
Slimy: You won’t be seeing them again. By now they are in a ship on their way back to ‘ong Kong where they came from.
Long Tail Al: This must be celebrated. So tell me all about it.

Reservoir Cats 23

Fluffy: So where is Tabby being kept? If I am supposed to lead the rescue action, I should have to know where to go.
Long Tail Al: Well as far as we know ‘e’s in the museum and the only way to get in without being noticed is through the sewers and up a ladder into the cellar.
Fluffy: Ok, but someone will have to come with me to show the way.
Long Tail Al: Slimy
Slimy: No boss, not me. I’ve been there once and that was enough. I don’t want that red-eyed geezer looking at me again.
Long Tail Al: Sorry Slimy, but you are the only one who knows where to go in the museum. Just keep yr ‘ead down and don’t look at ‘im.
Fluffy: Well, I think it might be a good idea if Slimy leads me. I just have to follow his scent and that won’t be difficult.
Slimy: Always ‘aving a go at me cause I smell a bit
Nera: I hate to say it, but it’s true Slimy, but you are a brave cat to lead us. I will come along as well
Slimy: Well, that’s a nice fing to say.
Long Tail Al: Yes, well ya see Slimy, Nera is a lady.
Charlie: I will be there to help, in case the lady gets into distress.
Nera: Mr. Charlie I just wonder who will be the cause of the distress if you come too.
Long Tail Al: Yes Charlie, be on your best behaviour, Nera ain’t one of those roof top cats, she’s a lady and ‘as to be treated like one.
Charlie: Now boss, don’t worry. I know ‘ow to treat a lady cat that ‘as a bit of class. Always was a bit partial to the black cats. Look so mysterious.
Nera: Charlie, just keep your paws to yourself and I am sure we will get on well. So let’s go. Slimy you in front.

Slimy: Now just follow me down this gulley and take a jump at the end they we will end up at the side of the sewer. OK Fluffy
Fluffy: I’m with you Slimy. Just stay in front and there won’t be any problems.
Charlie: Managing ok Miss Nera, shall I give a helping paw
Nera: Thank you Mr. Charlie, but I can cope quite well on my own.
Slimy: Now just follow the side of the sewer, but be careful it can be a bit slippery and we don’t want anyone falling in now do we?
Fluffy: No problem Slimy, I can still smell you in front
Slimy: Now we all ‘ave to go up these steps ‘ere. At the end there is a tunnel which goes into the museum cellar. Wiv me?
Nera: Yes, no problem.
Charlie: I’ll stay at the end in case anyone falls down the steps, then I can catch them
Nera: Don’t worry Charlie, I won’t be falling down to fall into your open paws.
Charlie: Now that’s a shame ain’t it.
Nera: Hisssssssssssss
Fluffy: Think we are now in the cellar, smells a bit less damp and more from old stuff.
Slimy: Yea, well that’s where they keep some of the stuff they exhibit in the museum now and again. I was always a bit partial to the statue of that cat there. Put’s me remind of one of me ancestors.
Nera: That is the Egyptian goddess Bast – she was quite popular in her day, but somehow I don’t think she was in your line Slimy.
Fluffy: Bast was in all our lines. She was the beginning of the cat dynasties as we know it today.

Hummmmmmm
Charlie: What was that for a noise
Fluffy: According to my extra sharp hearing that I now have since not seeing anything any more, it seems to come from the direction opposite.
Nera: Well, that’s where that Bast statue is. But just look at it.
Slimy: Oh gawd, it’s all glowing and looking in our direction.
Charlie: I don’t know about that, but I fink its moving as well
Bast: Who mentioned my name and who are you little cats
Slimy: It’s talking, oh dear, fink I’ll go back ‘ome
Nera: You will do no such thing, Slimy. Without you we would never find the way.
Bast: Are you trying to rescue the cat that is being held captive by the Orientals?
Charlie: Just a minute, I don’t get this. You’r supposed to be a statue. ‘Ow come you’re talking and blinking your eyes.
Bast: I can do anything I want and when the gods call me I am ready. I have been told to help you in your quest to rescue your Tabby brother. It seems that the Oriental cats are not obeying our laws of respect to one another. They have to be stopped. Which one of you is Fluffy?
Fluffy: That’s me o great Bast
Bast: Good, then you will proceed behind this Slimy cat here and have no fear I will be near to you all. It is better when the Orientals do not see me. Continue on your way and have confidence.

Madame Butterfly: Pablo, did you hear that strange noise down in the cellar.
Pablo: Well come to think of it, a sort of deep voice.
Madame Butterfly: And do us supreme Orientals have deep voices?
Pablo: No Butterfly
Madame Butterfly: Then move your paws and go and have a look. Do I really have to think for everyone around here.
Pablo: I am on my way Butterfly.

Slimy: I can ‘ear a cat coming.

Nera: Charlie go and have a look who it is, but carefully
Charlie: Well it ain’t no lady cat – smells like one of them orientals.
Nera: Let him see you and when he comes down the stairs to chase you, Slimy will lay on the top stair so that he will fall down
Slimy: Who me?
Nera: Yes you
Charlie: ‘allo you skinny Oriental ‘ere I am
Pablo: Now what sort of a town cat are you. Just wait I will get you. Ow, help I tripped over something smelly
Bast: Well done cats. Now go on your way I will deal with this Oriental cat. Oriental freeze
Slimy: Well did ya see that – that Oriental is just laying still just like when ‘e fell down the stairs. Ain’t a movement in ‘im.
Nera: We have just witnessed the powers of Bast the Egyptian cat god. And now we are unbeatable. Fluffy up the stairs into the museum.
Madame Butterfly: And what do we have here. A little fluffy cat who wants to save Tabby I think. Look Tabby what has been sent to rescue you.
Tabby: Fluffy, be careful they are very sly and crafty.
Madame Butterfly: Mr. Wang, I think we need your powers
Mr. Wang: Now what do we have here. Little Fluffy cats are my favourite victims. Just look into my eyes Fluffy cat.
Fluffy: Well I think I know where your eyes are so I’m looking in your direction. What next?
Mr. Wang: And now you will obey what we say to you. You will now attack the Slimy cat standing behind you.
Fluffy: I definitely will not attack any cats that are helping me to rescue Tabby. Slimy is my friend and will help me. Slimy don’t look at this freak of a cat called Wang. Look away.
Mr. Wang: I have never been called a freak in my life, just who are you to call me a freak. I said attack.
Fluffy: Attack yourself. I don’t like cats with red eyes.
Madame Butterfly: Just what is going on here. Pablo, Pablo
Charlie: And you can call for your Pablo until your whiskers drop off. He is having a sleep in the cellar.
Nera: Come Tabby, follow me, these Orientals have no power any more.
Mr. Wang: Who says that
Bast: I do

Reservoir Cats 22

Nera: Hello Bobinette, I don’t seem to see so much of you these days.
Bobinette: ‘allo Nera. Well you know since we solved our problems with Mr. Grey, I ‘ave been able to concentrate on organising my own life
Nera: Yes I did notice you seem to be seeing a lot of Romeo lately.
Bobinette: Just let us say we are warming up our old friendship once again.
Nera: Yes, it does notice a little bit. Will you give them Italian or French names?
Bobinette: We ‘ave enough time to decide. We ‘ave to see ‘ow many kittens arrive first of all. Romeo told me to give you a message from Big Tom. He wants to see you and Fluffy this evening. It seems to be quite urgent.
Nera: Now that sounds interesting. Fluffy can you come over here and stop sniffing at that mouse. Either eat it or leave it.
Fluffy: Well I was thinking of eating it, what do you want?
Bobinette: Big Tom wants to see you and Nera this evening.
Fluffy: Big Tom wants to see me, but I didn’t even know he knew that I exist.
Nera: Big Tom knows all of us, don’t forget he is gatto di tutti gatti.
Bobinette: I will be seeing Romeo this evening so you can accompany me up to Big Tom’s villa on the ‘ill.

Romeo: Ciao bella Bobinette, I was thinking about you today
Bobinette: And I was thinking you too my Romeo
Big Tom: When you two lovecats have finished, perhaps we can get down to business. I see you have brought Nera and Fluffy with you.
Romeo: Gatto di tutti gatti, your wish is our command.
Big Tom: Ok, ok, let’s not overdo it. We are not in the gangster films now are we?
Romeo: That reminds me Big Tom. You may have perhaps noticed that Bobinette and myself will have our first family in a couple of months. We were wondering if you would give us the honour of becoming godfather to our first born.
Big Tom: We will see Romeo. You have always been a faithful consigliere and the family, and I will consider it. First of all we must deal with the problems that have arisen in the town.
Nera: Why can’t the cats in town deal with their own problems?
Big Tom: I was hoping they would, but it seems that the Oriental cats have moved in and based on the experiences that my cousin Lucky Catiano had with them in Chicago, I have decided we must help, otherwise after they take over the town, they will start moving in on my territory.
Fluffy: Mr. Big Tom, Gatto di tutti gatti, sir, why did you ask for me to come.
Big Tom: Fluffy, just call me Big Tom like all the other cats. And stop shaking, you don’t have to be afraid of me. Only the cats that deceive me have something to fear from me.
Nera: How can Fluffy help.
Big Tom: It seems that the Orientals are being lead by a very strong cruel cat called Madame Butterfly. She lives in the museum with her partner Pablo who does everything she orders him to, but the worst is to come. Mr. Wang is also there and he is a very powerful cat. He has the gift of making other cats obey all commands given by Madame Butterfly. One look in his eyes and the cats are hynotised. He has already put the Black Paw gang under the control of Madame Butterfly and the worst is to come. By hypnotising Slimy, Long Tail Al’s adopted son, he has managed to capture Tabby who is now in the museum with the Oriental cats. Slimy was led to believe that Madame Butterfly was his boss and brought Tabby to the museum. Now Tabby is being held as a hostage until Long Tail Al surrenders and gives the power over the town cats to Madame Butterfly.
Nera: My half sister Tabby. How can I help Big Tom?
Gladys: Hello Nera, Bobinette, Romeo. I had the idea of asking Fluffy to help us. I think he is the only cat that would escape the power of Mr. Wang’s eyes.
Nera: Because he is blind.
Big Tom: Exactly Nera, we think this would be the only solution to setting Tabby free. Then the Orientals would have no threat to the town cats under the leadership of Long Tail Al and they could organise an attack.
Fluffy: This is certainly a good idea, but I am not so sure that I would be able to do what you want. I am only a small cat and not so big and powerful as the others.
Big Tom: Fluffy I am sure you won’t disappoint me. Nera tells me that you are one of the best mice hunters here, so if you can sniff a mouse out, then I am sure you can sniff your way around Madame Butterfly and Mr. Wang.
Gladys: And Long Tail Al with his cats will be helping you.
Big Tom: Nera I think you should now depart for the town to Long Tail Al. I told him you would be coming with Fluffy so he is expecting you.
Nera: Are you ready Fluffy. I will come with you and stay in town to see if I can help.
Fluffy: Tabby doesn’t really like me and he isn’t my favourite cat either, but he is Nera’s half sister and I will do all I can to help.

Long Tail Al: Slimy go and see who’s at the door if ya find yer way there.
Slimy: Why shouldn’t I find the way.
Long Tail Al: Well I ain’t sure that yer brain is working right after meeting that Mr. Wang bloke.
Slimy: If someone threw you in a fountain, I can tell you everyfing works after. I ain’t never been so wide awake for a long time. Ok Long Tail Al, I’ll go and ‘ave a look.
Long Tail Al: Well if it ain’t Nera and ‘er little friend Fluffy. Just who I wanted to see.
Nera: Good evening Long Tail Al. Gladys sends her best wishes and says that Little Al is doing fine, although a little bit bossy with the other kittens. He is always the first to have a drink, pushes the other kittens out of the way when it’s feeding time and likes to roam around in places he shouldn’t be in.
Long Tail Al: Now that is good news. Takes after his dad, don’t ‘e. I’m sure he is going to be a good successor one of these days. Did Big Tom say why I needed your ‘elp.
Nera: Yes he did. You all seem to think that Fluffy could be the solution to your problems.
Fluffy: What smells so strange around here. Something like a mixture of sewer and dead mice.
Slimy: Will yer stop sniffing around me fur.
Long Tail Al: Well one fing is sure, Fluffy certainly ‘as a good sense of smell, although you can always smell Slimy before you see ‘im.
Fluffy: Do all town cats smell like that.
Slimy: I beg your pardon. I ‘ad a bath in a fountain yesterday.
Long Tail Al: And that wasn’t yer wish was it. To answer your question, I meself don’t smell, and Charlie always smells good, but ‘e’s always after the ladies ain’t ‘e.
Nera: So can we get down to business. What is the plan.
Long Tail Al: Yea, well we ain’t really got one yet. We thought we might put our ‘eads together and make one.
Fluffy: Big deal. You drag me all the way from my nice comfy home in the country to a smelly cat and noisy town and you can’t even tell me what to do. Looks like I will have to start taking things over. Now listen cats, as I am the secret weapon we will do it my way.

Reservoir Cats 21

Slimy: Allo boss. Nice day today ain’t it. Orientals ‘ave gone.
Long Tail Al: Well I ain’t seen any so I suppose they ‘ave.
Slimy: Thought I would call around to see if Tabby fancied a walk around town. What wiv all that Oriental bovver, he ain’t ‘ad a chance to have a good look around yet. What about it Tabby.
Tabby: Well if you think it’s safe enough I don’t mind going. What do you say dad.
Long Tail Al: Oh, go along and enjoy yerself. About time you ‘ad a look at the surroundings, but Slimy be careful wiv ‘im, ‘e ain’t used to the rough ways some of us cats ‘ave in the town. Don’t go down the sewers wiv ‘im, ‘e might get lost.
Slimy: Well I thought ‘e might like to see a bit of the classy side of town, like the town ‘all and all the trimmings. Even the museum might be an idea now that the Orientals ain’t there any more.
Long Tail Al: Are you sure?
Slimy: Oh yea, I saw them all leave this morning on their way to the ‘arbour.
Long Tail Al: Ok, but make sure you are back for feeding time. Charlie caught four rats yesterday evening and said ‘e can’t eat all of ‘em, so ‘e gave me three.
Tabby: Bye dad, see you later.

Tabby: Slimy are you sure the coast is now safe and the Oriental cats are gone. I didn’t like the look of that Madame Butterfly or Mr. Wang at all.
Slimy: Now if I say they gone, then they ‘ave gone. And ‘ow comes you ‘eard of Mr. Wang and Butterfly?
Tabby: Well, I saw you talking to them.
Slimy: Oh ya did, did ya. Well as a matter of fact they ain’t so bad as what they say. Two very nice friendly cats and they told me that they enjoyed their ‘oliday ‘ere. So ‘ere we are Tabby, after you.
Tabby. But this isn’t the town hall, it’s the museum.
Slimy: Yea I know, but the museum is nearer, we go afterwards to the town ‘all.
Tabby: Stop pushing me Slimy.
Madame Butterfly: Now now, no arguments please. And you must be Tabby, the son and heir of Long Tail Al.
Tabby: Who are you? And how comes you know who I am.
Madame Butterfly: Well my servant and helper Slimy was told to bring you along and here you are. Slimy you may go now, but not too far, I may have a few other orders for you.
Slimy: Yes Madame, your wish is my command.
Tabby: Can someone tell me what is happening here. Slimy you are a disappointment and a traitor. It seems that you not only smell now and again, but tell lies.
Madame Butterfly: So Tabby, you can’t blame Slimy, he is now under my power and will do all I require of him, thanks to the help of my good friend Mr. Wang.
Mr. Wang: Did you call, Butterfly. Shall I put some influence on this strange tabby cat here to make him obey our wishes.
Tabby: I beg your pardon. No, No-one will influence me. I am the son of Long Tail Al and stand under the protection of Big Tom, gatto di tutti gatti. I would be very careful otherwise your 9 lives will become minus nine.
Madame Butterfly: So enough of this stupid discussion. Tabby if I wanted you to obey my wishes, that would be no problem, would it Mr. Wang
Mr. Wang: Not at all, in a minute he would be under my, sorry, our influence.
Madame Butterfly: Yes, Mr. Wang, but it does not serve its purpose. When Long Tail Al realises that you are my hostage, he will do everything to get you back and that is exactly what I want. Slimy, come here.
Slimy: Yes madame.
Madame Butterfly: You will now go to Long Tail Al and tell him that the black paw gang attacked and took Tabby as hostage. You may also make clear to him that I and Mr. Wang, together with Pablo of course, decided not to leave and Tabby is now residing in the museum with us. We will let Long Tail Al know what he is to do to see his precious Tabby alive and well again.
Slimy: Yes madame.

Long Tail Al: Already back Slimy, but where’s me son.
Slimy: Al, I can never forgive myself, but the black paw gang attacked and captured Tabby. He is now in the museum cellar as a prisoner of the Mr. Wang and Madame Butterfly.
Long Tail Al: Slimy I told you to be careful, now we have the problem don’t we? So what am I supposed to do now.
Charlie: Long Tail Al, don’t believe ‘im. I saw ‘im walk wiv Tabby to the museum and ‘e pushed ‘im through the door. Look at ‘im and that far away look in ‘is eyes. There’s somefing wrong somewhere.
Long Tail Al: Slimy are you telling the truth
Slimy: Of course boss.
Long Tail Al: Charlie go and put ‘im in the fountain. That will probably bring ‘im back to our world.
Charlie: Will do boss.
Slimy: No, not that, I ‘ate water.
Charlie: By the time I’ve finished wiv you, you’re gonna ‘ate a lot of other fings to.
Slimy: Cough, cough, splutter splutter. Gawd ‘elp us, where am I? What ‘appened boss. I feel all funny.
Long Tail Al: Well that far away look in your eyes ‘as gone. Now tell me what ‘appened.
Slimy: Well I don’t really know. I fink I done somefing wrong somewhere.
Charlie: I fink you ‘ave as well. What did that Mr. Wang and Madame Butterfly do wiv ya?
Slimy: Well I sort of remember now. They told me what to do, and nofing could stop me doing it. Like they got into me brain.
Long Tail Al: Yea, well that ain’t difficult is it Slimy. The size of your brain, it was a quick job. Now we ‘ave to fink. I’m gonna go and see Big Tom.

Big Tom: Al, back again. Still having problems with the Orientals.
Long Tail Al: Well its going from bad to worse. Now they ‘ave kidnapped Tabby. One of ‘em, Mr. Wang, ‘as started hypnotising the cats. He did it to the black paw gang, starting with Ronnie and Reggie Crat, and now ‘es hypnotised Slimy and through Slimy they managed to get Tabby.
Big Tom: I think we need the advice of an experienced person. Gladys are you busy.
Gladys: No, One Eye Fred has just gone for a walk with the kittens, so I have a few minutes. Big Tom: Did you hear what Long Tail Al just told me.
Gladys: Yes I did, and that is a problem, but I might have a solution.
Long Tail Al: Gladys I would be pleased for any ‘elp. Now I’ve found me lost son, and ‘es gone again.
Big Tom: What’s your solution Gladys.
Gladys: Fluffy, the blind cat down in the country. The one who lives with Nera and Bobinette.
Long Tail Al: And ‘ow is a blind cat gonna ‘elp. I got enough problems with me own cats that can see everyfing.
Big Tom: Think Al. How does Mr. Wang influence the cats.
Long Tail Al: Well ‘e sort of looks at em and then they’e doing what ‘e wants.
Gladys: Exactly Long Tail Al, so how is Mr. Wang going to look into the eyes of a blind cat.
Long Tail Al: Yea, well ya got somefing there.
Big Tom: Well she didn’t go through the training programme at the Kitty Cat Club for nothing. Gladys is a very clever cat.
Big Tom: Thank you Big Tom, but I had a very good teacher.
Long Tail Al: And what was that?
Gladys: Cata hari of course.
Big Tom: Respect. Is the old lady still around.
Gladys: Oh yes, she was my mother.
Long Tail Al: Gladys you surprise me every day. I reckon little Al ‘as got a good start in life with ancestry like that.
Gladys: So I think our next job is to contact Fluffy.

Reservoir Cats 20

One Eye Fred: ‚ow ya feeling Gladys? Looks like your gradually getting back on your feet again.
Gladys: Well, they weren’t the first kittens that I had and probably won’t be the last. Little Al seems to be developing as leader of the pack. He’s the first one there at feeding time. I have to push him back now and again to make sure there is enough for the other 5 kittens.
One Eye Fred: Takes after ‘is father I suppose.
Gladys: Well he looks like him. Hope you didn’t mind that little slip Fred, but Long Tail Al was just in the right place at the right time.
One Eye Fred: He always is, otherwise he wouldn’t be the boss. Mind you Little Al certainly seems to take after ‘im. ‘es always wandering off to places ‘e shouldn’t be in. Caught ‘im sniffing around in Big Tom’s favourite mousing place yesterday.
Gladys: Well, you know what kittens are when they are small, always inquisitive
Big Tom: What did I hear, Little Al has no business to be in my part of the territory. Although he reminds me of his father when he was small.
Gladys: Did you know Long Tail Al when he was a kitten.
Big Tom: Of course, he’s my half brother. I arrived in the first litter and he arrive in the second a couple of weeks later. We have the same father, but our mothers were different. My mother and father were Maine Coon pure, but my father went for a moonlight walk one night and met one of the cats from town and the rest you can imagine. I have another reason to look in on you. Gladys. In your days with the Kitty Cat Club, did you ever hear the mention of a Mr. Wang.
Gladys: Oh dear, now that’s not a good omen. I remember the story of Mr. Wang and Madame Butterfly.
Big Tom: I’am all ears, so tell it.
Gladys: Well it was a long time ago. It seems that Mr. Wang and Madame Butterfly were oriental cats, but lived a wild life on the streets in Hong Kong. They were picked up from the streets and came to one of those terrible places where they change the life of us cats. They perform all sorts of experiments and a cat can loose all 9 lives in five minutes. Mr. Wang and Madame Butterfly survived. I think the idea was to create some sort of secret weapon. Mr. Wang’s eyes became a strange red colour and he had the power of breaking the will power of other cats if they looked into his eyes. Mr. Wang should have been able to turn his power onto humans as well, but they found that the big human in the big White House in America wasn’t worth it as he was doing everything wrong in any case.
Big Tom: So the man in the big White House didn’t have a cat.
Gladys: Oh yes, he got India, you know the cat no-one wanted because his favourite pastime was being nice to humans.
Big Tom: Oh yes, I remember, no will power in that cat at all. And what about this Madame Butterfly.
Gladys: She was captured with Mr. Wang and also had things done to her. I don’t know what, something to do with bringing out the worse characteristics in a cat. Madame Butterfly was mean before she was caught, so by the time the humans had finished their experiments she was even more mean. She was also very strong and it was her that broke out of the cage they were kept in by biting through the steel bars, and Madame Butterfly and Mr. Wang escaped together. Madame Butterfly was the only cat that Mr. Wang couldn’t hypnotise.
Big Tom: It now seems that these two cats are in town together with one called Pablo.
Gladys: Pablo, that I don’t laugh. He worships the ground Madame Butterfly walks on. He thinks he is in charge, but only because Butterfly wants it that way. Then she can stay in the background and carry out her plans with no interruption. Pablo was also treated and she dragged him along when she escaped so he is now eternally thankful to her.
Big Tom: Sounds like a real pack of criminals Long Tail Al has in his town. I think I will have to send a message to Al to let him know what’s living in his museum.

Long Tail Al: ‘allo Slimy and ‘ow were the meatballs.
Slimy: Oh, they were delicious, that Italian does the best meatballs in town. By the way Al, I met one of the black paw gang and ‘e gave me a bit of news.
Long Tail Al: Tell me Slimy. I didn’t know you ‘ad connections wiv the black paw gang.
Slimy: Well I knew Ronnie and Reggie when they were kids, selling false catnip on the street corners. Anyhow that black paw told me that the orientals were only on ‘oliday here for a few days to relax and tomorrow they are going back ‘ome. There’s a ship calling in and they are planning on going on board to go back ‘ome to their ‘ome town of ‘ong Kong.
Long Tail Al: Well that’s good news. At last we town cats can carry on living as we used to. Everytime you take a walk on the streets these days you just don’t feel safe. Well keep yer eyes and ears open Slimy and if you ‘ear anyfing else, let me know. Slimy, somefing wrong wiv yer eyes? You keep squinting all the time
Slimy: No boss, I’m all right, must be a full moon night tonight. Bye boss, till tomorrow.
Tabby: Hello dad, did I hear Slimy here just now.
Long Tail Al: Yes, ‘e just brought me some good news. The Orientals are going tomorrow.
Tabby: Really, that’s a surprise, I thought they were moving in here.
Long Tail Al: Well Slimy ‘eard it from the Black Paw gang.
Tabby: Well the last time I saw Slimy he was talking to a big white cat with red eyes. Didn’t look like one of the black paw gang to me. And then a big slim lady cat came up with sort of almond eyes and Slimy was kneeling down in front of her and she was talking to him.
Long Tail Al: Sounds a bit funny to me.
Tabby: I was on my way to the Italian restaurant to see what was so good about the meat balls and as I was coming round the corner I saw them, so thought I should stay hidden in the shades to see what was going on.
Long Tail Al: I fink it’s time for us both to pay a visit to Big Tom. There are some strange things going on ‘ere and I will ‘ave to ‘ave some ‘elp and support from ‘im.

Reservoir Cats 19

Long Tail Al: ‚allo Charlie, anyfing new on the streets?
Charlie: Well funny you should say that boss, I saw one of the Crat twins around, you know the ones in charge of the black paw gang, but they were acting a bit funny to say the least.
Long Tail Al: Well I ‘eard they’re now working for the Orientals, but up to now we ain’t ‘ad any troubles wiv ‘em.
Charlie: Yea, well it was Ronnie I saw, you know the one that brought Cat McVitie round the corner.
Long Tail Al: Yea, well that Ronnie always was a bit of a funny one although that Cat McVitie was ‘aving it off with Reggie Crat’s missus, Ronnie’s sister-in-law.
Charlie: Yea, well Ronnie’s sister-in-law was ‘aving it off wiv every willing tom cat in the neighbourhood. Funny fing with Ronnie, I never saw ‘im on the tiles with the ladies. ‘e was always ‘anging around where the kittens were.
Long Tail Al: Yea I know, until Gladys told ‘im to sling ‘is ‘ook otherwise ‘e would ‘ave to see me about it.
Charlie: Well in any case ‘e’s now walking around wiv a funny look in ‘is eyes.
Long Tail Al: So tell me something new.
Charlie: No, boss you don’t get me. He ‘appened to walk right in me path, so of course I went on one side – if it’s one fing you don’t do it’s to get in the way of the black paw gang, especially Ronnie Crat. In any case ‘e just sort of looked through me as if I wasn’t there. Just walked on. I thought I would follow ‘im and then all of a sudden ‘e met up wiv one of the orientals, but a funny looking one that was.
Long Tail Al: Wotcha mean Charlie?
Charlie: Well I ain’t never seen anyfing like it. It was an oriental, but ‘e was big and as white as the snow in Winter and ‘is eyes, now they were right strange.
Long Tail Al: So, don’t try me patience Charlie. What’s wiv the eyes.
Charlie: Well they were red, and I don’t just mean red, but real red.
Long Tail Al: Well what’s the difference between red and real red. Just remind me to ‘ave a word with Big Tom. I fink I will ‘ave to send some of my cats to ‘im in school. The intelligence level of the town cats does leave a lot to desire.
Charlie: Ok, but Ronnie and this big white red-eyed cat were looking at each other. Well Ronnie was looking at ‘im right into ‘is eyes and all of a sudden he got all funny and got down on ‘is knees and started nodding ‘is ‘ead.
Long Tail Al: Nah this is getting interesting. And then?
Charlie: Well Ronnie walked off towards the museum and disappeared through the door.
Long Tail Al: and that’s where the orientals ‘ave got their ‘eadquarters. Fink I will ‘ave to ‘ave a talk with Romeo about this. ‘E seems to be the expert on this sort of fing.
Romeo: Vieni Long Tail Al. I was just getting ready to go back to Big Tom.
Long Tail Al: Yea, I ‘ave a question. `ave you every ‘eard of a cat that’s white wiv red eyes.
Romeo: Well I have never seen one, but I think Big Tom mentioned it once when Lucky Catiano got rid of the Orientals.
Long Tail Al: Well I fink I’ll come wiv ya when you go back to Big Tom. ‘E might know somefing more.

Big Tom: Hello Al, to what do I owe the honour of the visit of the town cat boss.
Long Tail Al: We got big problems Tom, big problems.
Big Tom: Tell me
Long Tail Al: Well you ‘eard that the orientals are moving in in town. Up to now they’re in the museum, but they got the black paw gang already in their ‘ands.
Big Tom: And what are you doing about it?
Long Tail Al: Well, I am still doing some planning. Up to now they ain’t done much, but it seems that Ronnie Crat, one of the twins that leads the black paws wiv ‘is bruvver Reggie, ‘as been seen wiv a big white oriental cat wiv red eyes.
Big Tom: Just a minute Al, will be right back. I have to make a long distance cat call with Lucky Catiano, this sounds very strange.

Big Tom: Well Al, I think you are in for big trouble.
Long Tail Al: Tell me Tom
Big Tom: The big white cat with the red eyes is an albino and goes under the name of Mr. Wang. He can mesmerise any cat around by just looking into its eyes. Lucky Catiano had a lot of trouble with him. He was the oriental’s secret weapon.
Long Tail Al: So how did Lucky Catiano manage to get rid of him.
Big Tom: Thanks to an ambush organised by the combined strength of the Chicago cats under the leadership of Al Catone, they managed to put Mr. Wang in a black bag and tie it up and throw him into the Lake of Michigan so they thought he had drowned.
Long Tail Al: Well it don’t seem like ‘e did, does it.
Big Tom: It seems to me that the only way you are going to win this one is with our help.
Long Tail Al: Fanks Tom, but we ain’t got the Chicago cats around ‘ere ‘ave we.
Big Tom: The problem is that when the Orientals are finished in town our settlement is not far away and we will probably be the next. Al you go on home, and I will see what I can do for you.

Pablo: I have just had a visit from Ronnie Crat
Madame Butterfly: And what did he have to say?
Pablo: He told me that Slimy, will be on his own tonight raiding some trash cans outside the Italian restaurant. Mr. Wang told Ronnie to spread a trail of meat balls up to the cans so he is bound to be there.
Madame Butterfly: Very good. When he is there Mr. Wang will be waiting and can hypnotise Slimy to do our will.
Pablo: You are so clever Butterfly.
Madame Butterfly: I know, after all if it wasn’t for me Mr. Wang would now be at the bottom of Lake Michigan. Luckily I saw what was happening and pushed some of my guards into the Lake with the orders to save Mr. Wang. Luckily he was pulled out by one of the guards, unfortunately 10 other perished in the rescue effort, but guards can always be replaced.

Slimy: Boss, I’m just going out for a bref of fresh air.
Long Tail Al: A good idea Slimy, then we might get some fresh air in ‘ere when you’re gone. Where ya going?
Slimy: Well it’s Friday ain’t it and they always do spaghetti wiv meat balls at the local Italian restaurant. It ain’t the spaghetti, but the meat balls that I like. They always throw somefing away worth eating on Friday.
Long Tail Al: Be careful, you know the dangers that are lurking at the moment.
Slimy: You mean the oriental mob. No problem boss, that’s one of the advantages when you smell a bit, they don’t come near you.

Slimy: Blimy it’s cold this evening. Now that’s nice, someone must ‘ave dropped ‘is meat balls wiv a take away meal. Now they smell good. Just around the corner is the Italian restaurant, let’s ‘ope there’s more there. Who’s that geezer standing there. Don’t look like one of us, we ain’t got no big white cats wiv red eyes.
Mr. Wang: Good evening, you must be Mr. Slimy
Slimy: Well I ain’t never been a Mr. What d’ya want.
Mr. Wang: I would like to have a talk under four eyes. I have heard you are one of the most important cats in town and I am sure you would like to help your chief, Mr. Long Tail Al in his fight against the Oriental cats. Just look into my eyes and I will give you all the information you need.
Slimy: Well you ‘ave got colourful eyes if I might mention it. Now I do feel a bit funny, d’ya mind if I lay down and relax a bit, Oh you ‘ave got such big eyes.
Mr. Wang: Mr. Slimy, do you know Madame Butterfly.
Slimy: No, never ‘eard of ‘er, but sounds good. I like to eat the odd butterfly now and again.
Mr. Wang: Repeat after me. Madame Butterfly is now my boss. I will now do everything she tells me.
Slimy: Madame Butterfly is now my boss. I will now do everything she tells me.
Madame Butterfly: Now that is something I like to hear from my cats. Pleased to meet you Slimy, I am Madame Butterfly.
Slimy: Good evening boss, what can I do for you. Your wish is my command.
Mr. Wang: Can I go now Madame Butterfly, I think my work is done for this evening.
Madame Butterfly: Yes Mr. Wang, go with my blessing. There is a small reward in the museum kitchen. One of my faithful servants has prepared some steamed duck for you. And now to you Mr. Slimy. You will go home this evening and report to Long Tail Al that the Oriental cats have decided to leave tomorrow morning and return to China town in Chicago.
Slimy: Yes Madame Butterfly. I will obey.