Whittington and His Cat

Dick Whittington travelled to London hoping to find work. The streets were busy, but they were not paved with gold as he had imagined. A kind merchant offered food and a useful job.

Dick worked carefully in the kitchen and slept in a little attic. At night, mice rustled through the room. He saved a penny from his wages and bought a friendly grey tabby cat.

He shared his supper with the cat and made her a soft bed. Her presence kept the mice away. For the first time, Dick slept peacefully and felt he had a companion.

The merchant prepared a ship for a distant voyage. Everyone could send something useful aboard. Dick had only his cat, so he asked the captain to keep her safe and return her afterwards.

Without his friend, Dick felt lonely and thought of leaving London. At the city edge, church bells rang. Their hopeful sound reminded him to return, keep trying and wait for the ship.

Across the sea, the ship reached a harbour where mice spoiled stored grain. The captain introduced the cat to the worried hosts. She inspected the storeroom, alert whiskers twitching in the warm air.

The mice hurried away from the watchful cat. The hosts repaired gaps in their walls and stored food safely. Grateful for the help, they sent gifts for the boy who had lent his companion.

When the ship returned, the captain brought the cat back first. Dick hugged his friend gently, then stared at the gifts. The merchant explained that useful kindness had travelled farther than Dick himself.

Dick used the gifts to study and begin a small business. He treated workers fairly and helped newcomers find their way. His cat still slept nearby, close to the quiet sound of turning pages.

Years later, people trusted him with important work for London. The old story says he became mayor three times. Dick never forgot the bells, the kind merchant or the small friend who changed his journey.