All was quiet at the Truttyfore residence. Gladys and Fred were doing a crossword puzzle, and the kitties were at their stations–listening in on international spy chatter.
All of a sudden, it sounded as if someone were leaning on the town house doorbell. It was making an awful racket, so Fred went to investigate. “Oh, it’s Vivian, Colin and Malcolm” he said.
“What a nice surprise! said Gladys.
The kids bounded in, waving colorful pamphlets. They had found a cat agility contest, and wanted to take Poppy, Rosie and Willie.
“Well, I guess that would be fun,” said Gladys.
“Let me have at look at the contest rules and the directions,” said Fred.
“Please, please, can we go?” pleaded the children.
Gladys and Fred quickly read the contest announcement, and said in unison–“It’s a go, what a stupendous idea!”
Poppy, Rosie and Willie exchanged knowing glances–and winked at the kids. This was just perfect. They would be gone only a couple of hours, and then would have the whole rest of the weekend for spy work. It would be good physical exercise, and would satisfy Gladys’ need to show off the kitties.
The Truttyfores were on their way! Everyone sang songs at the top of their lungs. The mood in the car was jovial, to say the least.
They arrived in the nick of time. Entries were just about to be shut off when the children ran ahead–with the kitties in tow. They were accepted as a group in the advanced division, and took their places in the line. When the gong sounded, they were off. And were they terrific! Poppy, Rosie and Willie left everyone else in the dust. Even Fred and Gladys were amazed.
“It must be all that dance training,” said Fred.
“Yes,” said Gladys, “Can-can dancing must provide a good work-out.”
She could only watch in utter disbelief as Poppy, Rosie and Willie tore through the obstacle course. They went through tunnels and over barrels at break-neck speed. No one could catch them. They were simply dazzling.
At the end of the day, they won the huge team trophy. Everyone wanted their autographs, and kids lined up to have pictures taken with the fast and agile kitties.
They traveled home tired and happy, seated in the back seat with Vivian, Colin and Malcolm. Gladys and Fred were unbelievably proud.
What a great afternoon. Now there was another trophy to keep the other one company. With great satisfaction, Gladys placed it on the mantel, and stood back to admire it. Everyone then settled in to eat gooey banana splits and watch “The Hand That Rocked The Cat’s Cradle” on television.
For the rest of the weekend Vivian, Malcolm and Colin were lookouts. Every time Mom and Dad Truttyfore were in danger of discovering the spy activities, the kids would say the codeword–“tooty-fruity,” and put on the can-can music. It worked out just great. The COBRA kitties got a super lot of spy business done.