Munkustrap's Tale Part 1

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Munkustrap's Tale: Part 1

From out of the burning house came a female cat carrying her mewing kitten in her mouth. Darting across the street she plopped it on the ground and raced back to the house. The little kitten, all black except for a patch of white fur on its chest, cried piteously for its mother. Moments later the mother cat returned and dropped another kitten on the ground next to the other and took off again. This one, a gray and black tabby, sat silently waiting. The black one nudged its sibling, bawling with hunger and self pity. He was ignored. He tried again and again to gain the other kitten's attention until he was roughly shoved away. Throughly put out, the black kitten went off to sulk.

In time the mother cat was returning with one last kitten. Sadly, she never made it. She was nearly across the street when a car, going faster than it should have, struck the cat and kept going. The mother lay limp in the street, her head rested on the sidewalk. The kitten in her mouth shook itself loose from her grip and stood unsteadily on the sidewalk. The gray kitten, stunned, crept cautiously toward the adult cat. Gingerly, she pawed the mother's face. No reaction. She tried over and over in vain to get the cat up. Crying in despair and confusion, the kitten snuggled against its mother. The other one followed suit, too young to understand why its momma was sleeping in the road.

As for the little black one, it was oblivious to the events that had just occurred. For he had wandered too far and had fallen into a sewer.

Chapter 1: Of The Awful Battle Of The Jellicles And The Pollicles

The Jellicle Junkyard was a sight to behold. A fight had very clearly just taken place. Cats lay dead and severely wounded all around. Three dogs were also dead. Blood and fur, both cat and dog, was every where. One cat sat alone atop a tire surveying the scene. He was a silver and black striped cat that had a regal air about him, despite being heavily wounded. He clutched one shoulder that was gushing blood in a feeble attempt to stop the bleeding. Before long a reddish female approached him.

"Look, at that shoulder," she said quietly, reaching for him.

He jerked away from her, a movement that took his breath away. Heaving, he lowered himself to onto one elbow.

"Munkustrap," she tried again. "Let me see your shoulder." She laid her paw on his arm and felt him bristle beneath her touch.

"Leave me alone, Demeter," he hissed. She drew back from him, visibly hurt.

He glanced over his shoulder at her and softened slightly. Painfully, he raised himself up again. Noticing his brooding expression, Demeter attempted to appease him.

"It wasn't your fault this happened, Munkustrap. You couldn't have foreseen thi-"

"I should have known!" He cut in gruffly. "It's my job to protect the Jellicles when Deuteronomy isn't here. And I didn't do it!"

"No one knew. Not even Tantomile or Coricopat."

"It had been rumored for weeks that the Pollicles were growing restless and looking for a fight." Munkustrap hung his head in shame.

"We all thought they were just rumors. Not a cat in all London took them seriously," Demeter said inching closer to Munkustrap.

"That's no excuse," he said fiercely. "I should have check it out. I should have made sure that they were only rumors. But I didn't and look what happened."

Demeter's heart nearly broke when she saw tears rolling down her dear cat's face. She longed to touch him, but knew Munkustrap too well to do so; not when he was in this kind of mood.

"Leave me, Demeter. Please," Munkustrap's voice was choked with tears. "Go away."

With one last look, Demeter obliged him by slipping away into the darkness.

That night was a rough one on Munkustrap. It had taken him forever to fall asleep and when he finally did, he was plagued with nightmares of the events of the day.

All of the Jellicles in the Junkyard that day had been tense, Munkustrap had been the most on edge. Tantomile and Coricopat had a nagging sense that something bad was about to happen but couldn't decide what the cause was. Munkustrap had warned those in the Junkyard to be on guard. Mothers had taken their kittens elsewhere, just to be safe. Many of the males volunteered to stand guard and watch. There was no frolicking and playing, no joyous songs. Then just before noon, Munkustrap had an unexplainable, undeniable urge to send Mistofelees away, to protect the magical cat. And it was not a moment too soon. From out of nowhere, the dogs attacked. Everything happened so fast. He ordered the females to scatter and the fighting began.

Pollicles came at him left and right. One after another he battled them off. One after another he watched his companions fall. Rage and hatred flooded him and he took it out on the next wave of dogs who came after him. The nightmare became more vivid and the scene played in bright red and orange. The fighting went on for hours. The Pollicles never stopped coming. There was a slight break just before the heaviest fight; the dogs scurried to take away their dead and wounded. Most had died at Munkustrap's paw. The last round of fighting began. Cats and dogs went down all around him. It was almost over; the dogs were retreating. The Pollicles were no longer coming after him; he had just struck down their leader who now lay at his feet. Breathing heavily, he turned just in time to see a dog slash Tumblebrutus's throat open. Munkustrap froze in horror. Time seemed to be suspended around him until he felt a sharp pain flood his body. The Pollicle leader had not been dead after all. With the last of his strength, the dog had his revenge. Munkustrap fell.

The dream scene changed. In reality, Munkustrap was only unconscious for a few minutes. He awoke to find the dogs retreating. One Pollicle, the son of the leader, swore revenge upon Munkustrap and the rest of the Jellicles. But in the dream, the fight was over and he was the only cat left standing. He watched as the females returned mourning over the losses. Death was all around him. Then Old Deuteronomy appeared before him. Scowling fiercely, the old cat began,

"Munkustrap! I put you in charge because I thought that you were the most responsible Jellicle. The one most capable of watching over the others. Obviously, I was wrong. Look, around you. There are no Jellicles left! This is your fault!"

Deutronomy came to within inches of Munkustrap's face. "Look!" he demanded. Munkustrap turned to look to where the leader was pointing. He saw Tumblebrutus lying in a pool of his own blood.

"Why was he fighting? He was too young to be out here! It should be you there. You should be dead. Not him! I tell you, Munkustrap, his blood is on your paws!"

Munkustrap dropped to his knees, holding his head in anguish. "Noooooooooooo!" He bellowed. "Nooo!

"Noooooooo!" Munkustrap bolted upright, his heart pounding, panting heavily. For a moment he was disoriented. Glancing around he was relieved to find himself on the tire and that Deutronomy was not around. Deuteronomy. How was he going to face Deuteronomy?

Chapter 2: The Worst Of Times

"Jezabel! Here, kitty, kitty."

A gray cat with exquisite black markings glanced around the corner at her owner's kitten, a tall gawkish girl of thirteen.

"There you are, Jez," the girl cooed, picking the cat up and snuggling her close. The cat rewarded the girl with a face washing.

"Pretty kitty, let's go watch the TV."

As soon as Jezabel was set down the cat raced ahead into the TV room and daintily jumped into a miniature recliner that was reserved for her. Her owner's kitten followed and flopped heavily into an identical regular-sized recliner. The TV droned on with a boring soap opera, and Jezabel curled up for a catnap. Awhile later, she heard the front door open announcing the arrival of her owners. She made a dash for the door.

While she was free run the spacious mansion she lived in, she was not allowed outside, the very place she longed to be.

The door was just about to close. Picking up more speed, Jezabel squeezed through the door and out in the sunlight. She laughed merrily as she heard her owners cry:

"Jezabella, come back! Someone stop that cat! She'll get filthy!"

Jezabel ran and ran soaking in that wonderful fresh air. She ran until she could run no more. Collapsing with happiness she pawed playfully at a butterfly. A mouse ran into her backside, and stood paralyzed in fear. She was so happy that she licked the little creature, startling him so badly that he fainted dead away. Feeling extremely frisky she rolled over several times ending up on her back with her eyes closed. Her smile faded when she began to smell a horrible stench. She opened her eyes and found herself staring into the jaws of a hungry Rowtweiler. With a screech and a leap, Jezabel was off like a rocket. And so was the dog; he hadn't been chained!

With no idea where she was going, Jezabel ran for her life.

"We can't stay in the Junkyard any longer," Munkustrap was saying. "It's not safe any more. The Pollicles will be back. And we won't be able to sustain another fight."

"But what about our homes? Those who are d- that we lost yesterday?" Victoria asked.

Munkustrap had caught the hesitation in her voice when she tried to say "those who are dead"; he had seen the look in her eyes, in all of their eyes. All because of him.

He cleared his throat and responded harshly, too harshly, in attempt to appear undaunted.

"This isn't a permanent move. I hope we can return one day. Until then we need to move fast. Skimbleshanks, send word to the Jellicles not present here. Demeter, you're in charge of getting together the ladies and kittens. Cassandra, you're in charge of the wounded. Four hours, Jellicles. Four hours only, then we must be gone. Rum Tum Tugger, you're with me."

No one moved. How could Munkustrap be so unfeeling?

Munkustrap glanced round. "NOW!"

"Wound up a little tight there, aren't we, Munk?"

Munkustrap turned around and glared at the Rum Tum Tugger. "We have no time to waste. Get busy."

Tugger raised an eyebrow. "I'm with you, remember?"

Munkustrap's shoulders slumped and he sighed. "I'm sorry, Tugger."

Tugger gave him a sardonic grin. "Whew, I'm so glad we're friends again. You had me worried when you used my full name."

Munkustrap shook his head and a faint smile crossed his lips. "Come on, we have a lot to do and no time to do it."

Tugger blocked his way. "What about that shoulder?"

The silver tiger cat frowned. "There's no time for that."

"Sit down and shut up."

Rolling his eyes, Munkustrap sat as Tugger went work on his arm.

"You know, Munk, I'd let you go but it really wouldn't do for a leader of the Jellicles to get an infection and have his arm fall off."

Munkustrap turned his head away and mumbled under his breath, "Some leader I am."

Tugger looked at him, then understood. "Feeling guilty for what happened yesterday?"

The other cat started slightly; he didn't think Tugger had heard. "It was my fault. It never should have happened."

Tugger remained silent and Munkustrap said, half-joking, half-serious, "That's when you're supposed to disagree with me."

"Who said I disagreed?" the other deadpanned.

Munkustrap let out a sigh. Tugger was surprised by the expression on his friend's face. In all the time he had known Munkustrap, he had never seen him close yo tears.

"Come on, Munk, I was just playing. I don't think you're responsible for yesterday. No one else does either."

"Yeah, sure. Thanks, Tugger, for bandaging my shoulder."

"No, problem, bud." Tugger watched Munkustrap leave, feeling helpless to cheer the other cat up.

Two days had passed since the Jellicles had left the Junkyard. They were in their new "home". Munkustrap had said it was the only place the Pollicles wouldn't come. No wonder. Would you go to the Dumpster? Munkustrap hadn't even let them mourn their dead properly. Some hadn't even been buried at all! And to top things off it had been storming for the last two days.

"I. 'ate. The. Rain!" Rumpleteazer cried indignantly at the sky.

Bombalurina threw an apple core at her. "We know. That's all you've said for the last hour. None of the rest of us like it either."

"Give her break," Victoria said.

"Don't tell me what to do," Bombalurina jumped up.

"Ladies, please," Cassandra said. "The last thing we need is a cat fight."

"She's right," Rumpleteazer said saucily. "Et's just cabin fever." She sat back on her haunches. "Of, course," she continued slyly, looking sideways at Demeter. "None of thes would 'ave 'appened if Munkustrap 'adn't brought us 'ere."

"Rumpleteazer!" snapped Jellylorum.

"She's right, though," Jemima piped in.

"Jemima!" snapped Etcetera, mimicking Jellylorum.

Before long all the queens were arguing with each other. Mungojerrie heard their squalling and burst grandly into the old drain pipe they were in.

"Cease and exist, dear sistas. Stop the meaningless bickering!"

"OUT!" All the queens advanced toward him and threw him out.

"Ow, ow, ow! OW!" Mungojerrie tumbled down the hill. When he finally stopped he saw Mistofelees standing on his head. He wasn't standing on his head, of course. Mungojerrie was just upside down.

"What happened to you?" Mistofelees asked helping the cat up. Mungojerrie was caked in mud.

"'em!" He pointed to the drain pipe. "Whoteva you do, don't try to stop 'em from fightin'."

With that Mungojerrie trudged off to get cleaned up.

Mistofelees laughed. He was going to head in too, but something caught his eye and he went the opposite way.

"Hey, Munk. What are you doing out?"

Munkustrap shrugged. "Just looking over things."

The older cat frowned. "What are you doing here?"

Mistofelees smiled sheepishly. "Disappearing act gone wrong. I started out in the car and I meant to end up in the ladies' drain pipe. I ended up in a drain pipe all right. Just one that was actually being used to drain water."

The corner's of Munkustrap's mouth turned up.

Mistofelees continued. "Now I'm glad I didn't make it to the ladies."

"Jerrie just came from there. They threw him down the hill."

"I wonder what had happened to him."

"Yeah," Mistofelees stopped. Munkustrap had turned his back to him. He obviously wanted to be alone.

"Um, well, see ya, Munk."

"Yeah?" Mistofelees turned back to the other cat. Munkustrap was still in the same position.

"Yeah, you're welcome." Mistofelees took off running happily.

The rain continued for just a little while longer, then sun broke through the clouds and the cats came out to play. Demeter ran for Munkustrap. She danced all around him, trying to entice him to play. He didn't move. He remained stone-face, arms folded across his chest.

"Come play, Munk. The sun's out; it's beautiful."

Not now, Demeter. That was it. Then he walked away from her.

The others had seen how Munkustrap had treated her.

"Demeter," Bombalurina said sympathetically.

"Wow, Dem, I've never seen him do that to you," Etcetera said. Rumpleteazer looked mystified. No one treated their mate-to-be like that.

"It's nothing," Demeter shrugged. "He's got a lot on his mind." Her bottom lip began to tremble. "He's been like this since the fight, because-because... Because he doesn't love me anymore!"

Demeter went bawling into Bombalurina's arms. The other's gathered around her trying to comfort her.

Chapter 3: You Gotta Friend In Me

It had been a week since the Jellicles had moved to the Dumpster. Munkustrap had been sent word not to move again until they were visited by Old Deuteronomy. It took a week for Munkustrap to gather up the courage to visit those still in the makeshift hospital of sorts. The hurt Jellicles had brightened to see Munkustrap. With everything that was going on they all assumed their beloved commander had been extremely busy and thought it so noble and caring of him to take the time to come see them. Munkustrap knew it too.

Little do they realize, he thought, that I'm simply too much of a coward to have come sooner.

He had been there all morning and all morning he had thought of poor Tumblebrutus. Seeing Munkustrap looking sad and far-off Cassandra gently asked him if he was thinking of someone in particular.

"Tumble," he replied, his voice thick with emotion. "He was so young. He shouldn't have been out there. His being dead is my fault."

"Hey," said a voice behind him, "if Tumble is dead. So are you!"

Munkustrap whirled around and nearly keeled over when he saw Tumblebrutus smiling at him.

"Bu-but how did you- I saw you- I mean I saw you go down,"

"Hey," the other cat shrugged. "I don't care about the hows, whens, and wheres. I just care I'm here."

From that point on things were looking a whole lot brighter for our dear Munkustrap.

The sun had finally come out and for that Jezabel was very grateful. Shivering with cold and hunger she made her way through the abandoned junkyard. Jezabel had never seen anything so filthy and disgusting before. All her life had been spent in the lap of luxury, literally. The last week had been terrifying to the little house cat. She had been deceived by so many strays, nearly hit by cars, and chased by mean boys, not to mention being drenched in rain for the last several days. Then finally she had found this place, whatever it had once been. The lonely look of the junkyard caused despair to fill her; she was so far from home. Tears rolled down her delicate face and splashed onto the tire below. A mouse scurried in front of her and it reminded her of how hungry she was. The little creature disappeared into darkness. Jezabel hung her head in shame. She couldn't catch a mouse if her life depended on it. And right now it looked as though it did.

Old Deuteronomy had been delayed by three days due to the storm. He had sent Munkustrap word that he wished him to check out the Junkyard, talk to the alley cats to find out what, if anything, they had heard about the Pollicles.

Munkustrap set out after placing Tugger in charge. The trip to the Junkyard left Munkustrap with entirely too much time to think. In a way he had been relieved to hear that it would be three more days before he would have to face Old Deuteronomy. But on the other hand it seemed as though it would be three eternities before the old leader would arrived; he wished to have it over with as soon as possible.

The Junkyard looked worse that ever since the rain. At least the blood had been washed away, most of it anyway. There would be a lot of clean up involved before moving back, but that was the least of their concerns.

A stray wandered through the Junkyard swaggering proudly. Munkustrap leaped in front of him. Terror briefly appeared in the others eyes before the cat replaced it with a smug look. Unfortunately for him, Munkustrap had already seen it.

"Hello, friend," hissed the stray.

"Hello, to you," Munkustrap returned. "What brings you through here."

"Busssinessss," said he.

"Nothing involving the Junkyard I hope."

"Perhapsss," the stray lifted his chin and kept his eyes fixed above Munkustrap's head. "Though it'sss no concccern of yoursss."

"On the contrary, it's very much my concern," Munkustrap said slyly trying to get the stray to look him in the eyes.

"You see, this is my Junkyard. Though it's currently unoccupied, it's still mine."

The stray's eyes widened. "You're Munkussstrap?"

"I sssee," said the other. He turned and leapt onto the tire. "My bosss wouldn't want me assssociating with you."

"I suppose Macavity wouldn't," Munkustrap said thoughtfully. "Of course, I doubt that Chalmers would like you associating with Macavity, either."

The stray's eyes fell to Munkustrap. He frowned. "How did you know?"

Munkustrap joined the stray on the tire staring him down. "I have my ways. Now, tell me, Prentice, what do you know about the Pollicles?"

"Fine," Munkustrap shrugged. "I'll just let Chalmers know that you're double-crossing him by working with his arch enemy, Macavity."

"Nooo!" Prentice cried. "Lisssten. All I know isss that the Pollicle leader isss out for blood. He doesssn't know where the Jelliclesss are. It'sss ssstill not sssafe here. He possstssss guardsss ever other week here. He will until he hasss hisss revenge."

With that, Prentice scurried into the night, more than happy to leave Munkustrap behind.

Munkustrap sat on the tire thinking. The only thing to do was to wait for Deuteronomy.

Suddenly, he tensed. In the distance there was barking and it was coming closer. The dogs were in hot pursuit of something. In pursuit of something in the Junkyard. He jumped behind the tire and waited. The dogs were very close, in fact it sounded like they were in front of him. The barking had diminished to fierce growling. Then suddenly the night was filled with the terrified scream of a cat. Instict took over and Munkustrap jumped on top of the tire ready for action.

Jezabel's eyes darted wildly around. Four dogs were circled around her, growling and baring their teeth. The largest and ugliest one snapped at her. She let loose with a shriek. The dogs laughed; they were having fun with this cat. One dog lashed out at her with his paw. Jezabel jumped back and into another dog. He pushed her down on the ground. All four dogs crowded in on her breathing heavily and drooling. They pawed at her; taking delight in watching her frighten movements. The leader raised his paw, claws extended, to deliver the first blow.

Trembling hard, Jezabel covered her head and eyes and prayed for it to end swiftly. The blow never came.

Instead a terrible hiss was heard. What happened next was a blur of noise. A fight was taking place, but between the dogs and who? This frightened Jezabel almost as much as the dogs had. After what seemed to be an eternity, there was silence.

Jezabel stayed where she was, paralyzed with fear. If she ever made it back home, she vowed never to go outside again.

Still trembling, Jezabel tried to stifle the involuntary movements and play dead. Someone was still there. And she did not want to find out who it was.

The dogs had run off without much of a fight. Only one of them was a Pollicle. No doubt that Munkustrap would be the most wanted cat in all of England by morning. The poor victim of the dogs' attack was still lying on the ground convulsing. The cat didn't look like a stray, but Munkustrap wasn't sure if he was a Jellicle either. He had never seen him before.

"They're gone," he said quietly.

The cat didn't move.

"It's all clear," he tried again. "You're safe now."

The other cat, very slowly and still trembling, pulled himself into a sitting position with his back to Munkustrap.

Munkustrap scratched his head. What an odd cat, he thought.

He made his way over to the other side of the cat and sat down so that he was facing the other. The other cat had his head buried in his lap, curled up as tightly as possible.

"Please," Munkustrap said uncertainly. "I'm a friend. You're okay."

Ever so slowly, the other raised his head up but kept his eyes tightly closed. Munkustrap immediately realized his mistake. The cat wasn't a he but a she. With markings like nothing had seen before. Her features were fine and delicate. Beautiful black stripes lined her light gray face. Her nose was a soft pink that matched her lips.

The black markings continued all over the rest of her glossy coat, right down to the tip of her tail. She was gorgeous as far as cats go. But it was her collar that caught his attention. It was a diamond collar three rows wide. Now Munkustrap was no expert, but they looked real to him.

"Please," he said. "What's your name?"

The cat finally opened her eyes. Munkustrap found himself looking into the greenest pair of eyes he had ever seen. Most cats had greenish-yellow eyes, but these eyes were jade green.

"Jezabel," she said in a barely audible voice.

Munkustrap shook himself from her eyes which would not look directly at him. "I'm sorry. What?"

"Jezabel," she said again, only slightly louder. "My name is Jezabel."

It was then that Munkustrap realized that, Jellicle or not, she was no ordinary cat.

"Well, Jezabel, my name is Munkustrap," he said getting up and extending his paw. "Come with me. I'll take you to my home."

Jezabel did not move.

Jezabel was beside herself, so much so that she couldn't move. From out of nowhere this cat had come to her rescue and now he was asking her to trust him. Poor Jezabel was so naive to the world outside her house that she had already been led astray by other alley cats, how could she know that this Munkustrap was not one of them.

Her rescuer was sitting in front of her again. She wished he would go away, then again she was afraid to be left on her own.

"Come with me, Jezabel. I won't hurt you."

For the first time, Jezabel looked directly at him. She was surprised to see such a handsome cat. All the others were torn up and filthy. He looked nothing like the strays she had stumbled across. In fact, there was something about him that made him different from even the house cats she had met. He did look as though he belonged to someone; his coat was gleaming and nicely groomed and he wore a collar. But that same something about him made her quite sure that no one owned him.

Jezabel looked blankly at his outstretched paw, then back to his face. His features were strong, but his brown eyes were gentle and kind. Gingerly, Jezabel placed her paw in his and let him help her up.

Jezabel stood unsteadily on her feet. Trying to walk was no small task either; she was weak from lack of food.

She nearly lost her balance and Munkustrap had to put his arm around her waist to set her upright. That was when she began to feel light-headed and dizzy. Then everything went black.

Chapter 4: The Newcomer

Most of the Jellicles were milling around the center of the Dumpster awaiting Munkustrap's return. Rumpleteazer was lying next to Tantomile and Coricopat and was almost asleep when Tantomile sat bolt upright.

Rumpleteazer leaped into the air with a frightened shriek, falling off her perch.

The poor cat was ignored as Coricopat mimicked his sister.

"Munkustrap's back," said Tantomile.

"And he's not alone," said Coricopat.

The Jellicles ran for the entrance of the Dumpster and met Munkustrap as he was coming in. A hush fell over them when they noticed the gray kitten he carried. The Jellicles parted like the Red Sea before him. Demeter, who had been on the other side of the Dumpster when she heard that Munkustrap had returned, rushed up to met him, stopping dead when she saw the cat he held. Confusion marred her pretty features as she gave him a questioning look.

"She needs food," he said quietly. "She's weak. I'm afraid she'll get sick. Demeter, I need you to take care of her."

Demeter, I need you. That was something she had always wanted to hear from him, but this wasn't exactly the way she had envisioned him saying it. Demeter felt an odd sensation come on her as she look over the cat in Munkustrap's arms. No doubt she was very beautiful, any fool could see that. But Demeter didn't care for the tone of voice Munkustrap had used. She didn't care for it at all. Nor did she care for being put in charge of this outsider.

Munkustrap sat outside the pipe Jezabel was sleeping in to keep away curious Jellicles. He didn't want her disturbed. The moon cast a silver light down onto two figures making their way towards him. Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer were being very careful to be very quiet.

"Ez she still asleep?" whispered Rumpleteazer.

"Yes," Munkustrap nodded.

" 'ow long do you think et'll be 'fore she's up and about?" Mungojerrie asked in a loud whisper.

"Ssshhh!" Rumpleteazer motioned toward the pipe. "Keep et down."

"I don't know," Munkustrap admitted, his eyes drooping sleepily. "Soon I -yawn- hope."

Rumpleteazer chuckled softly. "Poor chum. 'e's been up all day and night. Bout to fall asleep, 'e is."

"Get out of 'ere, Munk," said Mungojerrie, nudging the other cat. "We'll keep watch. Won't let nobody see 'er 'til

you say. Off you go."

Munkstrap complied with no argument as Rumpleteazer and Mungojerrie settled down to keep a lookout.

The next morning Munkustrap returned to find a bright-eyed Jeazabel sitting up and talking animatedly to Rumpleteazer. Needless to say he was surprised to find the two talking as if they were old friends.

"Morning, ladies," Munkustrap said keeping a good distance between himself and Jezabel. "Where's Jerrie?"

"Out findin' breakfast. I sent 'im out so we could have a girl talk, if you know whot I mean," Rumpleteazer said standing up and stretching. "Well, loves, I best be off and make sure me Jerrie 'asn't got 'imself into trouble without me. See ya later, Jezabel."

"Bye, Teazer," Jezabel returned.

" She's a right nice little kitten, Munk," Rumpleteazer whispered as she passed Munkstrap. He frowned at the meaningful look he was given. Females! he thought and shook his head.

Turning to the gray cat before him who looked at him with expectant eyes he said almost self-consciously,

"Of course," she said. "How could I forget so quick the cat who saved me?"

Munkustrap smiled slightly. "Where are you from, Jezabel?"

Jezabel looked confused. "The Stratherin's house."

The tiger cat raised his brow in surprise. The Stratherins were quite well known in London. Very wealthy. That would explain the diamond collar; it would most definitely be real.

"How did you find the Junkyard?" he asked. If she was a Jellicle she would have gone to it on instinct. If not... Munkustrap would rather not think of that.

Jezabel shrugged. "I dunno. This huge dog that belonged to our neighbor got loose and chased me all over town. Eventually, he stopped and I kept going until I ran into the other dogs several days later."

Munkustrap frowned; that hadn't answered his question.

"Teazer said something that I was wondering about," she said. "What's a Jellicle cat?"