Mouseseekshisfortune by Plusto Limited

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{o^/ at &tt "I've made it!" cheered the small, perky brown mouse, to nobody in particular. It was good to stretch and walk about after a bumpy and

difficult crossing on the high

seas.

The last part of his voyage had been

particularly hard. The sailing ship had been buffeted about by huge waves

in Table Bay where the ship's Captain had waited for the storm

to pass so that he could enter the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, the older part of the harbour.

It seemed that nobody noticed the little mouse scurry down the gangplank on to the quayside. He stopped, stood up on his hind legs and sniffed the air expectantly. The noise, new smells and bustle

promised adventure. "So, this he looked around excitedly.

rs Cape

Town," muttered the mouse

"Gotcha!" growled a fierce voice. Mouse wobbled, fell on his back and then let out a very high-pitched squeal, which echoed loudly across the bay. The scrawny cats pinning him down nearlyjumped out

of their skins. "Flelp, somebody, help. You two, pick on someone your own size. Let me go. I didn't come to South Africa to be eaten up by two scaly cats." Mouse nipped furiously at the furry paw that was holding him

down. With a last sharp bite he managed to wrench free and was off,

tail flying in the air, paws scurrying across the wooden boards. "A chase. Oh what fun!" whined a ragged tabby cat, who wasn't nicknamed Captain Mouser for nothing. His green eyes glinted in the sun. "We'll give this young visitor a run for his money. Nobody ever gets away from Captain Mouser and

Admiral Claw." Slipping and sliding along the boards, Mouse ran

helter skelter, not knowing where he was going,

but desperately looking for a safe place to hide. His little heart was

beating frantically.

"I have not survived a long boatjourney across the seas just to be eaten by some nasty Cats,?':fus pa4.!ed,

"Oh no!" he cried out in pain, "my.paw.

can't free my wretched paw." Mouse pulled

with all his might but his paw was well and truly stuck between two boards on the jetty.

ild, yellow eyes hovered over him.

{A tasw bite for

breakfast," mewed the

whingeing voice. 'll'm always hungry."

Admiral Claw picked at his rotten teeth and licked his lips in anticipation. Just when he thought his last

moments had come, Mouse

noticed a white squealed again, nearly

deafening his adversaries and forcing Captain Mouser

to cover. his ragged ears with his paws.

,jâ&#x201A;ŹilrFi-

"Hey, you up there, please help a stranger. I've heard so much about

this friendly nation, but so far ...." Before Mouse could say 'trounce a mouse', his paw was released and he was standing face to face with a

rather handsome-looking seagull. "iNkosi at your service." The seagull swooped low with his wing. "That was some squeal. Looks like you're in a spot of trouble, young mouse. Be off with you, pesky cats

that is no way to treat

visitor."

Beating his wing rapidly, the seagull forced the cats to retreat. "We're not finished with you yet!" they threatened, growling fiercely.

"Hmm

- so you're

new in this part of the world." The seagull looked

intently at the small creature at his feet. "Don't take any notice of those slimy cats

they are always causing

trouble. Now, who are you and where have you come from?"

"Ooh

- I can't tell you my name,

that's a Secret. But I can tell you that

stowed away in that beautiful ship over

there

- all the way frorn England,"

the mouse whispered, rather proud of himself. "Thank you for rescuing

I really am so grateful, kind Sir." "Oh, you don't have to 'kind sir' me. We're not in the old country

me.

noq but why on earth did you

stowaway? Did you do something wrong

in England?"

- I most certainly did not do anything wrong," gasped the mouse, "but I can't tell you why I left - it's a secret." "What a lot of secrets! Well, what made you choose South Africa "Ooh, no

or is that a secret too?" "Ooh, no

- I can tell you that. I was told it was a beautiful

and

friendly place. Also, because they call this the 'Rainbow Nation',

guessed that there must be a pot of gold somewhere about.

Or has that already been found?" "Well, we're certainly trying hard to make our country a happy place, but we are all still learning as you

doubt find out."

GINM'

will no

"But what about the gold?" sighed MouSe. "I have come on a mission, you see

- I have come to find my Fortune. Do you know what

or who it is, and would it have something to do with your rainbow do you think?" iNkosi took a deep breath. "I think I will have to take you under my wing until you find your paws. I don't really know about Fortune myself

but I am sure we can find out. Come on, I'll take you to where we might find help. We'll hop on to that little rowing boat and catch a lift to my friend Corky, the seal. He often has solutions to problems." "That's all very well for you; you fly but I scurry so how can we possibly be travel companions. Don't they teach you anything in this

Rainbow Nation?" The mouse stood on his back feet and glared at the seagull. "NoW now

- if you are going to be rude you won't

make friends very easily, will you? I was going to suggest

you hop on my back and that we could fly together. Do you have a better idea smarty pants?" iNkosi

retorted hotly. "Ooh

- sorry - I didn't mean to be rude.

I would love to fly on your back, I've always wanted to fly."

b,-

fp(orA Ti^' With Mouse firmly settled on his back, iNkosi took to the air. Diving precariously betrveen buildings, he suddenly took a steep left turn and swooped into the Visitor Centre, snatched a map and zoomed out

before anyone noticed. Mouse was holding on for dear life, squealing loudly. Everyone from far and wide could hear him! "Grab this and

hold on," yelled iNkosi

Mouse clutched the map with one paw and

the seagull's feathers with the other. "Always a good idea to have a ma Look down," cried the gull, "we're flFtg above the Alfred Basin. Do you know where it got its name?" he enquired. "Why, no

- should I?" asked the mouse, anxious to please'

"I should think so! It was named after the son of one of your famous queens

- Victoria.

Prince

Alfred came out to visit Cape Town more than a hundred years ago. The Prince tipped the first load of stones into the Bay to start the breakwater. Everyone here was very excited to meet a real

prince... . Whoa, hold for landing."

\i \

"What a wonderful little rowing boat!" exclaimed Mouse, his long

tail twitching in excitement. "Can we really have a ride on it?" "Of course. This is the Penny Ferry, which was first used in 1871 to

row the harbour rvorkers across the entrance to the Alfred Basin.

used to costjust one penny. Now people have to pay two Rand to cross."

The seagull went on to point out the new bridge across the cut, but Mouse was far more interested in the excitement and adventure

the Penny Ferry.

"Oh, I just love the wind in my face, the sea below and.. .aaaaaaah!" S-P-L-A-S-H. Mouse fell plop in the water, paws waving in /J>'

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the air. iNkosi was quick to summon help.

"Quick Corky - do your bit. Can't have my visitor drowning so early on in his adventllre." The seal

' _) a

dived nimbly off the ledge below

Fish Quay (Bertie's Landing) and managed to retrieve a rather bedraggled and embarrassed mouse. The other seals languishing lazily

on the landing cheered in delight. It was great to see some sport. \Arhen at last he could get his breath back, Mouse whispered,

"Oh thank you, kind sir - you saved my life. This is the second time I have been rescued this morning. How can I ever repay you?" "Nay, man - I'm no kind sir. Huppy to help out though - all in the

course of duty. So, who are you young mouse, and where do you come

from? You're obviously not from Cape Town."

"I'm sorry - I can't tell you my name or why I left home, but I come from England and I'm here to seek my Fortune. The rest is a secret." "Huh? Sounds suspicious to me. Are you sure this fellow is safe to have around, iNkosi? Not a secret spy or something?"

- I think he's safe enough. So, have you heard about Fortune, Corky? Mouse is here to find it - or them." iNkosi was keen to get business over with and return to what he loved best - getting "Oh

up-to-date with the latest news.

"Hmmm bask

- Fortune, eh -

now that's easy. Fortune is being free to

in the sun, catch a couple of wriggly fish and join in a seal carnival

every now and again, diving in and out of the water between the boats. Any of that sound good to you, young mouse?"

"No, not really, kind sir," muttered the mouse, who hated cold water and detested fish. "But thank you for trying, I am most grateful." Just theh, Mouse noticed an older looking seal, flopping down away from the others. He had a nasty red weal around his neck and looked miserable.

"If you don't mind me asking, what

is wrong with

your friend over there?" asked Mouse, concerned. The seagull and the other seals proceeded to explain to Mouse how careless some humans were with their litter and

in particular with the fishing tackle which was often

thrown overboard and

left on beaches.

They showed Mouse how the gut had caught around their old friend's neck and cut into his skin. Mouse was horrified at the wound and

climbed gently on to the old seal's back to comfort him. He nibbled furiously at the gut and finally managed to bite right through it. The old seal heaved a sigh of relief and the others barked their approval. Mouse was beginning to feel uncomfortable perched on the edge I

and looked longingly at the dry land on the other side, wondering how he was going to persuade his new friend that it was time to move on.

The seagull seemed in no hurry to go anywhere and was enjoying the

morning sun, and the chance to catch up on Corky's gossip. "Do you know who came to visit me right here in the bay the other day?" asked Corky.

"Let me guess," replied iNkosi. "Was it an octopus or ajelly fish?"

"Nothing so small my friend

"$o

into the bay, he did. It

- it was a young whale calf; strayed

was

wonderful to chat and hear about

the goings on in the ocean. A real show-off he was too, he

fol

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swam close to the boats and the basin so that all visitors

could admire him! The dolphins have also been around, offering to give us seals some swimming lessons. The cheek of

it!"

"I wish I had been here," replied the gull. "That special boat that cleans up the bay must be doing a fine

job if it's good enough for a young whale."

Mouse fidgeted and sighed loudly.

"Uh-oh. Looks like my young companlon wants some action.

I had

best be on my way. See

you soon, Corky."

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T/, ((o' 4. Tv r, . "Right, young mouse, let's consult our map. Next port of call is the Clock Tower. Perhaps we shall find some answers for you there." Mouse climbed carefully on to the gull's back and nestled into his black

*irg

feathers, clinging on fiercely. The seagull soared into the air, then

swooped, squealing, as he headed towards avery impressive tower.

"Are we nearly there? I don't think I've got a head for heights. I am

feeling terrible," shouted the mouse above the sound of the strong south-easter.

"Hold tight - we're coming into land. And look, there is someone to greet us." Perched on the top of the tower was a beautiful Cape Glossy Starling who iNkosi recognised to be his friend Phezulu. She seemed

rather pleased to see the gull. "Well There's

- good day iNkosi! Come for a gossip then, have you? Eeek! something on your back - and it's moving. Oh, go away.I can't

stand big crawly creatures."

"I beg your pardon, Madam. I am certainly not a crawly creature. I am a brown and distinguished mouse," Mouse replied, horrified at being described

as crawly.

"My dear, what will iNkosi think of next. Who are you, why are you here?"

"I'm afraid I cannot tell you my name or why I left home - those are secrets. But I can tell you I am from England. My, what a wonderful view you have from up here. What is that mountain there, it looks just like a table?" 'You guessed it. That is Thble Mountain

- our famous landmark,

and that hill to the right of it is Signal Hill. This rather special tower you are resting on is called the Clock Tower which was the original 13

Port Captain's ofFrce. It is more than 100 years old and was used as a marine

signal lookout for all the ships that were anchored in Table Bay."

Mouse scanned his eyes across the view towards

'the

mountain while the

starling continued. "The signals received from Signal Hill were shouted across the cut to the pierhead

with a megaphone. So you

see,

this tower that I am living on is very important," said Phezulu, who seemed to know an aruful lot about

things. In fact, it was difficult to stop her talking once she started. "They stopped using it as a signal station when Victoria basin was

built in 1905 and ...

iNkosi stretched out his wings enjoying the sunshine. He was feeling bored and beginning to think it was time

to do something about his rumbling tummy. 'Yes,

['m sure it's all very interesting. So much for your history

lesson Mouse, but

doesn't help your quest, does it? Phezulu, do you

have any idea who or what

Fortune

is?

This mouse is

eager to find

iti

Yes

"Fortune? That's simple. It's a nice juicy worm and a nest with a view. Would you like to share my wriggly worm and my nest with me? You

could look after my chicks while I look for food?" she added quickly, rather pleased with the idea. Mouse shuddered. He disliked worms and was very afraid of heights.

"How kind of you to offer, Phezulu. You rainbow people are very

thoughtful but I think I would like to get my paws on the ground

- if

you don't mind." iNkosi sighed. His belly was gurgling loudly and

thoughts of a nice shellfish flashed through his t---rf "f mind. Mouse's mission was proving to be L ' "*,."t,JU, trickier than he thought it might be. "Flight t\.bt"J departing in l0 seconds - tighten your paw hold, Mouse

- we're off. Goodbye Phezulu. Don't forget

keep anyjuicy gossip for me."

"But my dears, I haven't nearly finished telling you about ... ." Phezulu fluttered about, distraught that her

audience was departing.

"Another time perhaps," grinned Mouse, clinging on for dear life. He hardly dared to look where he was going.

AM"rrt*

â&#x201A;Źtcape

The flying pair soared overhead the teeming visitors and colourful,

happy sights. They flew above an

exciting-looking craft market and past boats of all shapes and sizes anchored

:\-.

in the Alfred

Basin. In the distance, an

Nti

enormous tug was in for

repairs in the Robinson Dry k. which Mouse learned was the oldest working dry

dock in the world. Witho'ut warning, iNkosi swerved down to

land on

big, impressive grey ship moored alongside the quay.

"Where are we now?"asked Mouse, giddy after the sudden landing.

"This is a warship called the SAS Somerset. Come along, you never know what we might find here." iNkosi chattered on and on, not really

noticing what was happening to his little friend, who suddenly felt himself being dragged by the tail to a dark corner of the ship. Mouse

tried to scream but a rangy paw held his mouth tightly shut. "Aha! Our screeching foreigner," came a familiar threatening growl. "No squealing from you - you could alert the entire Waterfront. Now shall we eat him whole?" whispered Captain Claw. "Do you want

the head or the body? Or should we boil him for our dinner?" Mouse shivered and shook. Where was his friend now?

Wondering why his companion was so quiet, iNkosi turned round only to notice his little friend had vanished. He quickly retraced his

steps, carefully scanning all around him. Out of the corner of his eye he

noticed a stringy looking tail in a dark part of the ship. Quick he descended on it - beak first - and pecked hard.

as a flash,

"Eeowwwwww!" came a scream and out dashed two very bedraggled cats. 'You have spoilt our fun again, you rotten seagull," they fumed in i

disgust, leaving their poor frightened prey cowering in the corner.

"Oh, they didn't hurt you, did they?" iNkosi was very concerned.

"No, I am okay - I thought I was a gonner this time though." Mouse looked very woebegone. "Come on, cheer up. Let's pop over to the Two Oceans Aquarium and restaurant. There are always delicious morsels to nibble, I am sure you are hungry by now."

The gull made for a grand, dragon-shaped boat moored near the Aquarium and settled happily on the wooden seat. Mouse looked nervously at the dragon shapes. "Don't worry," said iNkosi, "they are quite safe. Noq you stay still a moment

I won't be long'"

Mouse waited patiently as the seagull flew off. The morning had

been almost too exciting for him. He felt rather dozy and soon

nodded off.

, o

Before long, the seagull nudged him.

"Tiy this - you'll feel better when you have had something to eat." Mouse grabbed the tasty chip out of the seagull's beak and

munched furiously. "Thank you iNkosi are a good friend. But

you

I still haven't found

what I am looking for here. Do you think there is such

thing

Fortune?" He looked appealingly up

at the seagull with his bright little eyes.

iNkosi let out a quiet moan. He had rather hoped Mouse might have forgotten his mission. 'You rest awhile here

- it's hot and I am tired.

I am going to chat to my other seal friends in the Aquarium. This evening, I will take you to see a wise old friend of mine who mightjust be able to help us find your Fortune."

It did not

seem long before the seagull was back, shaking

Mouse awake to give him some exciting news. "Wake up, wake up

- I think I might have found

the answer to your problem. One of the seals told me that when diving in his tank this morning, 4

he heard about a special boat that is out

I I

in the bay, full of people who are diving for their Fortune.I will take you to a place where you can safely spend the

night and in the morning we'll fly out to the boat. How does that sound?"

.'2r.

9 "o7 o^ Trr t The light was beginning to fade as

the two friends made for

gnarled and interesting-looking tree. Mouse looked around rather fearfully.

Above the tree he noticed an unusual

kind of tower with an enormous ball on top of it. Mouse felt apprehensive. "Here is the Dragon

Tree," said Nkosi. "No-one should disturb you now."

"Dragon Tiee

- do dragons live in it? They won't

spit fire at me, will they?" Mouse quickly hopped

under iNkosi's wi.g to take cover.

"Don't worry," reassured iNkosi, gently pulling his friend out with his big yellow beak. "It's just a very old tree

- over 100 years old. The resin, which

was known as 'dragon's

blood', was once used

to treat bad tummies. Now you settle down here and I will meet you in the morning. Mouse scurried about very nervously. He

didn't like all the new noises, and the watery moon peeping out from behind the clouds frightened him. He began to think that maybe he had been better off at home after all. Suddenly he heard an eerie call. Stopping in his tracks he looked around desperately for somewhere to hide. "\rVho is

in my special tree? Friend or

Foe?

Come out at once!" boomed a deep voice.

Mouse crept out from his

hiding place to find himself face to face with a pair

small, fierce, black eyes set

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squeal he scuttled back

behind the tree. "A foreigner in our

midst-anice,tasty foreigner," hooted Ndala. "I am a hungry owl, mmmm, just what I feel like-"

"Oh no, you don't, Ndala!" screeched the gull, who had heard Mouse's cry from high in the sky and come hurtling back as fast as he

could. "He's my friend

- I am looking after him - so don't you dare

frighten him." "V.ry well young mouse. Come out. You are safe for the time being. just who are you and why are you here?" "Oh kind Sir," quivered the mouse, "I can't tell you my name or why

Now,

I left my home. Those are my secrets." "secrets? I find secrets rather disturbing. Are you sure you want to be friends with a mouse with secrets, iNkosi? Is that wise, my friend?"

the owl looked worried. "Ndala

this young mouse needs our help. Maybe there is a good

reason for his secrets.

I am happy to be his friend," replied iNkosi.

"Are you really an owl?" squeaked Mouse, rather intimidated by this grumpy bird. "I thought owls had big eyes. But you perhaps you can help me?" .

look wise -

The old owl fluffed up his feathers and looked very indignant. "Of course I am an owl - a barn owl to be exact," he snapped. "Calm down, Ndala. He means no harm," iNkosi reassured.

The owl scratched his beak with his

*itg

and turned around; he

appeared to be thinking. At last, after what seemed like ages, he said

gruffly, "AJl right

what do you want to know?"

Mouse Stammered, "I am from England and chose to come to your

country because I heard it was called the 'Rainbow Nation'. Rainbows are happy and cheerful and are said to have a pot of gold at their end.

I am seeking my Fortune. I thought I mightjust find it here. Do you know where I could look?" Feeling quite important noW Ndala hopped from claw to claw and wiggled his feathers, "Ahem. We are called the 'Rainbow Nation' because we are all different colours and religions and we are trying

hard to live in harmony with each other. So you can stop your search for a pot of gold. As for Fortune, now that is something quite different and I can definitely help you there . Now listen carefully and... ."

"Don't waste your breath, Ndala. Look, our friend has gone to sleep!" laughed iNkosi. It was usually the owl who nodded off whenever anyone started talking to him. Ndala

was

jolly annoyed.

"Ungrateful little beast. No respect," muttered the owl. "Why, I have a good mind to eat him."

"Let him be, Ndala. Now listen, I forgot to arrange where to meet in the morning. Please tell him to go

to the tugboat next to the new hotel at sunrise. Huppy hunting." But the old owl hadn't really been listening to iNkosi. He was far

too annoyed and was busy

thinking of his next meal.

floo't l/(zrr 1/c $rot Mouse awoke feeling the first rays of sunshine on his furry back and

noticed Ndala settling down on the large tower he had seen earlier. "Ndala, what is that big tower you are sitting on and what is that giant

ball, and do know where iNkosi is?" called the mouse. Sleepily Ndala replied, "So many questions and it's time for my nap.

This is the Time Ball Tower

- a nice warm place to rest. It used to be

used by sailors on their ships. The ball would fall at the same time each day and the sailors would set their watches by it. Talking of time

aren't you supposed to be meeting your seagull friend? Oh yes, he said to meet him on the fishing boat at sunrise, so you had

better dash along now. I really must have my nap." Mouse leapt to his feet

- he didn't

want to be late.

Luckily at that time of the morning there wasn't much activity and there were not too many people about. Scurrying as fast as his short legs would take him, he hurried past the Telkom Exploratorium, and rushed towards the nearest fishing boat.

The crew

was

just casting off but he managed to scramble aboard smelly open boat, where

fishermen were'hauling nets.

"This is definitely a fishing boat and I think it is quite early

still. But I don't see iNkosi anywhere.

I do hope he hasn't

deserted me," thought Mouse, as he shivered

in the cool, early morning breeze. He spied a big wicker basket filled with ropes and

other useful fishing equipment. "That would be a good place to keep watch for iNkosi," Mouse decided as

he climbed up the side of the basket and peeked inside.

"How dare you come aboard my boat?" growled a furry face, its yellow, broken teeth bared. Mouse tumbled backwards and looked up

to see a huge black rat towering over him, its one paw pinning his own down and its other paw on his tail.

"llelp, help - iNkosi where are you?" screamed Mouse. Once again, his high-pitched squeal carried right across the bay, or so it seemed to Rat, who swiftly put a paw over his mouth. 'You are done for, scoundrel. \4rho are you and why are you here?"

"I can't tell you my name nor can I tell you why I left my home," mumbled Mouse, "but I have come here to find Fortune. Maybe you could help me?" "Me help you

you must be joking!" Rat laughed raucously.

"I never help anyone

- especially not a trespasser. As for Fortune,

I am not in the least bit interested. As long people

as possible

I annoy

many

and cause plenty of trouble, I am happy, so

that must be my Fortune. Now I am going to get rid of you." Picking up Mouse in his teeth, Rat made his way to the end of the boat, ready to dispose of him over board.

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r/(

Afr;en/ "I'll

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take that, thank you!" A white shape swooped down, grabbed the

trembling mouse, knocked the rat on his back and stood glaring over him. "What do you think you are doing, you pest?" shouted the gull furiously. "I think you can go swimming in the sea instead. I will not have you frightening my friends and a visitor to our country." Without

further ado iNkosi picked up Rat by the tail and held him just above the sea, waves from the bow of the boat splashing up into his face. "Have mercy on me," squealed Rat, "I am sorry I scared your friend.

I will do anything if you let me live - I promise." "Right!" commanded iNkosi, dropping Rat from quite a height on to the deck. 'You, my friend, will spend your time picking up the litter on the boat and

putting it in the dustbin. And no more nonsense or you will have me to answer to." 'Yes, Yes Sir

- at once, Sir." Rat was really a big coward and was only

too happy to still be alive. "As for you Mouse, why weren't you on the tug as I arranged?

I searched all the boats I could find. I even went on to the Robben Island Ferry Boat, which was on its way to Robben Island with a group of tourists. I had to fly miles out to sea," moaned the gull angrily.

"But...but, Ndala told me to meet you on the fishing boat. I just followed his instructions," sobbed Mouse. It had all been too much for

him. "I just want to go home

- but no-one

loves me there either. What am

I to do?"

He was crying inconsolably now. 25

"NoW now, come on my little friend. You are still alive and that's the

main thing. Let's find a quiet spot for a moment. Hop aboard and hold on tight." Still sobbing, Mouse climbed on to iNkosi's back. The seagull wracked his brains to think of a place where they would be safe from rangy cats, grumpy owls and fierce rats. At last they landed under a nice shady tree. "We are safe for the moment," reassured the gull. Mouse began to feel better and his sobs started to subside. 'You are

a real friend, iNkosi; the first one I have ever had. Thank you for that."

'Well now, Mouse, suppose you tell me about your secrets. You can trust me now, can't you?" "Promise you won't laugh," begged Mouse, looking

up at iNkosi with his bright brown

eyes.

"Of course I won't. I would never laugh at a

friend," reassured iNkosi. "Come on

- I really

want to help you."

"It all started just after I was born,"

explained Mouse. "I have lots of brothers and sisters and when we started

talking, they noticed my voice was much higher than theirs, so they called me... Squeally.

I hated it. Even my parents disliked my voice. I grew irp, I was teased so much that I stopped talking altogether. But then I became very lonely. At last, I could stand As

it no longer and rar' away to the docks. An old granny mouse was very kind to me, and it yas she who suggested I make a new life and come to Cape Town. So I stowe d away on a ship and the rest.

you know."

iNkosi had listened very qarefully. He put his wing around Mouse

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ftntcJrrnt ftDn/crr A Brief History of the Waterfront In September 1860 HRH Prince Alfred of England tipped the first load of stone to start the construction of the breakwater for Cape Town's harbour. The basin was to be called Alfred Basin after the Prince and was completed within 10 years. In lg05 the Victoria Basin was completed and the harbour served as the gateway to Southern Africa until the 1940's. Sadly, as ships out-grew the proportions of the v&A Basins, and air travel became the popular mode of transport, the quaint port lost its magic and became neglected. In 1988 the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront Company was formed and began development of the Waterfront to create a desirable place for people to work and visit. In 10 years rhe V&A Waterfront Company has achieved remarkable success in making the Waterfront one of the top five Waterfront developments in the world. It too, was rated by the South African Tourist Board as South Africa's top tourist destination. The V & A Waterfront boasts important historical sites and monuments The Penny Ferry that takes visitors across the entrance of the Alfred Basin to Bertie's Landing may be one of the oldest working ferry boats in the world. It has been in constant use since 1871. The Robinson Dry Dock is the oldest operating dry dock in the world. It was built in 1882 and is situated at the entrance to the Two Oceans Aquarium. The Time Ball was built in lB94 and served as a repeater station between the Royal Observatory and Signal Hill, where a cannon is still fired at noon each day. Before navigational equipment became standard, it was important for sailors to have the correct time to determine longitude. Navigational ships in the bay set their clocks by the Time Ball as it fell at a set time every day.

The Clock Tower is one of Cape Town's unique historic landmarks. In the 1900's it played a crucial role in controlling the movements of sailing ships and steamers. Its correct title is 'The Time and Tide Gauge House'. It was constructed in 1883. It became obsolete in 1905 when the Victoria Basin was completed. It now serves as a museum.

The Two Oceans Aquarium is Africa's largest aquarium and was opened in November 1995. It is one of the few in the world to concentrate on cold water ecosystems. It is home to more than 6000 plants and animals. There is a kelp forest in an 800 000 litre tank, which houses different species of kelp and its inhabitants. The predator display is always fascinating to watch and the Aquarium is a worthwhile educational experience. Robben Island (meaning 'Seal Island') lies about l1 kilometres north of Cape Town. Over the last 400 years this island has been used as a pantry hospital, mental asylum and as a political prison. Many famous people have spent tough years there, including Nelson Mandela and Govan Mbeki. However, the island is also home to a variety of flora and fauna and has been designated as a National Museum and cultural heritage site. Many visitors explore the island annually. Tugboats A tugboat is a small, powerful, sturdy ship which is used mainly to manoever large ocean-going ships in the harbour. The first 6.=,n. tugboat, the Charlotte Dundas, was built in 1802 and was fitted with a Watt steam engine. The Waterfront A-*, has its very own steam tugboat, the Alwyn ( Vintcent, which used to operate in Mossel Bay 't'., in the 1950's. Although it has had a hydraulic motor-drive fitted, the original steam-driven engine remains intact. It is used for harbour tours in the Waterfront.

The V&AWaterfront Marina Since the flooding of the new basin in December 1995, numerous animal species have come to visit. Hartlaub's Gulls and Cape Comorants are frequently seen as well as hordes of boxjelly fish, Cape fur seals and dolphins. Environmental Care The Waterfront is visited by millions of people annually. The pressure from so many visitors could easily damage the environment. However, the V&A Waterfront Company carefully monitors the pollution on both land and sea and has introduced several measures to ensure that problems do not occur. The Caltex sweeper is a small vessel which "skims" the water surface of the harbour to remove flotsam and floating garbage on a daily basis. The V&A Waterfront Company has also launched an anti-pollution boat with the specific aim of monitoring and removing water pollution in the Victoria and Alfred Basins. Southern Right Whale This whale got its name from the fact that it was the "right" whale to catch because it had long baleen plates used to make brushes and a very high oil yield. It has been seen within the harbour on numerous occasions - an indication that the water there is clean. Southern Right Whales can reach a total length of about l7 metres. A distinctive wart-like area on the external skin of the upper and lowerjaws and forehead makes it easy to identi$r this species. The whales usually court and mate in the winter months in the Southern Ocean and the gestation period is estimated to be between I I and 12 months. They visit bays along the Cape coast fromJuly to early December to mate, give birth and prepare the calves for life in the large ocean. Cape Fur Seal This seal is frequently seen lounging on landings and tyres around the Waterfront. It can reach a length of about 2 metres and can be as'heavy as 187 kilograms.

These sea mammals can range some 160 krn out to sea but prefer to keep to rocky islets and islands. They feed on rock lobsters, octopuses, fishes and crustaceans.

Did you Know? Many of the character names are derived from Xhosa and Zulu words. Phezulu means "high up" Ndala means "old" iNkosi means "chief" Gundwana means "mouse"

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This book has proved to be an enormous challenge. I would like to thank many people who have played an integral part. The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront Company have been very supportive, and I have worked with Alby Aupiais and his staff for the best part of the last two years. I would like to thank Alby and his team for their patience and advice. Pippa

Parker has again helped me with editing and I thank you Pippa for your friendship and support. Adam Carnegie for splendid interpretation of characters. Finally, my husband

Ian, my children Samantha and David, my mum and dad, Paddy andJohn Manning who continue to encourage every venture. Thank you to you all. First Published 1998 Cape Town

in text by Ali Corbett

in illustrations by Adam Carnegie

Edited by Pippa Parker Designed by Adam Carnegie

Reproduction by Tone Graphics Printed by Mills Litho Backcover picture supplied by the V&A Waterfront.

All rights reserved. No part of the publication can be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the written permission of .the copyright owner.

rsBN0-620-23369-9 31

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