Dick Whittington and His Cat
A poor boy, a clever cat, and the bells that called him home to London
Page 1
In a small country village lived a poor orphan named Dick Whittington. One day, a wagoner stopped for water. 'I'm bound for London,' the man said. 'They say the streets are paved with gold!' Dick's eyes grew wide. He watched the wagon rumble away. 'Excuse me, sir,' he called to a passing farmer. 'Is that the road to London?' The farmer nodded. 'It is, lad. But it’s a long and weary way for little legs.' Dick just squared his shoulders and looked down the road that wound away through the fields. He had no family and no home. 'Then I must start now,' he decided. 'I'm going to London to find my fortune!' And with that, he set off with a hopeful heart.
Page 2
Dick walked for many days. Sometimes a friendly carter would let him ride for a while. ‘London is a fine place, lad,’ one told him, waking from a nap. ‘Full of grand sights and important people.’ ‘And are the streets truly paved with gold?’ Dick asked eagerly, his tired face lighting up. The carter just chuckled and shook his head. ‘You’ll see for yourself soon enough, I reckon. Now hop down, this is as far as I go.’ Dick would thank him and set off again, his stomach rumbling but his heart still full of hope. The journey was hard and he was often hungry, but the dream of London kept his feet moving, one step after another, along the endless road.
Page 3
At last, Dick arrived in London. The streets were paved not with gold, but with mud and stone. People rushed past without a glance. As evening fell, he timidly approached a baker shutting his shop. 'Please, sir, just a crust of bread? I’m so hungry.' The baker shooed him away with a broom. 'Be off! I've nothing for beggars!' A richly dressed lady pulled her silk skirts away as he passed by. 'Do not touch me, filthy boy!' she hissed. Heartbroken and exhausted, Dick found a quiet corner on the steps of a grand house, curled up into a ball, and cried himself to sleep, lonelier than he had ever been in his life, the noise of the city ringing in his ears.
Page 4
The next morning, the great door opened. A man with a kind face stood there, looking down in surprise. His young daughter, Alice, peeked out from behind him. ‘He looks so hungry, Father,’ Alice whispered, her eyes wide with pity. ‘Can we not help him?’ Her father nodded slowly, studying the boy. ‘You can’t stay on the street,’ he said to Dick in a gentle voice. ‘What is your name?’ ‘Dick Whittington, sir,’ he mumbled, scrambling to his feet. ‘Well, Dick,’ said Mr. Fitzwarren with a warm smile, ‘Come inside. You can help our cook in the kitchen, and you’ll have a warm place to sleep and plenty to eat.’ Dick could hardly believe his ears. ‘Oh, thank you, sir! Thank you!’
Page 5
Dick's new room was a tiny attic under the eaves, with a straw pallet for a bed. It was infested with mice and rats. One day, a gentleman gave Dick a penny. With it, he bought a small cat. He smuggled her up to his room that night. 'There,' he whispered, setting her down gently. 'This is our home now. We must be quiet, but you must be brave.' The cat blinked, then began to prowl. 'You'll catch the rats, won't you?' Dick asked hopefully. 'And you'll be my friend.' As if she understood, the cat rubbed against his leg and purred. She was a brilliant mouser, and soon the attic was peaceful. She was his secret friend, and he loved her dearly.
Page 6
Mr. Fitzwarren's ship, the *Unicorn*, was ready to sail. By custom, everyone in his house could send an item to be traded. ‘I have nothing in the world to send!’ Dick told Alice sadly. ‘You have your cat,’ she reminded him gently. ‘A good mouser is valuable in foreign lands.’ Dick’s heart sank. ‘Sell my cat? She’s my only friend!’ But Mr. Fitzwarren was firm but kind. ‘It is the rule, Dick, and your only chance for a venture. You must send her.’ With a heavy heart, Dick carried his beloved cat to the docks. He handed her to the captain, his eyes full of tears. He stood on the pier with Alice, watching the great ship sail down the river until it was just a speck.
Page 7
Without his cat, Dick was desolate. The cook was merciless. 'Faster with that pot, you lazy boy!' she would shout. 'There's floors to be scrubbed!' Finally, he ran away. He walked out of the city and up a steep road to Highgate Hill. He sat on an old milestone to rest, looking back at the smoky city. 'Goodbye, cruel London,' he sighed. 'I was a fool to ever come here.' Just then, the church bells began to chime. The sound floated up to him, but it sounded like words, a clear and ringing promise: ‘Turn again, Whittington, Lord Mayor of London!’ 'Lord Mayor?' he whispered in disbelief. 'Me?' The bells seemed to call again, insistent and clear.
Page 8
Far across the sea, the *Unicorn*'s captain dined with the King of Barbary. But as soon as the feast was served, rats and mice swarmed the table. ‘This is a curse!’ cried the king, jumping onto his throne. ‘I would give half my treasure to be rid of these pests!’ The captain smiled. ‘Your Majesty, I believe I have the cure. Permit me.’ He sent for Dick’s cat. She was brought into the hall, a flash of tabby fur. ‘By the heavens, look at her go!’ a courtier shouted. She pounced and leaped, a whirlwind of claws and teeth. In moments, every single rat was gone. ‘A miracle!’ the king declared. ‘I must buy this wondrous creature! Name your price!’
Page 9
When the *Unicorn* returned, Mr. Fitzwarren sent for Dick. Dick came in fear. ‘You sent for me, sir?’ he asked nervously. But the merchant was beaming. ‘My boy,’ he said, his voice full of excitement, ‘your cat has made your fortune! Look!’ He pointed to a large, heavy chest. He lifted the lid, and Dick gasped and fell to his knees. It was overflowing with gold coins, sparkling jewels, and ropes of pearls. ‘Is this... from my cat?’ he stammered in disbelief. ‘It is all yours, Dick,’ said Mr. Fitzwarren, clapping him on the shoulder. ‘The King of Barbary's payment. You are a very rich man now.’ Dick could only stare, tears of joy streaming down his face.
Page 10
Dick Whittington became a great merchant, known for his honesty and kindness. He married the lovely Alice Fitzwarren. 'My dear Lord Mayor,' she would tease him. 'To think it all began with one small cat!' He would smile. 'The best cat in all the world!' He never forgot his past, and always helped the poor. The people of London loved him. 'Hooray for Dick Whittington!' they would shout. 'Our good Lord Mayor!' Just as the bells had foretold, he was chosen to be Lord Mayor of London, not just once, but three times over. His famous cat, who had returned home a hero, never left his side, and he was remembered forever as one of the city's greatest sons.
About this story
- Audience: kids (ages 6–12)
Read Wonder Tales on your phone
Wonder Tales is available on Android. Get Wonder Tales on Google Play.