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“Ooh, yes please! But …” Kitty peered outside, frowning. “Can you see a little ginger kitten? When I went to sleep, he was right here on the windowsill.”

Throwing off her blanket, she leaned out the window and listened carefully. All she could hear were birds chirping and cars driving along the street below. Kitty’s heart sank. She’d wanted to look after the kitten because he had no home of his own. She wished he’d been brave enough to come inside.

“Maybe he’s still nearby,” said Mom. “Why don’t you try going outside and calling him?”

Kitty slipped out the window and climbed to the rooftop. The sun shined down warmly, and wisps of clouds hung in the pale blue sky. Kitty stopped on the ridge of the roof, calling,“Hello, are you still here?”

At first there was no answer. Then a small striped face with whiskers peeped out from behind the chimney. His blue eyes lit up when he saw Kitty. Then he drew back nervously.

Mom, who had followed Kitty, whispered,“Is he a shy cat?”

“I think he’s nervous because he’s been living all alone until now,” explained Kitty. “He didn’t want to come inside last night. He’s not used to having a home.”

“I see.” Mom frowned thoughtfully. “Well, if he won’t come to us, maybe we should go to him. Come and help me with the breakfast things, Kitty.”

Kitty and her mom made a stack of golden pancakes that smelled so delicious they made Kitty’s mouth water. They carried the pancakes out to the rooftop, along with some fresh orange juice. They also brought out some fresh fish in case the kitten was hungry. They spread Kitty’s blanket on a small, flat area of the roof near the chimney.

Kitty poured some syrup on her pancake and took a bite.“Mmm! Everything tastes better when you eat outside.”

“It really does!” said her mom, laughing.

“I wonder if this fish tastes good too,” said Kitty, glancing at the chimney.

The kitten’s face peered out again, and his nose twitched as he smelled the breakfast. He crept up to the bowl of fish.

“Good morning!” Kitty beamed. “I hope you’re hungry.”

“Good morning.” The kitten flicked his tail shyly and then nibbled some food from the bowl. “This fish is so yummy!”

“Did someone say fish?” Figaro leaped along the rooftops, stopping to preen his sleek black-and-white fur. “I hope there’s enough for me!”

Katsumi, who was behind him, waved her elegant tail.“Honestly, Figaro! You shouldn’t invite yourself to someone else’s meal.”

Pixie, arriving last, sniffed the air. The sun gleamed on her silky white coat.“It does smell delicious. I can imagine I’ve walked into a splendid banquet!”

Katsumi bowed to Kitty and her mom.“Sorry for interrupting your breakfast! We just came to say good morning and to thank Kitty for her help last night.”

“Good morning!” Mom smiled. “You’re welcome to join us. I have plenty more fish in the fridge.”

“That is most kind!” exclaimed Figaro while Katsumi and Pixie murmured their thanks.

Mom climbed inside and reappeared with three more bowls of food.

The ginger kitten finished his breakfast and licked the bowl with his little pink tongue.“That was delicious!” He crept over to Kitty and curled up in her lap.

Kitty smiled and stroked his fur gently.

“Good morning!” Dad lifted Max onto the rooftop. “Do I smell pancakes?”

Soon everyone was eating breakfast and talking about Kitty’s adventure the night before. Figaro reminded them all that it had been his idea to fetch Kitty in the first place.

“I was certain Kitty’s catlike superpowers would be just what we needed,” he told everyone.

Kitty blushed.“I didn’t think I could do it … but it got easier the more I tried!”

“I’m very proud of you, Kitty.” Mom beamed at her before turning to the kitten. “And maybe you’d like to come live with us? We have plenty of room here, and we’d love you to stay. I’m sure it would be nicer than sleeping outside on some doorstep.”

Kitty’s heart skipped. She’d hoped her family would love the kitten as much as she did. She held her breath, waiting for him to reply.

“Youreally want me to stay?” He looked from Mom to Kitty. “Not just for one day, but forever?”

“Yes, please do!” Kitty stroked him between the ears. “And I think we should help you to choose a name.” She wrinkled her forehead, thinking. “How about Pumpkin? It suits you because you have such lovely orange fur.”

The kitten purred.“I love that name! Do you really think it suits me?”

“It’s perfect for you!” Katsumi told him.

Pumpkin rubbed his face against Kitty’s and she held him tight, feeling his soft fur against her cheek.

“I think … maybe one day soon … I’d like to go on another adventure in the moonlight,” said Pumpkin.

“Are you sure you wouldn’t be too scared of the dark?” asked Kitty.

Pumpkin thought hard about this.“Maybe a little bit, but it’s much easier to be brave when I’m with you.”

Kitty hugged him tight. She was so happy to have found Pumpkin, and she was looking forward to having another adventure, too!

2. KITTY AND THE TIGER TREASURE

Chapter

1