Chapter 5 A Message from Africa That winter was indeed a cold one.
One night in December, all the animals gathered around the fire.
Dr. Doolittle read to them.
He translated stories into animal language so they could enjoy them too.
Suddenly, Tutu flew down from the rafters.
Shh, the owl said.
What's that noise outside?
They all listened.
Tutu was right.
There was a strange noise coming from outside.
It was the sound of something running.
Then the door flew open and Chi-Chi ran inside.
He was out of breath.
"'Doctor,' he cried, "'I just had a message from my cousin in Africa.
There's a terrible sickness among the monkeys there.
They have all heard of you.
They are begging you to come and help.'
"'Who brought this news?' the doctor asked.'
He was amazed that a message could arrive from so far away.
It's Swallow, Chi-Chi said.
She's still outside, near the garden gate.
Well, bring her in, Dr. Doolittle exclaimed.
It is far too cold outdoors for a little bird, especially a bird from Africa.
She can warm herself by the fire.
So the swallow came inside.
She was cold and nervous at first.
She quickly warmed up by the fire, though.
She told them all about the monkey sickness in Africa.
It was very serious.
They needed Dr. Doolittle right away.
"'Of course, of course,' the doctor said.
"'I will leave as soon as possible.
"'I'm worried that we won't have enough money for the tickets, though.
"'Chi-Chi, would you please hand me the money-box?'
The monkey climbed up and took the box from the top shelf of the bookcase.
There was nothing in it, not a single penny.
Nothing, the doctor exclaimed.
I was certain we had at least a little left.
Don't you remember that you had to buy, Jip, a new collar?
Tutu asked.
All right, Dr. Doolittle replied.
I forgot about that.
Well.
I suppose I'll have to go down to the seaside and ask to borrow a boat.
Hopefully one of the fishermen will be kind enough to lend us one.
So the next morning Dr. Doolittle made his way down to the seaside.
He found a fisherman who agreed to lend him a boat to take to Africa.
The fisherman knew that Doolittle would not be able to pay him.
That's all right, doctor, he said.
You helped my boy a long time ago, and I know how you take care of all those animals.
I'm glad I can finally help you.
Dr. Doolittle promised to bring the boat back as soon as possible.
He then hurried back to his home to tell the animals the good news.
All the animals were very happy.
The crocodile, Chi-Chi, and Polynesia were excited to go to Africa.
After all, it was where they were born.
They had not been back in many years.
I shall only be able to take you three, Dr Doolittle said, and Jip Dab-Dab and Gub-Gub, of course,
Everyone else will have to stay here.
Africa would not be a good place for many of them anyway.
Thankfully, Polynesia had been on many sea voyages.
She told the doctor everything he would need for the trip.
We will need to bring special food with us, she said.
There's bread called hardtack.
It lasts for a long time.
We will also need to bring many cans of beans and vegetables.
There's always a worry that food will spoil on long trips.
Yes, yes, of course, the doctor said.
He wrote down everything Polynesia told him in his little notebook.
I assume the boat will come with its own anchor.
Yes, it will have its own anchor, Polynesia said.
But we should make sure we have a lot of rope.
Rope is very handy on long sea voyages.
There was still the problem of money.
How would they buy everything they needed for their trip if the money box was empty?
You can only imagine Dr Doolittle's surprise when the butcher arrived at his door with all the supplies.
I knew that you would need these things for your trip, the butcher said.
Please don't worry about paying me back right now.
The grocer and I talked it over.
You are doing important work.
We'll deal with the bill when you return from Africa.
Dr. Doolittle shook his friend's hand.
My word, he exclaimed.
You are very good to us.
How will I ever thank you?
There's no need, the butcher replied.
I'm glad to help.
The animals and Dr. Doolittle worked quickly to pack all their things.
They turned the water off so the pipes would not freeze while they were away.
They put shutters over the windows and gave the key for the stable to the horse.
Once they were sure there was enough food and hay for all the animals left behind, they headed off to the seaside.
The butcher, the fisherman, and the grocer were there to see them off.
They helped Dr. Doolittle and the animals put their supplies on the boat.
Just as they were about to set sail, Dr. Doolittle realized that he did not know the way to Africa.
He asked the fisherman to draw them a map.
Don't worry, doctor, the swallow chirped.
I know the way.
You can follow me all the way to Africa.
Dr. Doolittle said goodbye to his kind friends.
They pulled anchor and set sail.
Their voyage had begun.
