Doctor Dolittle's Zoo

O Zoológico do Doutor Dolittle

Hugh Lofting

ESL Easy Read

Reading Comprehension B1 • Original Text • Português Support

SAMPLE

Copyright

Fonte original — domínio público

Esta edição ESL Easy Read foi adaptada a partir de Doctor Dolittle's Zoo, de Hugh Lofting, publicado originalmente em 1925.

A obra original encontra-se em domínio público e pode ser utilizada, reproduzida, distribuída e adaptada de acordo com a legislação aplicável.

Autor

Hugh Lofting (1886–1947)

Estados Unidos

Esta obra foi publicada originalmente em 1925.

Nos Estados Unidos, obras publicadas antes de 1930 encontram-se normalmente em domínio público.

Com base no ano de publicação disponível, esta obra encontra-se em domínio público nos Estados Unidos desde 1º de janeiro de 2021.

Brasil

Autor: Hugh Lofting (1886–1947)

De acordo com a Lei nº 9.610/1998, os direitos patrimoniais expiram 70 anos após a morte do autor, contados a partir de 1º de janeiro do ano seguinte ao falecimento.

Hugh Lofting faleceu em 1947.

Situação no Brasil: DOMÍNIO PÚBLICO.

Portugal

Autor: Hugh Lofting (1886–1947)

De acordo com o Código do Direito de Autor e dos Direitos Conexos, a proteção patrimonial dura 70 anos após a morte do autor.

Hugh Lofting faleceu em 1947.

Situação em Portugal: DOMÍNIO PÚBLICO.

Dados da publicação original

Obra original: Doctor Dolittle's Zoo

Autor: Hugh Lofting

Primeira publicação: 1925

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Esta adaptação ESL Easy Read

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Introdução

Como ler este livro

Cada livro desta coleção é apresentado em um nível de leitura simplificada, de acordo com o CEFR — Quadro Europeu Comum de Referência para Línguas.

A2 — Básico: indicado para leitores que já compreendem frases simples, vocabulário frequente e textos curtos sobre situações do cotidiano.

B1 — Intermediário: indicado para leitores que conseguem compreender as ideias principais de textos claros e acompanhar uma narrativa com vocabulário e estruturas de dificuldade moderada.

B2 — Intermediário avançado: indicado para leitores que já conseguem compreender textos mais complexos, acompanhar descrições detalhadas e reconhecer uma variedade maior de vocabulário e estruturas gramaticais.

Este livro foi adaptado para o nível B1.

Assim, você pode começar a lê-lo mesmo sem dominar completamente o inglês. O texto foi simplificado para facilitar a compreensão, preservando a história, os personagens e os acontecimentos principais da obra original.

Como usar as notas

No texto de leitura simplificada, cada parágrafo possui um link Pt/En. Esse link abre uma nota com a tradução em português do texto simplificado e o trecho correspondente no texto original em inglês.

No texto original em inglês, o link PT leva diretamente ao parágrafo correspondente na versão em português. Na tradução portuguesa, o link En retorna ao parágrafo correspondente no texto original.

A tradução para o português é feita a partir do texto em inglês simplificado, e não diretamente do texto original. O objetivo é ajudar você a compreender com precisão a frase simplificada que está estudando naquele momento.

O texto original em inglês é apresentado separadamente para a etapa seguinte do aprendizado, quando você já estiver preparado para ler e comparar a obra em sua forma original.

Cada nota contém links que permitem retornar exatamente ao parágrafo que você estava lendo.

Sobre este livro

O Zoológico do Doutor Dolittle, escrito e ilustrado por Hugh Lofting, dá continuidade às aventuras do amado médico que fala com os animais. Após retornar de suas viagens, o Doutor Dolittle reorganiza sua casa e expande seu zoológico. Diferente dos zoológicos comuns, o dele não tem jaulas; os animais ficam voluntariamente e são livres para sair quando quiserem. O zoológico inclui um lar para cães mestiços e um clube para roedores. O conflito central envolve um mistério que o Doutor Dolittle resolve com a ajuda de Kling, o Detetive Canino. O livro é estruturado como uma história moldura: as atividades do Doutor Dolittle e sua casa servem de pano de fundo para vários membros do Clube dos Ratos e Camundongos contarem suas histórias de vida. O cenário é a vila inglesa de Puddleby-on-the-Marsh, no início da era vitoriana. O tom é caprichoso e aventureiro, misturando humor com lições gentis sobre bondade e compreensão. Os personagens principais incluem o Doutor Dolittle, seus amigos animais (Polinésia a arara, Gub-Gub o porco, Jip o cão, Dab-Dab a pata, Chee-Chee o macaco, Too-Too a coruja e o pushmi-pullyu), e as novas adições ao zoológico. A progressão vai do retorno do médico e expansão do zoológico ao mistério e aos contos dos membros do clube, culminando em uma resolução que reforça os temas de comunidade e cooperação.

Nota editorial

A tradução para o português e a versão Reading Comprehension B1 foram geradas com apoio de inteligência artificial e submetidas a revisão editorial.

Em caso de dúvida ou observações, fale conosco.

MicMac from Las Vegas LLC
Contato: admin@micmacfromlasvegas.com

Outros livros e materiais

Materiais e outros livros da série ESL Easy Read:

Coleção Doctor Dolittle

Doctor Dolittle in the Moon

Doctor Dolittle's Caravan

Doctor Dolittle's Circus

Doctor Dolittle's Garden

Doctor Dolittle's Post Office

Doctor Dolittle's Zoo

The Story of Doctor Dolittle

The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle

Outras coleções disponíveis

Anne of Green Gables / L. M. Montgomery

Gothic and Terror Classics

A Selva de Burroughs

Marte de Burroughs

Sherlock Holmes

The Land of Oz

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Reading Comprehension B1

1 - INTRODUCTION

2 - A MESSAGE FROM DAB-DAB

3 - THE ADVENTURER'S RETURN

4 - THE SURPRISE PARTY

5 - THE NEW ZOO

6 - ANIMAL TOWN

7 - POVERTY AGAIN

INTRODUCTION

Pt/En This is the title: Doctor Dolittle's Zoo.

Pt/En The writer asked Polynesia, an old parrot, for advice. He was sitting and chewing a pen. He wanted to know the best way to start a new book about Doctor Dolittle's life.

Pt/En Polynesia was looking at herself in an inkpot. She stopped looking and turned to the writer quickly.

Pt/En Polynesia asked if there would be another book about Doctor Dolittle.

Pt/En The writer answered yes. He explained that they were still writing about Doctor Dolittle's life and were not finished yet.

Pt/En Polynesia said she understood. She asked who decides how many books there should be.

Pt/En The speaker replied that the public decides in the end. He then asked Polynesia how she would start.

Pt/En Polynesia told Thomas Stubbins that it was a difficult question. She explained that there was so much interesting information about Doctor Dolittle that the main problem was deciding what to leave out, not what to include. She warned Tommy that he would be very old before he finished if he tried to write down everything the Doctor did. She thought he might write something useful about natural history, but suggested that could be done later. She then asked if they should begin the story from the moment they returned to Puddleby River inside the Giant Sea Snail, after their journey under the ocean.

Pt/En The speaker confirmed he had thought of starting there. He clarified that his main concern was not where to begin, but rather how to choose what information to include and what to leave out, and which parts were the most interesting.

Pt/En Polynesia agreed that this was the problem. She recalled Doctor Dolittle often saying the same thing when he was packing his bag for a trip, asking himself what to leave out and what to put in. She remembered him once spending a long time deciding whether to pack his razor, as he thought a broken bottle could be used instead. He disliked carrying many things and often decided to leave the razor behind. However, Polynesia and Dab-Dab were worried he might cut himself with glass, so they would secretly open his bag later and add the razor. Since he never remembered his decision, everything worked out fine.

Pt/En The speaker agreed and said that his question had not been answered yet.

Pt/En Polynesia thought for a short time.

Pt/En She asked what the book was called.

Pt/En The speaker said the book was called "Doctor Dolittle's Zoo".

Pt/En Polynesia suggested that the book should soon talk about the zoo. She also thought it would be good to include information about his return home and his parents, as he had been away for almost three years. She mentioned that some people enjoy sad or sentimental parts in books.

Pt/En The narrator quickly agreed. He noticed the old parrot was starting another long story, so he asked them to stay focused on the main topic.

Pt/En She suggested the best method was for him to read everything aloud while he wrote. She explained that he would know if she was bored because she would fall asleep. She also said he needed to keep the reading interesting because she found it hard to stay awake after her large lunch. She confirmed he had enough paper and ink and told him to begin.

Pt/En The narrator prepared a new quill pen by carefully sharpening its point, and then he started to write.

A MESSAGE FROM DAB-DAB

Pt/En John Dolittle suddenly remembered that in his excitement to return home, he had forgotten to say goodbye to the snail. This snail had guided them safely through a long and dangerous journey. He called out for everyone to wait and ran back down the beach.

Pt/En The goodbye was brief. John Dolittle then rejoined the group. They all stood with their bags and watched the giant snail depart. The snail's long, grey body blended with the grey sandbar where it rested. It moved smoothly into the deeper water, sliding forward and then sinking down. Eventually, only the top of its shell was visible, a faint colour in the sea. Without making any noise or splash, it disappeared.

Pt/En They looked towards the land. They were going to Puddleby, which was their home.

Pt/En The Doctor wondered about the food Dab-Dab had prepared at home. As they walked in a line behind Jip across the wet, marshy land, he said he was very hungry.

Pt/En Bumpo agreed that he was also hungry.

Pt/En At that moment, two beautiful wild ducks flew down from the misty air. They landed near John Dolittle's feet.

Pt/En The ducks explained that Dab-Dab had asked them to tell John Dolittle to hurry home because of the rain. They added that Dab-Dab was waiting for him.

Pt/En The Doctor was very surprised. He asked how the person knew they were arriving.

Pt/En The ducks explained that they had told her. They saw the Doctor landing from a snail's shell. They flew to the house to give her the news. She asked them to bring the Doctor home. She also asked him to stop at the butcher's for sausages, and mentioned she needed more sugar and candles.

Pt/En The Doctor thanked the ducks for their kindness. He said he would buy the items. He thought they had traveled very quickly, as it seemed like only a minute had passed since they landed.

Pt/En The ducks replied that they were good flyers. They said they were not fancy but flew in a steady way.

Pt/En The Doctor asked if the rain had made flying difficult for them.

Pt/En The ducks told the Doctor that the rain did not bother them. However, they mentioned that wet feathers made it difficult for birds on land. They also explained that the heavier air during rain made movement slower for everyone.

Pt/En The Doctor said he understood. He then asked Jip to lead the way because Jip was better at finding solid ground for walking than the others.

Pt/En Someone reported that Dab-Dab had asked them to hurry home.

Pt/En Polynesia asked the ducks not to spread the news of the Doctor's return too quickly. She explained that he had just finished a long and tiring journey and needed to rest. She warned that if people knew he was home, many animals would visit him with illnesses, real or invented, and he needed a break before he started treating them.

Pt/En The ducks promised not to tell anyone that night. They mentioned that many wild birds had been asking about the Doctor for a long time and were wondering when he would return, as he had never been away for such a long period before.

Pt/En Polynesia grumbled as the ducks flew away into the rainy mist. She thought Dr. Dolittle had to explain his actions to every bird he met. She felt he had been away too long, saying that was the price of fame. Polynesia was happy she was not a doctor. She asked Tommy if she could shelter under his coat because the rain was making her wings wet and her mood bad.

Pt/En Jip's good guidance was very helpful as they tried to reach the town across the marshes. The afternoon light was fading. Fog often rolled in from the sea, making it impossible to see more than a short distance ahead. The only sounds they heard that suggested civilization were the hourly chimes from Puddleby church tower.

Pt/En With his excellent nose, Jip was a valuable guide in that difficult place. The marsh was full of deep ditches that were filling up with the rising tide, like rivers. These could easily trap travelers and leave them stranded in the water. However, even though Jip was tempted to chase water rats, he acted like a good pilot, guiding them safely through the dangers and keeping them on solid ground.

Pt/En Finally, Jip led them to a long, high mound next to the Puddleby River, which they knew would take them to the bridge. Soon, they passed a few huts, which were the first signs of the town. Through the mist, they occasionally saw the gray sails of fishing boats on the water to their left, returning home from the sea, just like them.

Pt/En Jip proved to be a very useful guide.

THE ADVENTURER'S RETURN

Pt/En Polynesia advised the Doctor that it would be safer if Tommy went into the town to buy the sausages. She suggested the Doctor should go around the town by himself. She warned that if children and dogs recognized him, he might not be able to get home.

Pt/En The Doctor agreed with Polynesia. He decided they would turn north and go towards the Oxenthorpe Road, passing by Baldwin's Pool and the Mill Fields.

Pt/En The rest of the group went with the Doctor, but Tommy went into the town alone. He was a little sad not to see Doctor Dolittle arrive home. However, he felt excited. He walked through Kingsbridge like a brave explorer returning from a journey. He felt very proud, like Christopher Columbus discovering the New World.

Pt/En Nobody recognized Tommy, which made him feel special, like a character from a fairy tale. He was three years older than when he left, and he had changed a lot. As he walked under the street lights towards the butcher's shop, he saw many people he knew. He thought they would be very surprised if he told them who he was and about his adventures. He remembered sitting by the river, watching ships and dreaming of faraway places.

Pt/En In the Market Square, Tommy saw Matthew Mugg, who sold meat for cats. Tommy decided to play a trick and see if Matthew Mugg would recognize him. He stood by the shop window, looking inside. Matthew Mugg looked at Tommy, but he did not recognize him at all. Tommy found this very funny and continued on his way to the butcher's.

Pt/En The person asked for sausages, and the butcher prepared them. Although the butcher knew the person, he did not seem to recognize him, possibly because the person's clothes were old and worn. When it was time to pay, the person discovered he only had two large Spanish silver coins, which he had kept from a trip to the Capa Blanca Islands. The butcher looked at these coins and shook his head.

Pt/En The butcher explained that he could only accept English money.

Pt/En The person apologized, saying that was all the money he had. He asked if the butcher could exchange the coins, pointing out that they were valuable silver and that one coin should be worth at least a crown.

Pt/En The butcher replied that while the coins might be valuable, he could not accept them.

Pt/En The butcher appeared suspicious and slightly annoyed. As the person wondered what to do, he noticed that someone else was watching them. He turned and saw it was Matthew Mugg, who had followed him into the shop.

Pt/En One of his eyes looked at me with a look that suggested he knew me a little. Suddenly, he ran towards me and took my hand.

Pt/En He excitedly said that it was Tommy Stubbins. He explained that Tommy had grown very tall and handsome, looking much browner than before, so much so that his own mother might not recognize him.

Pt/En Matthew was known by the local shopkeepers, especially the butcher where he bought bones and meat for the dogs. He then turned to speak to the shopkeeper.

Pt/En He told Alfred that the person was Tommy Stubbins, Jacob Stubbins's son, who had returned from abroad. He assured Alfred that Tommy could be trusted to pay. He guessed Tommy was shopping for the Doctor and asked if the Doctor had returned with him, looking worried and hoping he had not returned alone.

Pt/En I replied that the Doctor was here and was safe.

Pt/En A man asked if the person had just arrived. He also said that he would know if John Dolittle stayed in town for a long time.

Pt/En The narrator answered yes. He explained that John Dolittle was coming to the house and had asked him to buy some things. However, the narrator mentioned that all the money he had was from another country.

Pt/En The narrator spoke with the confidence of someone who had traveled a lot. He looked at the butcher with a little bit of pride, thinking that the butcher, who had not traveled, could not understand the difficulties faced by an adventurer.

Pt/En Matthew told the narrator that he was sure Alfred would sell him the sausages.

Pt/En The narrator said that he recognized the faces of more than half of the people who walked past.

Pt/En The butcher smiled and agreed to let Tommy take the meat. He explained that his shop was not a place for exchanging money. He added that if Tommy had explained who he was and who the sausages were for at the start, he would have put the cost on Doctor Dolittle's account. The butcher mentioned that Doctor Dolittle's credit had not always been very good. He asked Tommy to take the meat and tell John Dolittle that he was happy he had returned safely.

Pt/En Tommy replied, saying "Thank you" with a sense of importance.

Pt/En Tommy then took the package of meat under one arm, and with Matthew Mugg holding his other arm, they walked out into the street.

Pt/En As they walked towards the Oxenthorpe Road, Matthew told Tommy that every time John Dolittle returned from his trips, Matthew was always there to welcome him on the first night. Matthew explained that John Dolittle never told him when he was coming, and he often preferred that people did not know. However, Matthew always found out quickly and went to welcome him. He then asked Tommy if he had experienced many adventures and seen many strange things since they last met.

Pt/En Tommy told Matthew that they had indeed seen more than he had expected. He mentioned they had brought back many notebooks and collected valuable herbs from an Indian naturalist. Tommy also excitedly told Matthew that they had travelled back inside the shell of a giant sea snail, which had moved along the ocean floor all the way from across the Atlantic.

Pt/En Matthew explained that Doctor Dolittle had many unusual experiences. He used to tell stories about the Doctor's journeys in a pub in the evenings. However, he decided to stop telling these stories. He felt that people did not believe him when he spoke about the Doctor's ability to talk with animals.

Pt/En They were walking on a road near the Doctor's home. It was dark, but birds were making sounds in the trees. News that the Doctor was returning had already spread quickly among the animals. Even though it was cold, many birds, such as sparrows, robins, blackbirds, crows, and starlings, had gathered near the Doctor's house. They were waiting to welcome him back and hoped to see him in the morning.

Pt/En As the narrator walked towards the Doctor's house, he thought about how Doctor Dolittle's popularity was different from that of ordinary people. If human friends were away for a long time, they might be forgotten. But for Doctor Dolittle and his animal friends, the longer he was gone, the more excited they were to see him when he returned.

Pt/En The person speaking was Matthew Mugg.

THE SURPRISE PARTY

Pt/En Matthew and the narrator entered the house through the kitchen door. They expected a lot of noise and greetings. Instead, the house was quiet. Only Doctor Dolittle and Dab-Dab were there. Dab-Dab told the narrator that he had taken too long to buy the sausages.

Pt/En When they entered, the Doctor asked about Gub-Gub's location.

Pt/En Dab-Dab replied that she did not know where Gub-Gub was, but he would probably arrive soon. She reminded the Doctor to wash his hands for supper, which would be ready in five minutes. She also asked for help with the sausages and mentioned that they would eat in the dining room.

Pt/En John Dolittle questioned why they were having supper in the dining room and asked why they weren't using the kitchen as usual.

Pt/En Dab-Dab grunted that the kitchen was not large enough.

Pt/En The narrator suspected a surprise was planned. When the dining room door opened, they saw Gub-Gub, Too-Too, Swizzle, Toby, and the white mouse, all wearing costumes. It was a surprise party for the Doctor.

Pt/En The dining room was a large, old room that Doctor Dolittle had not used for many years, not since his sister Sarah had left. However, for this special night, it was decorated with colorful papers and ribbons. All the animals were wearing their old costumes from past shows, and even the little white mouse had a tiny waistcoat and pants that he used to wear in the famous Dolittle Circus.

Pt/En When the Doctor arrived, the animals greeted him with loud, happy noises. They had planned a special entertainment program. The meal was very fancy, with a table full of fruits and delicious foods. Between the main parts of the meal, the animals who stayed home performed. Gub-Gub read a poem he wrote about food. Toby and Swizzle had a boxing match on the table, wearing real boxing gloves on their paws. The white mouse presented his "Punchbowl Circus," which was very exciting. He acted as the ringmaster, wearing a small paper hat. His show included a lady mouse rider who rode a fast squirrel like a horse, a mouse clown, and a lion tamer with a rat dressed as a lion.

Pt/En The Punchbowl Circus was probably the most successful part of the evening. The white mouse had even used makeup to look more like a real ringmaster, making his whiskers look like long mustaches. The lady mouse rider jumped through paper hoops, the mouse clown, who had painted his face, did somersaults, and the rat dressed as a lion roared loudly.

Pt/En Someone commented that it was pointless to try because people did not believe them.

Pt/En Doctor Dolittle, laughing at the mouse clown's funny actions, asked how they managed to prepare such a good show so quickly. He said it was better than anything he had seen in his own circus, especially since they only had half an hour's notice before he arrived.

Pt/En Dab-Dab explained to the Doctor that Gub-Gub had the idea to use costumes, ribbons, and evergreens. She said they turned the house and garden upside down to find them. Dab-Dab thought this was a waste of time because she needed help to clean the house before the Doctor arrived.

Pt/En The Doctor laughed and told Dab-Dab not to worry. He said the experience was very enjoyable and worth it. He also mentioned that they could tidy the house quickly because Stubbins, Bumpo, and he were there to help.

Pt/En Dab-Dab also said she was unsure where Bumpo would sleep. She explained that none of the beds they had were large enough for him.

Pt/En The Doctor replied that they would find a way to manage. He suggested that if it was necessary, they could put two mattresses on the floor together for Bumpo.

Pt/En Then, Gub-Gub told the Doctor that it was his turn to perform. He said they were eager to hear about all the places the Doctor had visited since he last saw them.

Pt/En They all agreed and asked for the story to start from the very beginning.

Pt/En John Dolittle exclaimed that it was impossible to tell them all their stories from three years in just one evening.

Pt/En The white mouse suggested telling only part of the story that night and saving the rest for the next evening.

Pt/En The Doctor lit his pipe, which Chee-Chee had brought down with the tobacco jar. He started telling the story of his travels. Many people and animals gathered around the long dining table to listen. The Doctor's household was complete with Bumpo, Matthew Mugg, the writer, Dab-Dab, Gub-Gub, Chee-Chee, Polynesia, Jip, Too-Too, Toby, Swizzle, and the white mouse. Just as he was about to begin, a sound came from the window.

Pt/En A voice asked to be let in, saying they also wanted to listen to the story.

Pt/En The old, lame horse from the stable heard a noise. He understood that the Doctor had finally arrived and came to join the group.

Pt/En The horse entered through the garden doors, which Dab-Dab, the housekeeper, found annoying. She insisted he clean the mud from his hooves before coming inside. The horse walked calmly through the room without disturbing anything and sat near the Doctor. He explained that he wanted to be close because his hearing was not very good. Doctor Dolittle was very happy to see him.

Pt/En The horse told the Doctor that he had been on his way to visit him when supper was announced. He also asked if the Doctor had been receiving his oats and barley regularly since he had been away.

Pt/En The old horse replied that everything had been fine. He mentioned that it had been a little lonely without the Doctor and Jip, but otherwise, things were all right.

Pt/En The Doctor started to tell his story again, but someone tapped on the window once more, interrupting him.

Pt/En Gub-Gub cried out, asking who was there.

Pt/En The narrator opened the window, and three birds flew in. These birds were Cheapside, his wife Becky, and Speedy-the-Skimmer.

Pt/En Gub-Gub recited one of his poems about food.

Pt/En Cheapside, a Cockney sparrow, flew onto the table. He told the Doctor that he and his wife Becky had searched for hours to find a way into the house. He was happy to see the Doctor again. He explained that they heard from pigeons that the Doctor had returned, so they decided to visit him. He started to say that no one could ever...

Pt/En Too-Too interrupted Cheapside, telling him to be quiet. Too-Too said the Doctor was going to talk about his journey and that they did not want to listen to Cheapside for the whole night.

Pt/En Cheapside spoke to Cross-eyes while he was eating. He told Cross-eyes to calm down and asked him how long he had owned the house. Then, Cheapside asked Speedy to come to a warmer spot.

Pt/En The famous swallow, who was a very fast flyer, moved to a warmer place. He had returned to England earlier than usual, but the warm weather had ended. It was now cold, and the swallow was shivering.

Pt/En The swallow quietly said he was happy to see the Doctor. He apologized for interrupting and asked the Doctor to start telling his story.

THE NEW ZOO

Pt/En Late at night, John Dolittle told his household the story of his journey. Gub-Gub kept falling asleep and then woke up feeling angry because he was worried he had missed the most interesting parts.

Pt/En Around two in the morning, the Doctor decided that everyone should go to bed, even though he had not finished his story. He said they would continue the rest of the adventures the next night.

Pt/En The next day was extremely busy for the Doctor. Many people and animals needed his help at the same time. First, there were patients waiting at the surgery door. These included a squirrel with a hurt claw, a rabbit losing its fur, and a fox with an injured eye.

Pt/En The Doctor's garden was very messy because it had not been cared for in three years. He was very sad when he saw how neglected it was. However, many country birds came to greet him, which helped him forget his worries for a while. Birds like starlings and crows flew around him in large numbers.

Pt/En Bumpo, the narrator, and Chee-Chee decided to help clean the garden because the Doctor was upset about its condition. Many small animals also volunteered, such as mice, rats, badgers, and squirrels. The animals worked hard despite their size. For example, moles dug up the herb bed very well and separated the weeds. Chee-Chee collected the weeds in his wheelbarrow. Squirrels cleaned the paths by gathering leaves and twigs for the compost heap. Badgers helped by pruning the roots of the apple trees underground.

Pt/En The ringmaster of the Punchbowl Circus.

Pt/En Too-Too, the accountant, spoke with the Doctor about their finances so Dab-Dab would know how much money they had. They had Spanish silver money, which, when exchanged for English pounds, was enough to support them for several months. Dab-Dab was relieved, but she remained watchful of the Doctor's new ideas. She knew that he tended to spend more money when he had it.

Pt/En The animals Too-Too, Polynesia, and Dab-Dab were looking at the Doctor's money matters. They did this secretly when he was not around.

Pt/En Polynesia mentioned that the Doctor should earn a lot of money from the special new herbs that Long Arrow had brought back.

Pt/En The speaker disagreed, saying the Doctor would likely not sell the herbs. He believed they were meant to help people, not to be sold.

Pt/En The zoo also needed the Doctor's attention that morning. Matthew Mugg arrived early to check it with him. Many animals had been sent away because they were too difficult to care for. However, some animals, like Canadian woodchucks and minks from colder regions, were allowed to stay because they had asked to remain.

Pt/En As they walked through the clean animal houses, which Matthew Mugg had kept in excellent condition, the Doctor told Stubbins that he was thinking about changing the entire zoo system.

Pt/En The narrator asked Doctor Dolittle to explain what he meant.

Pt/En Doctor Dolittle explained his new idea. He used to keep unusual foreign animals but now wants to use his large garden, which is over an acre, for local animals. He said many animals wanted to live with him and he planned to create an "Animal Town". He wanted to start clubs, such as a "Rat and Mouse Club" and a "Home for Cross-Bred Dogs", because many mixed-breed dogs had no homes. He asked the narrator for his opinion on the idea.

Pt/En The narrator told Doctor Dolittle that his idea was excellent and would help Dab-Dab. He mentioned that Dab-Dab often worried about mice using pillow slips and bath towel fringes from the linen closet to make their nests.

Pt/En The Doctor agreed.

Pt/En Doctor Dolittle said they had not found the animals responsible for taking the linen. He explained that although he did not mind if pillow slips had holes or towels lost their fringes, Dab-Dab was very particular about her linen closet. He then asked Stubbins to plan the new zoo with Polynesia, as he was too busy with his medical work, writing notes, and Long Arrow's collection. He also asked Stubbins to consult the white mouse about the living quarters for the Rat and Mouse Club.

Pt/En This was the start of the new Dolittle Zoo. The narrator was very interested and felt proud because Doctor Dolittle had given him a lot of responsibility. He did not realize how large the institution would become. He thought it should have been called "Animal Town" or "Animal Clubland" instead of a zoo, but the name "zoo" was already used for that part of the garden and stayed.

Pt/En Doctor Dolittle's idea of a zoo was different from the public's. He believed a zoo should be a home for animals, not a prison. The zoo was designed with the main idea that animals should be comfortable and happy. Some old methods were kept, like having latches on the inside of houses so animals could enter and leave whenever they wished. Tenants could get keys for their homes if they wanted them. There were a few rules, but they were made to protect animals from each other, not to limit their freedom. For example, animals had to tell their neighbors if they planned a party, and they were not allowed to sing loud songs after midnight.

Pt/En This describes patients waiting outside the doctor's surgery.

ANIMAL TOWN

Pt/En Doctor Dolittle often found it difficult to keep secrets, which is perhaps not surprising as people also find secrets hard to keep. When the narrator told Polynesia about the plan for the new zoo, she immediately warned him.

Pt/En Polynesia advised Tommy to keep the zoo idea a secret for as long as possible. She warned him that if he did not, neither he nor the Doctor would have any peace.

Pt/En The news spread that Doctor Dolittle was making his zoo bigger for many new animals. Many animals wanted to live there and applied constantly. It seemed like all the animals in the world were waiting for this chance.

Pt/En Doctor Dolittle announced that all applications for the new zoo had to go through the narrator, who was the assistant manager. This helped him a lot, but many animals who knew him for a long time still asked him directly for a place.

Pt/En It was difficult to ask some of the old animals to leave. Some animals were not healthy in Puddleby. For example, two beavers were often sick and not in good condition. They were very fond of the Doctor and did not want to return to Canada, but he saw they were too unwell and decided it was kinder to be firm.

Pt/En Doctor Dolittle told the beavers that the climate was very bad for them and was harming their health. He explained that they needed to go back to Canada for their own good.

Pt/En The two beavers started to cry. They only agreed to go back to Canada after Doctor Dolittle promised they could return in two years, if they still wished to.

Pt/En The assistant manager had the job of sending the beavers back to Canada. This was difficult because he could not give them to just anyone. He spent several days looking for a ship's steward near the docks. He found one who was honest and reliable. The steward agreed to take the beavers to Halifax on his ship for some money. He would let them go at a river outside the town.

Pt/En Many animals wanted to live in the zoo. Also, when animals heard about Doctor Dolittle's Rat and Mouse Club, other animals from all over the world sent groups to ask if they could have a club too.

Pt/En Polynesia and the narrator were looking at a map of the new zoo. Polynesia told him that she had warned him about this. She said that even if the zoo was ten times bigger, it would not be large enough to hold all the animals.

Pt/En A white mouse, who felt important because the Doctor was asking his opinion, suggested they draw all the different places for animals on the map. He said this would help them see how much space was left and how many clubs they could create.

Pt/En The narrator agreed with the white mouse, saying it was a good idea. He explained that once the zoo was built, it would be very difficult to change things. The animals would also naturally be unhappy if their homes were moved around.

Pt/En The white mouse suggested that they should have some shops and asked if the others agreed.

Pt/En The narrator was surprised and asked why shops were needed.

Pt/En The white mouse explained that the place would become like an animal town with a main street. He thought shops would be useful for animals to buy food like nuts and grains, and that restaurants would also be a good idea for getting meals.

Pt/En Polynesia asked who would be responsible for running the shops, pointing out that stores and cafes do not operate on their own.

Pt/En The animals discussed the Doctor's financial matters.

Pt/En The white mouse laughed and said it was simple. He explained that many mice and rats would be very happy to manage a nut shop or a restaurant. He felt they had a natural talent for business, particularly for food services.

Pt/En Polynesia replied that this might be true for the rats and mice. However, she reminded him that there were many other animals in the zoo. She pointed out that the zoo was not intended to be only for rats and mice.

Pt/En The white mouse thought that the zoo would naturally divide into different areas. He asked Tommy if he remembered promising them the area near the main entrance for their club. He said he had already planned the entire section in his mind and it would become a very attractive small neighborhood.

Pt/En After a great deal of planning and hard work, they successfully opened the new zoo. The first public facilities included: an apartment building for rabbits with many holes and a shared garden for lettuce, a place for mixed-breed dogs, a club for rats and mice, a tavern for badgers, a meeting house for foxes, and a hotel for squirrels.

Pt/En Each of these places functioned like a club. It was important to carefully control who could join because thousands of animals of each type wanted to become members. For those who could not be accepted, their names were put on a waiting list. When a member left, which was rare, one person from the list was invited to join. Every club had a president and a committee responsible for its good management and smooth operation.

Pt/En As a white mouse had predicted, the new animal town inside the old walls was divided into different areas. Animals from different parts often met in the main street, but they mostly kept to themselves and did not interfere with each other.

Pt/En The most important rule for the Dolittle Zoo was that hunting was not allowed inside the town. For example, dogs from the Home for Cross-Bred Dogs were not permitted to hunt rats within the zoo, and foxes could not chase birds or squirrels.

Pt/En When animals no longer had to worry about being hunted by their natural enemies, they began to live in a new, more relaxed way. For instance, it was common to see a mother squirrel resting outside her home with her children, while terriers walked nearby on the street without causing any trouble.

Pt/En Rats and mice, who enjoyed city life, mostly used the shops and restaurants. This area became known as Mouse Town. However, other animals like foxes, dogs, and crows also shopped for food there, often on Saturday nights. The mouse delivery boys were brave and would go into any animal's home, even a bulldog's or a fox's den, to deliver goods.

Pt/En Someone expressed that they thought the idea was wonderful.

POVERTY AGAIN

Pt/En It was expected that animals living together might argue sometimes. The Doctor's plan was to see if animals that were natural enemies could learn to live together peacefully.

Pt/En The Doctor explained to Stubbins that animals could not change their natural behaviours immediately. He hoped that by living peacefully in the zoo, they would develop a better understanding of each other in the long term.

Original English Text

1 - INTRODUCTION

2 - A MESSAGE FROM DAB-DAB

3 - THE ADVENTURER'S RETURN

4 - THE SURPRISE PARTY

5 - THE NEW ZOO

6 - ANIMAL TOWN

7 - POVERTY AGAIN

INTRODUCTION

PT DOCTOR DOLITTLE'S ZOO

PT "POLYNESIA," I SAID, leaning back in my chair and chewing the end of a quill pen, "what should you say would be the best way to begin another book of Doctor Dolittle's memoirs?"

PT The old parrot, who was using the glass inkpot on my desk as a mirror, stopped admiring her reflection and glanced at me sharply.

PT "Another!" she exclaimed. "Is there going to be another Dolittle book?"

PT "Why — er — yes," I said. "After all, we are writing the Doctor's life and we haven't nearly finished yet."

PT "Oh, yes, I quite see that," said Polynesia. "I was only wondering who decides how many books there shall be."

PT "Well, I suppose — in the end — the public does," said I. "But tell me now: how would you begin?"

PT "Thomas Stubbins Esquire," said she, screwing up her eyes, "that's a very difficult question to answer. There is so much of interest in the life of John Dolittle that the problem is what to leave out, rather than what to put in. Already I see gray hairs showing at your temples, Tommy. If you try to write down everything the Doctor did, you'll be nearly my age before you've finished. Of course, you're not writing this book for the scientists exactly, though I confess I often think since you are the only person so far — besides the Doctor — to talk animal languages at all well, that you ought to write something sort of — er — highbrow in natural history. Usefully highbrow, I mean, of course. But that can be done later perhaps. As you said, we are still engaged on the story of the great man's life.... How to begin? — Humph! Well, why not go on from where we all got back to Puddleby River inside the Giant Sea Snail, you remember? — after our journey under the ocean?"

PT "Yes," I said, "I thought of beginning there. But it was more how than where — I mean, the things to leave out and the things to put in; what parts to choose as the most interesting."

PT "Ah!" said she. "Yes, that's the problem. How often have I heard the Doctor himself say those very words as he was packing his little black bag to go on a voyage: 'What to leave out and what to put in? That's the problem.' I've seen him spend half an hour wondering over his razor — whether he should pack it or not. He said a broken bottle did just as well, once you had learned how to use it. You remember how he hated a lot of baggage. He usually decided to go without the razor. But Dab-Dab and I were so scared he'd cut himself with the broken glass we always secretly opened the bag later and slipped the razor in before starting. And as he never could remember which way he had decided the problem, it was all right."

PT "Indeed," said I. "But you haven't answered my question yet."

PT Polynesia pondered a moment.

PT "What are you calling the book?" she asked presently.

PT "' Doctor Dolittle's Zoo,'" I said.

PT "Humph!" she murmured. "Then I suppose you ought to get on to the zoo part as soon as possible. But first I think you had better put in a little about your own homecoming and your parents and all that. You had been away nearly three years, you know. Of course it's sort of sentimental. But some people like a little sentiment in their books. In fact, I knew an old lady once who simply loved books that made her weep. She used to — —"

PT "Yes, yes," I said hurriedly, seeing that the old parrot was drifting into another story, "but let us keep to the point."

PT "Well," said she, "I think this would be the best way: you read it all out aloud to me as you put it down; and if it starts to get tiresome you'll know, because you'll see me dropping off to sleep. You will have to keep it bright and lively though, for as I grow older I find it harder and harder to stay awake after lunch — and I've just had a big one. Have you got enough paper? Yes. And the inkpot is full? Yes. All right. Get along with it."

PT So taking a new quill pen and sharpening the point very carefully, I began:

A MESSAGE FROM DAB-DAB

PT IT SUDDENLY OCCURRED to John Dolittle that in the excitement of getting back he had not said good-by to the snail who had brought us through this long and perilous voyage and landed us safely on our home shores. He called to us to wait and ran down the beach again.

PT The farewell did not take long; and presently he left the great creature's side and rejoined us. Then for a few moments the whole party stood there watching, with our bundles in our hands, while the giant snail, half-hidden in the mists that writhed about his towering shell, got under way. Truly, he seemed to belong to this landscape — or seascape — for his long, gray body looked like a part of the long, gray sandbar on which he rested. With easy muscular motion, so fluid and smooth that you could not tell how he moved at all, his great hulk slid out into deeper water. And as he went forward he went down, and down, and down, till only the top of his shell's dome, a dim gray pink in the colorless sea, could be seen. Then, without sound or splash, he was gone.

PT We turned our faces toward the land, Puddleby and home.

PT "I wonder what supplies Dab-Dab has in the house," said the Doctor, as we formed into single file and, following Jip, began to pick our way across the boggy marshland. "I hope she has plenty to eat. I am thoroughly hungry."

PT "So am I," said Bumpo.

PT At that moment, out of the wet, misty air above our heads two handsome wild ducks curved fluttering down and came to a standstill at John Dolittle's feet.

PT "Dab-Dab asked us to tell you," said they, "that you're to hurry up and get home out of this rain. She's waiting for you."

PT "Good gracious!" cried the Doctor. "How did she know that we were coming?"

PT "We told her," said the ducks. "We were flying inland — there's a pretty bad storm over the Irish Sea, and it's headed this way — and we saw you landing out of the snail's shell. We dropped down at the house to let her know the news. We were awfully glad to see you back. And she asked would we return and bring you a message — she herself was busy airing the bed linen, it seems. She says you're to stop in at the butcher's on the way home and bring along a pound of sausages. Also she's short of sugar, she says, and needs a few more candles, too."

PT "Thank you," said the Doctor. "You are very kind. I will attend to these things. You didn't take long over getting there and back; it doesn't seem to me as though more than a minute had passed since we landed."

PT "No, we're pretty good flyers," said the ducks; "nothing fancy, but steady."

PT "Didn't you find the rain a great handicap?" asked the Doctor.

PT "No, the rain doesn't bother us," said the ducks, "though some of the land birds are very badly hampered by wet feathers. But, of course, for all, the going is a little slower in rain on account of the air being heavier."

PT "I see," said the Doctor. "Well, now, let us be getting along. Jip, you lead the way, will you, please? You can pick out the firm ground so much better than the rest of us."

PT "'Dab-Dab asked us to tell you that you're to hurry home'"

PT "Look here, you fellows," said Polynesia, as the ducks prepared to take wing; "don't be spreading the news of the Doctor's arrival too fast, will you? He's only just back from a long and tiresome journey. You know what happens when it gets known that he's home: all the birds and beasts of the countryside come around to the back door with coughs and colds and what not. And those who haven't anything wrong with them invent some ailment just to have an excuse to call. He needs to rest up a bit before he starts in doctoring."

PT "No, we won't tell any one," said the ducks; "not to-night, anyway, though a tremendous lot of wildfowl have been inquiring for him for ever so long, wondering when he was going to get back. He has never been gone so long before, you see."

PT "Humph!" muttered Polynesia, as the ducks, with a whir of feathers, disappeared again into the rainy mist above our heads. "I suppose John Dolittle has to give an account of his actions now to every snipe and sandpiper that ever met him. Poor man! How dare he be away so long! Well, such is fame, I suppose. But I'm glad I'm not a doctor myself. Oh, bless this rain! Let me get under your coat, Tommy. It's trickling down between my wings and ruining my disposition."

PT If it had not been for Jip's good guidance we would have had a hard job to make our way to the town across the marshes. The light of the late afternoon was failing. And every once in a while the fog would come billowing in from the sea and blot out everything around us, so that you could see no further than a foot before your nose. The chimes of the quarter-hours from Puddleby church tower were the only sounds or signs of civilization to reach us.

PT But Jip, with that wonderful nose of his, was a guide worth having in a place like this. The marsh was riddled and crossed in all directions by deep dykes, now filling up like rivers with the incoming tide. These could very easily cut off the unwary traveler and leave him stranded at the mercy of the rising waters. But in spite of continuous temptation to go off on the scent of water rats, Jip, like a good pilot, steered a safe course through all the dangers and kept us on fairly solid ground the whole way.

PT Finally we found he had brought us round to the long, high mound that bordered the Puddleby River. This we knew would lead us to the bridge. Presently we passed a hut or two, the outposts of the town. And occasionally in the swiftly flowing water on our left we would see through the lifting mists the gray, ghostly sails of a fishing boat coming home, like us, from the sea.

PT "Jip was a guide worth having"

THE ADVENTURER'S RETURN

PT A S WE CAME nearer to the town and the lights about Kingsbridge twinkled at us through the gray mist Polynesia said: "It would be wiser, Doctor, if you sent Tommy in to get the sausages and went around the town yourself. You'll never get home if the children and dogs start recognizing you. You know that."

PT "Yes, I think you're right, Polynesia," said the Doctor. "We can turn off here to the North and get around on to the Oxenthorpe Road by Baldwin's Pool and the Mill Fields."

PT So the rest of the party went off with the Doctor, while I went on into the town alone. I was a little sorry not to have been present at John Dolittle's homecoming, I must admit. But I had another thrill which partly made up for it. Swaggering across Kingsbridge, alone, I returned to my native town a conquering adventurer from foreign parts. Oh, my! Christopher Columbus just back from his discovery of the New World could not have felt prouder than I, Tommy Stubbins, the cobbler's son, did that night.

PT One of the little things that added to the thrill of it was that no one recognized me. I was like some enchanted person in the Arabian Nights who could see without being seen. I was three years older than when I had left, at an age when a boy shoots up and changes like a weed. As I swung along beneath the dim street lamps toward the butcher's in the High Street I knew the faces of more than half the folk who passed me by. And I chuckled to myself to think how surprised they'd be if I told them who I was and all the great things I had seen and done since last I trod these cobble-stones. Then in a flash I saw myself back again on the river wall, where I had so often sat with legs dangling over the water, watching the ships come and go, dreaming of the lands I had never seen.

PT In the Market Square, before a dimly lighted shop, I saw a figure which I would have known anywhere, seen from the back or the front. It was Matthew Mugg, the Cats'-meat-Man. Just out of mischief, to see if he, too, would be unable to recognize me, I went up the shop front and stood, like him, looking in at the window. Presently he turned and looked at me. No. He didn't know me from Adam. Highly amused, I went on to the butcher's.

PT I asked for the sausages. They were weighed out, wrapped and handed to me. The butcher was an old acquaintance of mine, but beyond glancing at my old clothes (they were patched and mended and sadly outgrown) he showed no sign of curiosity or recognition. But when I came to pay for my purchases I found to my dismay that the only money I had in my pockets was two large Spanish silver pieces, souvenirs of our stormy visit to the Capa Blanca Islands. The butcher looked at them and shook his head.

PT "We only take English money here," he said.

PT "I'm sorry," I said apologetically, "but that is all I have. Couldn't you exchange it for me? It is, as you see, good silver. One of these pieces should be worth a crown at least."

PT "Maybe it is," said the butcher. "But I can't take it."

PT He seemed sort of suspicious and rather annoyed. While I was wondering what I should do I became aware that there was a third party in the shop interested in what was going on. I turned to look. It was Matthew Mugg. He had followed me.

PT This time his eye (the one that didn't squint) fixed me with a curious look of half-recognition. Suddenly he rushed at me and grabbed me by the hand.

PT "It's Tommy!" he squeaked. "As I live it's Tommy Stubbins, grown so tall and handsome his own mother wouldn't know him, and as brown as a berry."

PT Matthew was, of course, well known to the tradesmen of the town — especially to the butcher, from whom he bought the bones and odd pieces of meat he fed to the dogs. He turned to the shopkeeper.

PT "Why, Alfred," he cried, "this is Tommy Stubbins, Jacob Stubbins's lad, back from furrin parts. No need to be worried about his credit, Alfred. He's shopping for the Doctor, I'll be bound. You brought the Doctor back with you?" he asked, peering at me anxiously. "Don't tell me you come back alone?"

PT "No," I said. "The Doctor's here, safe and sound."

PT "You're just in, eh?" said he. "To-night — huh? John Dolittle couldn't be in this town long without my knowing it."

PT "Yes," I said. "He's on his way up to the house now. Asked me to do a little shopping for him. But all the money I have is foreign."

PT I said this with the superior air of an experienced traveler, raising my eyebrows a little disdainfully at the obstinate butcher, whose stay-at-home mind couldn't be expected to appreciate a real adventurer's difficulties.

PT "Oh, well, Alfred will let you have the sausages, I'm sure," said Matthew.

PT "I knew the faces of more than half the folk who passed"

PT "Why, yes, that's all right, Tommy," said the butcher, smiling at my airs. "Though we ain't exactly a money exchange, you know. But if you had said at first who you were, and who the sausages were for, I'd have charged them to the Doctor without a word — even though his credit hasn't always been of the best. Take the meat — and tell John Dolittle I'm glad he's back safe."

PT "Thank you," I said, with dignity.

PT Then, with my package beneath one arm and Matthew Mugg firmly grasping the other, I stepped forth into the street.

PT "You know, Tommy," said Matthew, as we set off in the direction of the Oxenthorpe Road, "all the years that John Dolittle's been returning from voyages he ain't never got home once without me to welcome him the first night he got in. Not that he ever tells me he's coming, mind you. No, indeed. As often as not, I fancy, he'd rather no one knew. But somehow or other I always finds out before he's been in the town an hour, and right away I'm up there to welcome him. And once I'm inside the house, he seems to get used to me and be glad I'm there. I suppose you seen an awful lot of adventures and strange sights and things since I saw you last?"

PT "Yes, Matthew," I said. "We saw even more than I had thought or hoped we would. We have brought back notebooks by the barrow-load and a collection of wonderful herbs which were gathered by an Indian naturalist — frightfully valuable and important. And — what do you think, Matthew? — we came back inside the shell of a giant sea snail who crawled along the bottom of the ocean with us all the way from the other side of the Atlantic!"

PT "Oh, well," said Matthew, "there be no end to the strange things Doctor John Dolittle's seen and gone through. I've given up talking about his voyagings and queer doings. Down in the tap-room of the Red Lion I used to tell about his travels — of an evening like, when folk enjoy a tale. But never no more. It's like this business of his speaking animal languages: people don't believe you; so what's the good?"

PT We were now some half-mile along the Oxenthorpe Road and within a short distance of the Doctor's house. It was quite dark. But in the hedges and the trees all about us I could hear birds fluttering and chattering. In spite of Polynesia's request, the news had already spread, in that mysterious way it does in the Animal Kingdom. The season was still cold and few more than the winter birds could be found in England now. But round about the famous Little House with the Big Garden they were gathered in thousands — sparrows, robins, blackbirds, crows and starlings — to welcome the great man back, prepared to sit up all night just to see him in the morning.

PT And it occurred to me, as I walked up the steps and opened the little gate at the top, that such was the great difference between this strange popularity and friendship that the Doctor enjoyed and that of ordinary human society: with some friends, if you were away three years, it would mean you'd find yourself forgotten when you returned. But with John Dolittle and his animal friends, the longer he was gone the greater the welcome and rejoicing when he came home again.

PT "It was Matthew Mugg"

THE SURPRISE PARTY

PT A S A MATTER of fact, I did not entirely miss witnessing the Doctor's homecoming. When Matthew and I entered at the kitchen door we found an air of mystery in the house. We had expected, of course, an enormous amount of noise — greetings, questions and so forth. But there wasn't a soul even visible besides the Doctor himself — and Dab-Dab who promptly berated me for taking so long over getting the sausages.

PT "But where is Gub-Gub?" the Doctor was asking as we came in.

PT "How on earth should I know, Doctor?" said Dab-Dab. "He'll turn up presently — and the rest of them, no doubt. Have you washed your hands for supper? Please don't leave it to the last moment. The food will be on the table in five minutes. I'll want you to help me, Tommy, with the sausages. By the way, Doctor, we're going to have supper in the dining room."

PT "In the dining room!" cried John Dolittle. "What on earth for? Why don't we use the kitchen as usual?"

PT "Not big enough," grunted Dab-Dab.

PT I suspected from an odd look in the house-keeper's eye that there was some surprise in store. And, sure enough, when the dining room door was opened, there it was. The whole crowd of them, Gub-Gub, Too-Too, Swizzle, Toby and the white mouse, all in fancy dress. It was a surprise party given in the Doctor's honor.

PT The dining room was a funny old stately chamber which the Doctor had closed up years and years ago — in fact, it had not been used since his sister Sarah had left him. But to-night it was gaily decorated with colored papers, ribbons and evergreens. The animals were all in their old pantomime costumes, even the white mouse was wearing a tiny waistcoat and pants in which he used to appear in the famous Dolittle Circus of bygone days.

PT Now, with the Doctor's appearance at the door, the noise which we had missed began in earnest. Barks, yelps and squeals of greeting broke forth. But there was very little disorderly behavior, for apparently a regular program of entertainment had been arranged. The meal was most elaborate, the table piled high with fruits and dainties of every kind. Between courses each one of the animals who had stayed at home had some performance to give. Gub-Gub recited one of his own food poems, entitled "The Wilted Cauliflower"; Toby and Swizzle gave a boxing match (the stage was the middle of the table) with real boxing gloves tied on their front paws; and the white mouse showed us what he called "The Punchbowl Circus." This took place in a large glass bowl, and was the most thrilling thing of its kind I have ever seen. The white mouse was ringmaster, and he swaggered about on his hind legs with a tiny top hat on his head made of paper. In his troupe he had a lady bareback rider, a clown and a lion tamer. The rider was another mouse (using a cutlet frill for a ballet skirt), and she rode a squirrel for a horse — the fastest mount I ever saw. The lion tamer was still another mouse, and his lion was a large rat dressed up with strings on his head for a mane.

PT Taken all in all, the Punchbowl Circus was, I think, the greatest success of the evening. The white mouse had even, in a way, made himself up. With some heavy black grease paint, which Swizzle, the old clown dog of the circus, had lent him from his own private makeup box, he had waxed his whiskers together so that they looked exactly like the long, ferocious mustachios of a regular ringmaster. The lady bareback artist leapt through paper hoops, the mouse clown (also made up with a red and white face), threw somersaults, and the rat lion roared savagely.

PT "'People don't believe you, so what's the use?'"

PT "I don't know how on earth you all managed to get the show ready in time," said the Doctor, tears of laughter running down his cheeks at the antics of the mouse clown. "It's better than anything I ever had in my circus. And you only knew I was coming half an hour before I got here. How did you do it?"

PT "You'll soon see how it was done if you go upstairs, Doctor," said Dab-Dab severely. "It was Gub-Gub's idea. They turned the house inside out to get the costumes and the ribbons and they turned the garden upside down to get the evergreens. Tut! Such foolishness! And just when I needed every one of them to help me put the house in proper order against your coming."

PT "Oh, well, never mind, Dab-Dab," said the Doctor, still laughing. "It was worth it. I never enjoyed anything so much in all my life. We can soon get the house straightened out. You have Stubbins and Bumpo and me to help you now, you know."

PT "Yes, and I don't know where I'm going to put Bumpo to sleep, either," said Dab-Dab. "None of the beds we have will fit him."

PT "Well, we'll manage," said the Doctor. "If the worst comes to the worst we can put two mattresses together on the floor."

PT "And now, Doctor," said Gub-Gub, "your part of the performance begins. We want to hear all about your travels since you left here."

PT "Yes, yes," they all cried. "Begin at the beginning."

PT "But, good gracious!" cried John Dolittle. "I couldn't tell you our complete diary for three years in one evening!"

PT "Well, tell us some of it," squeaked the white mouse; "and keep the rest for to-morrow night."

PT So, lighting his pipe, which, with the tobacco jar, Chee-Chee brought down off the mantelpiece, the Doctor began at the beginning — the tale of his travels. It was a wonderful scene — the long dining room table packed all around with listening faces, animal and human. The Doctor's household had never, to my knowledge, been so complete before: Bumpo, Matthew Mugg, myself, Dab-Dab, Gub-Gub, Chee-Chee, Polynesia, Jip, Too-Too, Toby, Swizzle and the white mouse. And then, just as he was about to begin there came a thud at the window, and a voice said:

PT "Let me in. I want to listen, too."

PT It was the old lame horse from the stable. He had heard the noise, and, realizing that the Doctor had arrived at last, had come across to join the party.

PT Greatly to Dab-Dab's annoyance the double French windows which opened onto the garden were unlatched and the old lame horse invited to join the party. The good housekeeper did insist, however, that I brush his hoofs clean of mud before he was allowed in onto the carpets. It was surprising to see how naturally he took to such unusual surroundings. He passed through the room without upsetting anything and took up a place between the Doctor's chair and the sideboard. He said he wanted to be near the speaker, because his hearing wasn't what it used to be. John Dolittle was overjoyed to see him.

PT "I was on my way out to your stable to call on you," he said, "when supper was announced. You know how particular Dab-Dab is. Have you been getting your oats and barley regularly since I've been gone?"

PT "Yes, thank you," said the old horse. "Everything's been quite all right — lonely, of course, somewhat, without you and Jip — but all right otherwise."

PT Once more the Doctor settled down to begin his story and once more he was interrupted by a tapping at the window.

PT "Oh, goodness! Who is it now?" wailed Gub-Gub.

PT I opened the window and three birds fluttered in — Cheapside, with his wife Becky, and the famous Speedy-the-Skimmer.

PT "Gub-Gub recited one of his food poems"

PT "Bless my soul!" chirped the Cockney sparrow, flying up onto the table. "If anybody ever broke into this 'ouse 'e'd deserve all 'e could pinch. That's what I say. Me and Becky 'as been pokin' round the doors and windows for hours, lookin' for a way in. Might as well try to get into the Bank of Hengland after closin' time. Well, Doc, 'ere we are! The old firm! Glad to see you back. Me and the missis was just turnin' in up at St. Paul's when we 'eard the pigeons gossipin' below us. There was a rumor, they said, that you'd got back. So I says to Becky, I says, 'Let's take a run down to Puddleby and see.' 'Right you are,' says she. And down we come. Nobody can't never — —"

PT "Oh, be quiet!" Too-Too broke in. "The Doctor is about to tell us of his voyage. We don't want to listen to you all night."

PT "All right, Cross-eyes, all right," said Cheapside, picking up a crumb from the table and talking with his mouth full, "keep your feathers on. 'Ow long 'ave you owned this 'ouse, anyway? Hey, Speedy, come over 'ere where it's warmer."

PT The famous swallow, champion speed flyer of Europe, Africa and America, modestly came forward to a warmer place under the branching candlesticks. He had returned to England a little earlier this year than usual, but the warm weather which had tempted him northward had given way to a cold snap. And now in the brighter light near the center of the table we could plainly see that he was shivering.

PT "Glad to see you, Doctor," said he quietly. "Excuse us interrupting you like this. Please begin, won't you?"

THE NEW ZOO

PT S O, FAR INTO the night, John Dolittle told his household the story of his voyage. Gub-Gub kept falling asleep and then waking up very angry with himself because he was afraid he had missed the best parts.

PT Somewhere around two o'clock in the morning, although he was not more than half done, the Doctor insisted that everybody go to bed and the rest of the adventures be put off until to-morrow night.

PT The following day was, I think, the busiest day I have ever seen the Doctor put in. Everybody and everything demanded his attention at once. First of all, of course, there were patients waiting at the surgery door: a squirrel with a broken claw, a rabbit who was losing his fur, a fox with a sore eye.

PT Then there was the garden, the Doctor's well-beloved garden. What a mess it was in, to be sure! Three years of weeds, three years of over-growth, three years of neglect! He almost wept as he stepped out of the kitchen door and saw the desolation of it fully revealed in the bright morning sunlight. Luckily the country birds who had been waiting all night to greet him helped to take his mind off it for a while. It reminded me of the pictures of St. Francis and the pigeons, as the starlings, crows, robins and blackbirds swarmed down about him in clouds as soon as he appeared.

PT Bumpo and I, realizing how deeply affected he was by the sad state of his garden, decided to put our shoulder to the wheel and see what we could do toward cleaning it up. Chee-Chee also volunteered to help, and so did a great number of smaller animals like field mice, rats, badgers and squirrels. And, despite their tiny size, it was astonishing to see how much they could do. For example, two families of moles (who are usually a great pest in a garden) dug up, after the Doctor had explained what he wanted, the entire herb bed next to the peach wall and turned it over better than any professional gardener would have done. They sorted out the weeds from the herb roots and gathered them into neat piles, which Chee-Chee collected in his wheelbarrow. The squirrels were splendid as general clean-up men. They collected all the fallen twigs and leaves and other refuse which littered the gravel walks and carried them to the compost heap behind the potting shed. The badgers helped by burrowing down and pruning the roots of the apple trees underground.

PT "The ringmaster of the Punchbowl Circus"

PT Then, in the middle of the morning Too-Too, the accountant, wanted to go into money matters with the Doctor, so that Dab-Dab might see how much she had to keep house with. Fortunately, the Spanish silver we had brought back from the Capa Blancas (largely out of Bumpo's bet, which the Doctor didn't know anything about) looked, when changed into English pounds, as though it should keep us all comfortably for some months at least without worry. This was a great relief to Dab-Dab, though, as usual, she kept an anxious eye on any new schemes of the Doctor's, remembering from the past that the more money he had, the more extravagant he was likely to be.

PT It was a funny sight to see those wiseacres, Too-Too, Polynesia and Dab-Dab, putting their heads together over the Doctor's money affairs while his back was turned.

PT "But, look here," Polynesia put in, "the Doctor ought to make a lot of money out of all these new and precious herbs of Long Arrow's which he brought back."

PT "Oh, hardly," said I. "You'll probably find he'll refuse to profit by them at all. In his eyes they are medicines for humanity's benefit; not things to sell."

PT And then, in addition to all the other departments of his strange establishment which claimed the Doctor's attention that morning, there was the zoo. Matthew Mugg was on hand very early to go over it with him. Not very many of the old inmates were there now. Quite a number had been sent away before the Doctor left, because he felt that in his absence their care would be too ticklish a job for Matthew to manage alone. But there were a few who had begged very hard to remain, some of the more northerly animals like the Canadian woodchucks and the minks.

PT "You know, Stubbins," said the Doctor as we passed down between the clean, empty houses (Matthew had in our absence really kept the place in wonderful condition), "I have a notion to change the whole system of my zoo."

PT "How do you mean?" I asked.

PT "Well," said he, "so far I had kept it mostly for foreign exhibits — rather unusual animals — though, as you know, I always avoided the big hunting creatures. But now I think I'll give it over almost entirely to our native animals. There are a great many who want to live with me — many more than we can possibly manage in the house. You see, we have a big space here, over an acre, altogether. It used to be a sort of a bowling green hundreds of years ago, when an old castle stood where the house is now. It is walled in — private and secluded. Look at it. We could make this into a regular ideal Animal Town. Something quite new. You can help me with the planning of it. I thought I would have several clubs in it. The Rat and Mouse Club is one that I have been thinking of for a long time. Several rats and mice have asked me to start it. And, then, the Home for Cross-Bred Dogs is another. A tremendous lot of dogs — of no particular breed — call on me from time to time and ask if they can live with me. Jip will tell you all about it. I hate to turn them away, because I know many of them have no place to live — and people don't want them because they're not what is called thoroughbred. Silly idea. Myself, I've usually found that the mongrels had more character and sense than the prize winners. But there you are. What do you think of my idea?"

PT "I think it's just a marvelous idea, Doctor," I cried. "And it will certainly relieve poor old Dab-Dab of an awful lot of worry. She is always grumbling over the way the mice eat the pillow slips in the linen closet and use the fringes off the bath towels to make their nests with."

PT "'All right, Cross-eyes'"

PT "Yes," said the Doctor, "and we've never been able to find out who the culprits are. Each one, when I ask him, says he didn't do it. But the linen goes on disappearing, just the same. Of course, myself, I'm not very particular if a pillow slip has an extra hole in it or not. And bath towels don't have to have fringes. But Dab-Dab's awfully persnickety. Her linen closet — gracious! — for her it is the same as the garden is for me: the most important thing!... Well, now, Stubbins, supposing as soon as we get some of these poor old fruit trees into shape you plan out the new zoo for me. Get Polynesia to help you. She's full of ideas, as you know. Unfortunately, I've got my hands more than full already with the surgery and the writing up of the notebooks we brought back (I'll want you to help me on that, too) — to say nothing of Long Arrow's collection. Otherwise I could work with you on the first lay-out of the zoo. But you and Polynesia can do it between you. By the way, consult the white mouse about the quarters for the Rat and Mouse Club, will you?"

PT Well, that was the beginning of the new Dolittle Zoo. It was, of course, a thing that interested me tremendously, and I felt very proud that the Doctor had intrusted such a large measure of the responsibility to me. But I had very little idea, at the outset, into what an enormous institution it was to grow. "Animal Town" or "Animal Clubland" is really what it should have been called, instead of a zoo. But we had always called that part of the garden the zoo, and that name persisted.

PT But if it wasn't a regular zoo to the ordinary public's way of thinking, it was very certainly Doctor Dolittle's idea of one. In his opinion, a zoo should be an animals' home, not an animals' prison. Every detail of our zoo (as with the first one the Doctor had shown me long ago) was worked out with this idea foremost in mind, that the animals should be made comfortable and happy. Many of the old things were kept the same. For example, the latches to the houses were all on the inside, so that the animals could come in and go out when they chose. Latchkeys were given out (if a tenant wanted one) when a house or room or hole was let. There were certain rules, it is true, although the Doctor was not fond of rules, but they were all drawn up to protect the animals against one another, rather than to enslave them or cut off their liberty in any way. For instance, any one wishing to give a party had to notify his next-door neighbor (they were very close, of course); and no tenant was allowed to sing comic songs after midnight.

PT "Patients waiting at the surgery door"

ANIMAL TOWN

PT ONE OF THE greatest difficulties the Doctor had in all his dealings with the Animal Kingdom was that of keeping anything secret. But then, I suppose, when we remember how hard it is for people to keep secrets, that need not be so surprising. Polynesia, as soon as I told her about the idea of the new zoo, immediately warned me.

PT "Keep this to yourself, now, Tommy, as long as you can. If you don't, neither you nor the Doctor will get any peace."

PT I certainly kept it to myself. But nevertheless the news leaked out somehow that John Dolittle was reorganizing and enlarging his zoo in order that a lot of new animals might live with him. And then, exactly as Polynesia had prophesied, we were pestered to death morning, noon and night with applications. You would think that all the animals in the world had been waiting the whole of their lives for a chance to get into the Doctor's household.

PT He at once had it announced that as I was to be the assistant manager of the new zoo all applications must be made through me. But even so, of course, while that did relieve him of a good deal of annoyance, a great many animals who had known him a long time applied to him direct for a home in the new establishment.

PT And then we had quite a difficult time sending away some of the old tenants. The Doctor had found that for many foreigners the climate of Puddleby was quite unsuitable. There were a pair of beavers, for example, who had been sick a good deal and quite noticeably out of condition almost the whole time. But they were so attached to the Doctor that although he had often suggested sending them back to Canada they had always politely but stubbornly declined. However, on the Doctor's return this time he found them in such poor health he decided it would be kinder to be firm.

PT "Listen," he said to them, "you may not know it, but this climate is very, very bad for you. It is either not cold enough or not dry enough — or something. I can't have you throwing your health away like this out of mere sentiment. You've got to go back to Canada."

PT Well, the beavers just burst into tears, both of them. And it was not until John Dolittle had promised them that they should come back after two years — if at the end of that time they still wanted to — that they were consoled and consented to go.

PT It was part of my duties as assistant manager to secure the beavers' passage back to Canada. This was no simple matter, as you can easily imagine, because, of course, I could not just hand them over to any one. I spent several days around the docks of Tilbury before I found a ship's steward whose references for honesty and reliability were such as to satisfy the Doctor. For a certain sum of money he agreed to take them to Halifax on his ship's next voyage to Nova Scotia and to let them go at the mouth of a river well outside the limits of the town.

PT Not only were there many applications from single animals and families of animals for accommodations in our zoo, but as soon as it got abroad that John Dolittle was going to set up his long-promised Rat and Mouse Club every other species of animal on earth, it seemed to me, sent committees to him to ask couldn't they have a club, too.

PT "I told you what it would be like," said Polynesia, as she and I were pondering one day over a map of the new zoo which I had laid out. "If the space you had was ten times as big you couldn't accommodate them all."

PT "But look here," said the white mouse (it was most amusing to see how important he had become now that he was being consulted in the Doctor's schemes), "suppose we set out on your drawing here all the different establishments, private houses, flats, hotels, clubs and what not, then we can see better how much room there is left and how many clubs we can have."

PT "Yes," I said, "that's a good idea, because once we get the zoo running it will be very hard to dig things out and change them around afterwards. The animals would very naturally object to that."

PT "And then I think we ought to have some shops," said the white mouse. "Don't you?"

PT "Shops!" I cried. "What on earth for?"

PT "Well, you see," said he, "by the time we're finished it will be like a town anyhow — an animal town — with a main street, I suppose, and the houses and clubs either side. A few shops where the squirrels could buy nuts and the mice could get acorns and grains of wheat — don't you see? — it would liven things up a bit. Nothing cheers a town up so much as good shops. And I think a restaurant or two where we could go and get our meals if we came home late and hadn't time to raise our own supper — yes, that's a good notion — we should surely have a restaurant or two."

PT "But who are you going to get to run these shops?" asked Polynesia. "Stores and cafés don't run themselves, you know."

PT "Putting their heads together over the Doctor's money affairs"

PT "Oh, that's easy," laughed the white mouse. "I know lots of mice — and rats, too — who would jump at the chance to run a nut store or a restaurant — just have a natural gift for business, especially catering."

PT "Maybe, for the rats and mice," said Polynesia. "But they're not the only ones in the zoo, remember. This isn't just a rat and mouse town."

PT "Well, I imagine it will probably separate itself into districts anyway," said the white mouse. "You won't forget, Tommy, that you've promised us the top end, near the gate, for our club? I have that whole section laid out in my mind's eye complete. And it is going to be just the niftiest little neighborhood you ever saw."

PT Well, after a tremendous amount of planning and working out we finally got the new zoo going. The list of public institutions with which it began was as follows: The Rabbits' Apartment House (this consisted of an enormous mound full of rabbit holes with a community lettuce garden attached), the Home for Cross-Bred Dogs, the Rat and Mouse Club, the Badgers' Tavern, the Foxes' Meeting House and the Squirrels' Hotel.

PT Each of these was a sort of club in its way. And we had to be most particular about limiting the membership, because from the outset thousands of creatures of each kind wanted to join. The best we could do for those who were not taken in was to keep their names on a waiting list, and as members left (which was very seldom) admit them one by one. Each club had its president and committee who were responsible for the proper organization and orderly carrying on of the establishment.

PT As the white mouse had prophesied, our new animal town within the high walls of the old bowling green did naturally divide itself up into districts. And the animals from each, while they often mingled in the main street with those from other quarters of the town, minded their own business, and no one interfered with anybody else.

PT This we had to make the first and most important rule of the Dolittle Zoo: within the walls of the town all hunting was forbidden. No member of the Home for Cross-Bred Dogs was allowed to go ratting — in the zoo. No fox was permitted to chase birds or squirrels.

PT And it was surprising how, when the danger of pursuit by their natural enemies was removed, all the different sorts of animals took up a new, freer and more open kind of life. For instance, it was no unusual thing in Animal Town to see a mother squirrel lolling on her veranda, surrounded by her children, while a couple of terriers walked down the street within a yard of them.

PT The shops and restaurants, of course, were mostly patronized by the rats and mice, who had a natural love for city life, and the majority of them were situated in the section at the north end of the inclosure which came to be known as Mouse Town. Nevertheless at the main grocery on a Saturday night we often saw foxes and dogs and crows all mixed up, buying their Sunday dinner from a large rat. And the mouse errand boys who delivered goods at the customers' houses were not afraid to walk right into a bulldog's kennel or a fox's den.

PT "I think it's just a marvellous idea!"

POVERTY AGAIN

PT O F COURSE IT would be quite too much to expect that with lots of different kinds of animals housed in the same enclosure there would be no quarrels or disputes. It was in fact part of the Doctor's plan to see what could be done in getting different creatures who were born natural enemies to live together in harmony.

PT "Obviously, Stubbins," said he, "we can't expect foxes to give up their taste for spring chickens, or dogs their love of ratting, all in a moment. My hope is that by getting them to agree to live peaceably together while within my zoo, we will tend toward a better understanding among them permanently."

Versão em Português

1 - INTRODUÇÃO

2 - UMA MENSAGEM DE DAB-DAB

3 - O RETORNO DO AVENTUREIRO

4 - A FESTA SURPRESA

5 - O NOVO ZOOLÓGICO

6 - A CIDADE DOS ANIMAIS

7 - POBREZA NOVAMENTE

INTRODUÇÃO

En Este é o título: O Zoológico do Doutor Dolittle.

En O escritor pediu conselhos à Polinésia, um papagaio velho. Ele estava sentado e mastigando uma caneta. Queria saber a melhor maneira de começar um novo livro sobre a vida do Doutor Dolittle.

En Polinésia estava se olhando em um tinteiro. Ela parou de se olhar e se virou rapidamente para o escritor.

En Polinésia perguntou se haveria outro livro sobre o Doutor Dolittle.

En O escritor respondeu que sim. Ele explicou que ainda estavam escrevendo sobre a vida do Doutor Dolittle e ainda não haviam terminado.

En Polinésia disse que entendeu. Ela perguntou quem decide quantos livros devem existir.

En O interlocutor respondeu que o público decide no final. Ele então perguntou a Polinésia como ela começaria.

En Polinésia disse a Thomas Stubbins que era uma pergunta difícil. Ela explicou que havia tantas informações interessantes sobre o Doutor Dolittle que o principal problema era decidir o que deixar de fora, não o que incluir. Ela avisou Tommy que ele ficaria muito velho antes de terminar se tentasse escrever tudo o que o Doutor fez. Ela pensou que ele poderia escrever algo útil sobre história natural, mas sugeriu que isso poderia ser feito depois. Ela então perguntou se eles deveriam começar a história a partir do momento em que voltaram ao Rio Puddleby dentro do Caracol Marinho Gigante, após sua jornada sob o oceano.

En O interlocutor confirmou que havia pensado em começar por ali. Ele esclareceu que sua principal preocupação não era onde começar, mas sim como escolher quais informações incluir e quais deixar de fora, e quais partes eram as mais interessantes.

En Polinésia concordou que esse era o problema. Ela lembrou que o Doutor Dolittle costumava dizer a mesma coisa quando arrumava sua mala para uma viagem, perguntando a si mesmo o que deixar de fora e o que colocar. Ela se lembrou de uma vez em que ele passou muito tempo decidindo se deveria levar sua navalha, pois achava que uma garrafa quebrada poderia ser usada em seu lugar. Ele não gostava de carregar muitas coisas e frequentemente decidia deixar a navalha para trás. No entanto, Polinésia e Dab-Dab estavam preocupados que ele pudesse se cortar com o vidro, então eles abriam secretamente sua mala depois e adicionavam a navalha. Como ele nunca se lembrava de sua decisão, tudo dava certo.

En O interlocutor concordou e disse que sua pergunta ainda não havia sido respondida.

En Polinésia pensou por um breve momento.

En Ela perguntou como se chamava o livro.

En O interlocutor disse que o livro se chamava "Zoológico do Doutor Dolittle".

En Polinésia sugeriu que o livro deveria falar em breve sobre o zoológico. Ela também achou que seria bom incluir informações sobre seu retorno para casa e seus pais, já que ele estava ausente há quase três anos. Ela mencionou que algumas pessoas gostam de partes tristes ou sentimentais em livros.

En O narrador concordou rapidamente. Ele percebeu que o velho papagaio estava começando outra história longa, então pediu que eles se concentrassem no tópico principal.

En Ela sugeriu que o melhor método era ele ler tudo em voz alta enquanto escrevia. Ela explicou que ele saberia se ela estava entediada porque ela adormeceria. Ela também disse que ele precisava manter a leitura interessante porque ela achava difícil ficar acordada depois de um almoço pesado. Ela confirmou que ele tinha papel e tinta suficientes e disse para ele começar.

En O narrador preparou uma nova pena de ganso afiando cuidadosamente a ponta, e então começou a escrever.

UMA MENSAGEM DE DAB-DAB

En John Dolittle lembrou-se de repente que, na empolgação de voltar para casa, havia esquecido de se despedir do caracol. Esse caracol os havia guiado em segurança por uma longa e perigosa jornada. Ele gritou para todos esperarem e correu de volta pela praia.

En A despedida foi breve. John Dolittle então se juntou ao grupo. Todos ficaram com suas malas e observaram o caracol gigante partir. O corpo longo e cinza do caracol se misturava com o banco de areia cinza onde descansava. Ele se moveu suavemente para a água mais profunda, deslizando para frente e depois afundando. Eventualmente, apenas o topo de sua concha era visível, uma cor fraca no mar. Sem fazer barulho ou respingo, ele desapareceu.

En Eles olhavam em direção à terra. Eles estavam indo para Puddleby, que era a casa deles.

En O Doutor se perguntou sobre a comida que Dab-Dab havia preparado em casa. Enquanto andavam em fila atrás de Jip pela terra úmida e pantanosa, ele disse que estava com muita fome.

En Bumpo concordou que também estava com fome.

En Naquele momento, dois lindos patos selvagens voaram do ar enevoado. Eles pousaram perto dos pés de John Dolittle.

En Os patos explicaram que Dab-Dab havia pedido que dissessem a John Dolittle para se apressar em casa por causa da chuva. Eles acrescentaram que Dab-Dab estava esperando por ele.

En O Doutor ficou muito surpreso. Ele perguntou como a pessoa sabia que eles estavam chegando.

En Os patos explicaram que tinham contado a ela. Eles viram o Doutor pousando de uma concha de caracol. Voaram até a casa para dar a notícia. Ela pediu que trouxessem o Doutor para casa. Ela também pediu que ele parasse no açougue para comprar salsichas e mencionou que precisava de mais açúcar e velas.

En O Doutor agradeceu aos patos pela gentileza. Ele disse que compraria os itens. Ele achou que eles tinham viajado muito rápido, pois parecia que apenas um minuto havia passado desde que pousaram.

En Os patos responderam que eram bons voadores. Disseram que não eram extravagantes, mas voavam de forma constante.

En O Doutor perguntou se a chuva tinha dificultado o voo para eles.

En Os patos disseram ao Doutor que a chuva não os incomodava. No entanto, eles mencionaram que penas molhadas dificultavam a vida das aves terrestres. Eles também explicaram que o ar mais pesado durante a chuva tornava o movimento mais lento para todos.

En O Doutor disse que entendeu. Em seguida, pediu a Jip que liderasse o caminho, porque Jip era melhor em encontrar terreno firme para andar do que os outros.

En Alguém reportou que Dab-Dab havia pedido que eles voltassem para casa rapidamente.

En Polinésia pediu aos patos que não espalhassem a notícia do retorno do Doutor muito rapidamente. Ela explicou que ele acabara de terminar uma longa e cansativa viagem e precisava descansar. Ela alertou que, se as pessoas soubessem que ele estava em casa, muitos animais o visitariam com doenças, reais ou inventadas, e ele precisava de uma pausa antes de começar a tratá-los.

En Os patos prometeram não contar a ninguém naquela noite. Eles mencionaram que muitas aves selvagens estavam perguntando sobre o Doutor há muito tempo e se perguntando quando ele voltaria, já que ele nunca havia ficado fora por um período tão longo antes.

En Polinésia resmungou enquanto os patos voavam para a névoa chuvosa. Ela pensou que o Dr. Dolittle tinha que explicar suas ações para cada pássaro que encontrava. Ela sentiu que ele tinha ficado longe por muito tempo, dizendo que esse era o preço da fama. Polinésia estava feliz por não ser médica. Ela perguntou a Tommy se podia se abrigar debaixo do casaco dele porque a chuva estava molhando suas asas e deixando seu humor ruim.

En A boa orientação de Jip foi muito útil enquanto tentavam chegar à cidade através dos pântanos. A luz da tarde estava diminuindo. O nevoeiro frequentemente vinha do mar, tornando impossível ver mais do que uma curta distância à frente. Os únicos sons que ouviam que sugeriam civilização eram os sinos de hora em hora da torre da igreja de Puddleby.

En Com seu excelente nariz, Jip foi um guia valioso naquele lugar difícil. O pântano estava cheio de valas profundas que estavam se enchendo com a maré alta, como rios. Isso poderia facilmente prender viajantes e deixá-los ilhados na água. No entanto, embora Jip estivesse tentado a perseguir ratos d'água, ele agiu como um bom piloto, guiando-os em segurança pelos perigos e mantendo-os em terreno sólido.

En Finalmente, Jip os levou a um longo e alto monte próximo ao Rio Puddleby, que eles sabiam que os levaria à ponte. Logo, passaram por algumas cabanas, que eram os primeiros sinais da cidade. Através do nevoeiro, ocasionalmente viam as velas cinzentas de barcos de pesca na água à sua esquerda, voltando para casa do mar, assim como eles.

En Jip provou ser um guia muito útil.

O RETORNO DO AVENTUREIRO

En Polinésia aconselhou o Doutor que seria mais seguro se Tommy fosse até a cidade comprar as salsichas. Ela sugeriu que o Doutor contornasse a cidade sozinho. Ela avisou que, se crianças e cães o reconhecessem, ele poderia não conseguir voltar para casa.

En O Doutor concordou com Polinésia. Ele decidiu que eles virariam para o norte e iriam em direção à Estrada Oxenthorpe, passando pela Lagoa de Baldwin e pelos Campos do Moinho.

En O resto do grupo foi com o Doutor, mas Tommy foi para a cidade sozinho. Ele ficou um pouco triste por não ver o Doutor Dolittle chegar em casa. No entanto, ele se sentiu animado. Ele atravessou Kingsbridge como um explorador corajoso voltando de uma jornada. Ele se sentiu muito orgulhoso, como Cristóvão Colombo descobrindo o Novo Mundo.

En Ninguém reconheceu Tommy, o que o fez sentir especial, como um personagem de conto de fadas. Ele estava três anos mais velho do que quando partiu e tinha mudado muito. Enquanto caminhava sob as luzes da rua em direção ao açougue, ele viu muitas pessoas que conhecia. Ele pensou que elas ficariam muito surpresas se ele contasse quem era e sobre suas aventuras. Ele lembrou-se de sentar à beira do rio, observando navios e sonhando com lugares distantes.

En Na Praça do Mercado, Tommy viu Matthew Mugg, que vendia carne para gatos. Tommy decidiu pregar uma peça e ver se Matthew Mugg o reconheceria. Ele ficou perto da vitrine da loja, olhando para dentro. Matthew Mugg olhou para Tommy, mas não o reconheceu de jeito nenhum. Tommy achou isso muito engraçado e continuou seu caminho até o açougue.

En A pessoa pediu salsichas e o açougueiro as preparou. Embora o açougueiro conhecesse a pessoa, ele não parecia reconhecê-la, possivelmente porque as roupas da pessoa estavam velhas e gastas. Quando chegou a hora de pagar, a pessoa descobriu que só tinha duas grandes moedas de prata espanholas, que havia guardado de uma viagem às Ilhas Capa Blanca. O açougueiro olhou para essas moedas e balançou a cabeça.

En O açougueiro explicou que só podia aceitar dinheiro inglês.

En A pessoa se desculpou, dizendo que era todo o dinheiro que tinha. Perguntou se o açougueiro podia trocar as moedas, destacando que elas eram de prata valiosa e que uma moeda deveria valer pelo menos uma coroa.

En O açougueiro respondeu que, embora as moedas pudessem ser valiosas, ele não podia aceitá-las.

En O açougueiro parecia suspeito e um pouco irritado. Enquanto a pessoa pensava no que fazer, ele notou que outra pessoa estava observando eles. Ele se virou e viu que era Matthew Mugg, que o havia seguido até a loja.

En Um de seus olhos me olhou com uma expressão que sugeria que ele me conhecia um pouco. De repente, ele correu em minha direção e pegou minha mão.

En Ele disse animadamente que era Tommy Stubbins. Ele explicou que Tommy havia crescido muito alto e bonito, parecendo muito mais moreno do que antes, tanto que sua própria mãe poderia não reconhecê-lo.

En Matthew era conhecido pelos comerciantes locais, especialmente pelo açougueiro onde comprava ossos e carne para os cães. Ele então se virou para falar com o comerciante.

En Ele disse a Alfred que a pessoa era Tommy Stubbins, filho de Jacob Stubbins, que havia retornado do exterior. Ele garantiu a Alfred que Tommy era confiável para pagar. Ele imaginou que Tommy estava fazendo compras para o Doutor e perguntou se o Doutor havia voltado com ele, parecendo preocupado e esperando que não tivesse voltado sozinho.

En Eu respondi que o Doutor estava aqui e seguro.

En Um homem perguntou se a pessoa tinha acabado de chegar. Ele também disse que saberia se John Dolittle ficasse na cidade por muito tempo.

En O narrador respondeu que sim. Ele explicou que John Dolittle estava vindo para a casa e havia pedido que ele comprasse algumas coisas. No entanto, o narrador mencionou que todo o dinheiro que ele tinha era de outro país.

En O narrador falou com a confiança de alguém que já havia viajado muito. Ele olhou para o açougueiro com um pouco de orgulho, pensando que o açougueiro, que não tinha viajado, não poderia entender as dificuldades enfrentadas por um aventureiro.

En Matthew disse ao narrador que tinha certeza de que Alfred venderia as salsichas para ele.

En O narrador disse que reconheceu os rostos de mais da metade das pessoas que passaram.

En O açougueiro sorriu e concordou em deixar Tommy levar a carne. Ele explicou que sua loja não era um lugar para trocar dinheiro. Acrescentou que, se Tommy tivesse explicado desde o início quem ele era e para quem eram as salsichas, ele teria colocado o custo na conta do Doutor Dolittle. O açougueiro mencionou que o crédito do Doutor Dolittle nem sempre fora muito bom. Pediu a Tommy que levasse a carne e dissesse a John Dolittle que ele estava feliz por ele ter voltado em segurança.

En Tommy respondeu, agradecendo com um senso de importância.

En Tommy então pegou o pacote de carne debaixo de um braço, e com Matthew Mugg segurando seu outro braço, eles saíram para a rua.

En Enquanto caminhavam em direção à Oxenthorpe Road, Matthew disse a Tommy que toda vez que John Dolittle voltava de suas viagens, Matthew estava sempre lá para recebê-lo na primeira noite. Matthew explicou que John Dolittle nunca lhe contava quando viria, e muitas vezes preferia que as pessoas não soubessem. No entanto, Matthew sempre descobria rapidamente e ia recebê-lo. Então ele perguntou a Tommy se ele tinha vivido muitas aventuras e visto muitas coisas estranhas desde que se encontraram pela última vez.

En Tommy disse a Matthew que eles realmente tinham visto mais do que ele esperava. Ele mencionou que trouxeram muitos cadernos e coletaram ervas valiosas de um naturalista indiano. Tommy também contou animadamente a Matthew que eles viajaram de volta dentro da concha de um caracol marinho gigante, que se moveu pelo fundo do oceano desde o outro lado do Atlântico.

En Matthew explicou que o Doutor Dolittle teve muitas experiências incomuns. Ele costumava contar histórias sobre as viagens do Doutor em um bar à noite. No entanto, ele decidiu parar de contar essas histórias. Ele sentia que as pessoas não acreditavam nele quando ele falava sobre a habilidade do Doutor de falar com animais.

En Eles estavam andando por uma estrada perto da casa do Doutor. Estava escuro, mas pássaros faziam barulho nas árvores. A notícia de que o Doutor estava voltando já havia se espalhado rapidamente entre os animais. Apesar do frio, muitos pássaros, como pardais, tordos, melros, corvos e estorninhos, haviam se reunido perto da casa do Doutor. Eles estavam esperando para recebê-lo de volta e esperavam vê-lo pela manhã.

En Enquanto o narrador caminhava em direção à casa do Doutor, ele pensava em como a popularidade do Doutor Dolittle era diferente da das pessoas comuns. Se amigos humanos ficassem ausentes por muito tempo, poderiam ser esquecidos. Mas para o Doutor Dolittle e seus amigos animais, quanto mais tempo ele ficava ausente, mais animados eles ficavam ao vê-lo quando ele retornava.

En A pessoa que estava falando era Matthew Mugg.

A FESTA SURPRESA

En Matthew e o narrador entraram na casa pela porta da cozinha. Eles esperavam muito barulho e saudações. Em vez disso, a casa estava quieta. Apenas o Doutor Dolittle e Dab-Dab estavam lá. Dab-Dab disse ao narrador que ele tinha demorado muito para comprar as salsichas.

En Quando eles entraram, o Doutor perguntou sobre a localização de Gub-Gub.

En Dab-Dab respondeu que não sabia onde Gub-Gub estava, mas que ele provavelmente chegaria em breve. Ela lembrou ao Doutor de lavar as mãos para o jantar, que estaria pronto em cinco minutos. Ela também pediu ajuda com as salsichas e mencionou que eles comeriam na sala de jantar.

En John Dolittle questionou por que eles estavam jantando na sala de jantar e perguntou por que não estavam usando a cozinha como de costume.

En Dab-Dab resmungou que a cozinha não era grande o suficiente.

En O narrador suspeitava que uma surpresa estava planejada. Quando a porta da sala de jantar se abriu, eles viram Gub-Gub, Too-Too, Swizzle, Toby e o camundongo branco, todos usando fantasias. Era uma festa surpresa para o Doutor.

En A sala de jantar era um cômodo grande e antigo que o Doutor Dolittle não usava há muitos anos, desde que sua irmã Sarah havia partido. No entanto, para esta noite especial, estava decorada com papéis coloridos e fitas. Todos os animais estavam usando suas fantasias antigas de shows passados, e até o pequeno rato branco usava um colete e calças minúsculos que ele costumava vestir no famoso Circo Dolittle.

En Quando o Doutor chegou, os animais o cumprimentaram com barulhos altos e felizes. Eles haviam planejado um programa de entretenimento especial. A refeição era muito sofisticada, com uma mesa cheia de frutas e comidas deliciosas. Entre as partes principais da refeição, os animais que ficaram em casa se apresentaram. Gub-Gub leu um poema que ele escreveu sobre comida. Toby e Swizzle tiveram uma luta de boxe na mesa, usando luvas de boxe reais em suas patas. O rato branco apresentou o "Circo da Tigela de Ponche", que foi muito emocionante. Ele atuou como o mestre de cerimônias, usando um pequeno chapéu de papel. Seu show incluía uma senhora rato amazona que montava um esquilo veloz como um cavalo, um palhaço rato e um domador de leões com um rato vestido de leão.

En O Circo Punchbowl foi provavelmente a parte de maior sucesso da noite. O rato branco tinha até usado maquiagem para parecer mais com um verdadeiro mestre de cerimônias, fazendo seus bigodes parecerem longos bigodes. A rata amazona pulou através de argolas de papel, o palhaço rato, que havia pintado o rosto, deu cambalhotas, e o rato vestido de leão rugiu alto.

En Alguém comentou que não adiantava tentar porque as pessoas não acreditavam neles.

En O Doutor Dolittle, rindo das ações engraçadas do palhaço rato, perguntou como eles conseguiram preparar um show tão bom tão rapidamente. Ele disse que era melhor do que qualquer coisa que ele tinha visto em seu próprio circo, especialmente porque eles só tiveram meia hora de aviso antes de ele chegar.

En Dab-Dab explicou ao Doutor que Gub-Gub teve a ideia de usar fantasias, fitas e sempre-vivas. Ela disse que eles viraram a casa e o jardim de cabeça para baixo para encontrá-los. Dab-Dab achou que isso era uma perda de tempo porque ela precisava de ajuda para limpar a casa antes da chegada do Doutor.

En O Doutor riu e disse a Dab-Dab para não se preocupar. Ele disse que a experiência foi muito agradável e valeu a pena. Ele também mencionou que eles poderiam arrumar a casa rapidamente porque Stubbins, Bumpo e ele estavam lá para ajudar.

En Dab-Dab também disse que não tinha certeza onde Bumpo dormiria. Ela explicou que nenhuma das camas que eles tinham era grande o suficiente para ele.

En O Doutor respondeu que eles encontrariam uma forma de se virar. Ele sugeriu que, se fosse necessário, eles poderiam colocar dois colchões no chão juntos para Bumpo.

En Então, Gub-Gub disse ao Doutor que era a vez dele de se apresentar. Ele disse que eles estavam ansiosos para ouvir sobre todos os lugares que o Doutor havia visitado desde a última vez que o viram.

En Todos concordaram e pediram que a história começasse desde o início.

En John Dolittle exclamou que era impossível contar a eles todas as suas histórias de três anos em apenas uma noite.

En O rato branco sugeriu contar apenas parte da história naquela noite e guardar o restante para a noite seguinte.

En O Doutor acendeu seu cachimbo, que Chee-Chee havia trazido com o pote de tabaco. Ele começou a contar a história de suas viagens. Muitas pessoas e animais se reuniram em volta da longa mesa de jantar para ouvir. A casa do Doutor estava completa com Bumpo, Matthew Mugg, o escritor, Dab-Dab, Gub-Gub, Chee-Chee, Polynesia, Jip, Too-Too, Toby, Swizzle e o camundongo branco. Assim que ele estava prestes a começar, um som veio da janela.

En Uma voz pediu para entrar, dizendo que também queria ouvir a história.

En O velho cavalo manco do estábulo ouviu um barulho. Ele entendeu que o Doutor finalmente havia chegado e veio se juntar ao grupo.

En O cavalo entrou pelas portas do jardim, o que irritou Dab-Dab, a governanta. Ela insistiu que ele limpasse a lama dos cascos antes de entrar. O cavalo andou calmamente pela sala sem perturbar nada e sentou-se perto do Doutor. Ele explicou que queria ficar perto porque sua audição não estava muito boa. O Doutor Dolittle ficou muito feliz em vê-lo.

En O cavalo disse ao Doutor que estava a caminho de visitá-lo quando o jantar foi anunciado. Ele também perguntou se o Doutor estava recebendo sua aveia e cevada regularmente desde que ele havia estado fora.

En O cavalo velho respondeu que tudo estava bem. Ele mencionou que estava um pouco solitário sem o Doutor e o Jip, mas que, no resto, estava tudo bem.

En O Doutor começou a contar sua história novamente, mas alguém bateu na janela mais uma vez, interrompendo-o.

En Gub-Gub gritou, perguntando quem estava lá.

En O narrador abriu a janela, e três pássaros voaram para dentro. Esses pássaros eram Cheapside, sua esposa Becky, e Speedy-the-Skimmer.

En Gub-Gub recitou um de seus poemas sobre comida.

En Cheapside, um pardal cockney, voou para cima da mesa. Ele disse ao Doutor que ele e sua esposa Becky haviam procurado por horas para encontrar uma maneira de entrar na casa. Ele ficou feliz em ver o Doutor novamente. Ele explicou que ouviu dos pombos que o Doutor tinha voltado, então eles decidiram visitá-lo. Ele começou a dizer que ninguém jamais poderia...

En Too-Too interrompeu Cheapside, dizendo para ele ficar quieto. Too-Too disse que o Doutor ia falar sobre sua viagem e que eles não queriam ouvir Cheapside a noite toda.

En Cheapside falou com Cross-eyes enquanto comia. Ele disse a Cross-eyes para se acalmar e perguntou há quanto tempo ele era dono da casa. Então, Cheapside pediu a Speedy que viesse para um lugar mais quente.

En A famosa andorinha, que era uma voadora muito rápida, moveu-se para um lugar mais quente. Ela havia retornado à Inglaterra mais cedo do que o normal, mas o clima quente havia terminado. Agora estava frio, e a andorinha estava tremendo.

En A andorinha disse calmamente que estava feliz em ver o Doutor. Ela pediu desculpas por interromper e pediu que o Doutor começasse a contar sua história.

O NOVO ZOOLÓGICO

En Tarde da noite, John Dolittle contou à sua família a história de sua viagem. Gub-Gub continuava adormecendo e depois acordava sentindo raiva porque estava preocupado por ter perdido as partes mais interessantes.

En Por volta das duas da manhã, o Doutor decidiu que todos deveriam ir para a cama, mesmo que ele não tivesse terminado sua história. Ele disse que continuariam o resto das aventuras na noite seguinte.

En O dia seguinte foi extremamente ocupado para o Doutor. Muitas pessoas e animais precisavam de sua ajuda ao mesmo tempo. Primeiro, havia pacientes esperando na porta da clínica. Entre eles, um esquilo com uma garra machucada, um coelho perdendo o pelo e uma raposa com um olho ferido.

En O jardim do Doutor estava muito bagunçado porque não tinha sido cuidado por três anos. Ele ficou muito triste ao ver como estava abandonado. No entanto, muitos pássaros do campo vieram saudá-lo, o que o ajudou a esquecer suas preocupações por um tempo. Pássaros como estorninhos e corvos voavam ao redor dele em grande número.

En Bumpo, o narrador e Chee-Chee decidiram ajudar a limpar o jardim porque o Doutor estava chateado com sua condição. Muitos animais pequenos também se voluntariaram, como ratos do campo, ratos, texugos e esquilos. Os animais trabalharam duro apesar de seu tamanho. Por exemplo, as toupeiras cavaram o canteiro de ervas muito bem e separaram as ervas daninhas. Chee-Chee coletou as ervas daninhas em seu carrinho de mão. Os esquilos limparam os caminhos juntando folhas e galhos para a pilha de compostagem. Os texugos ajudaram podando as raízes das macieiras no subsolo.

En O mestre de cerimônias do Circo Punchbowl.

En Too-Too, o contador, falou com o Doutor sobre as finanças deles para que Dab-Dab soubesse quanto dinheiro eles tinham. Eles tinham dinheiro de prata espanhol, que, quando trocado por libras inglesas, era suficiente para sustentá-los por vários meses. Dab-Dab ficou aliviada, mas permaneceu atenta às novas ideias do Doutor. Ela sabia que ele tendia a gastar mais dinheiro quando o tinha.

En Os animais Too-Too, Polynesia e Dab-Dab estavam analisando as finanças do Doutor. Faziam isso em segredo, quando ele não estava por perto.

En Polynesia mencionou que o Doutor deveria ganhar muito dinheiro com as ervas novas e especiais que Long Arrow havia trazido.

En O falante discordou, dizendo que o Doutor provavelmente não venderia as ervas. Ele acreditava que elas eram destinadas a ajudar as pessoas, não a serem vendidas.

En O zoológico também precisava da atenção do Doutor naquela manhã. Matthew Mugg chegou cedo para examiná-lo com ele. Muitos animais haviam sido enviados embora porque eram muito difíceis de cuidar. No entanto, alguns animais, como as marmotas canadenses e os visons de regiões mais frias, puderam ficar porque pediram para permanecer.

En Enquanto caminhavam pelas casas limpas dos animais, que Matthew Mugg mantinha em excelente estado, o Doutor disse a Stubbins que estava pensando em mudar todo o sistema do zoológico.

En O narrador pediu ao Doutor Dolittle que explicasse o que ele queria dizer.

En O Doutor Dolittle explicou sua nova ideia. Ele costumava manter animais estrangeiros incomuns, mas agora quer usar seu grande jardim, que tem mais de um acre, para animais locais. Ele disse que muitos animais queriam morar com ele e que planejava criar uma "Cidade dos Animais". Ele queria iniciar clubes, como um "Clube dos Ratos e Camundongos" e um "Lar para Cães de Raça Mista", porque muitos cães sem raça definida não tinham lar. Ele pediu a opinião do narrador sobre a ideia.

En O narrador disse ao Doutor Dolittle que sua ideia era excelente e ajudaria Dab-Dab. Ele mencionou que Dab-Dab frequentemente se preocupava com os ratos usando fronhas e franjas de toalhas de banho do armário de roupas de cama para fazer seus ninhos.

En O Doutor concordou.

En Doutor Dolittle disse que eles não haviam encontrado os animais responsáveis por pegar a roupa de cama. Ele explicou que, embora não se importasse se as fronhas tivessem buracos ou se as toalhas perdessem as franjas, Dab-Dab era muito exigente com seu armário de linho. Em seguida, ele pediu a Stubbins que planejasse o novo zoológico com a Polinésia, já que estava muito ocupado com seu trabalho médico, escrevendo notas e a coleção de Long Arrow. Ele também pediu a Stubbins que consultasse o camundongo branco sobre os aposentos para o Clube do Rato e do Camundongo.

En Este foi o início do novo Dolittle Zoo. O narrador estava muito interessado e se sentiu orgulhoso porque o Doutor Dolittle lhe havia dado muita responsabilidade. Ele não percebeu o quão grande a instituição se tornaria. Ele achou que deveria ter sido chamado de "Animal Town" ou "Animal Clubland" em vez de um zoológico, mas o nome "zoo" já era usado para aquela parte do jardim e permaneceu.

En A ideia de zoológico do Doutor Dolittle era diferente da do público. Ele acreditava que um zoológico deveria ser um lar para os animais, não uma prisão. O zoológico foi projetado com a ideia principal de que os animais deveriam ficar confortáveis e felizes. Alguns métodos antigos foram mantidos, como ter trincos na parte interna das casas para que os animais pudessem entrar e sair quando quisessem. Os moradores podiam pegar chaves para suas casas se quisessem. Havia algumas regras, mas elas foram feitas para proteger os animais uns dos outros, não para limitar sua liberdade. Por exemplo, os animais tinham que avisar seus vizinhos se planejassem uma festa, e não era permitido cantar músicas altas depois da meia-noite.

En Isso descreve pacientes esperando do lado de fora do consultório médico.

A CIDADE DOS ANIMAIS

En O Doutor Dolittle frequentemente achava difícil guardar segredos, o que talvez não seja surpreendente, já que as pessoas também acham difícil guardar segredos. Quando o narrador contou à Polinésia sobre o plano para o novo zoológico, ela imediatamente o advertiu.

En Polynesia aconselhou Tommy a manter a ideia do zoológico em segredo pelo maior tempo possível. Ela o alertou que, se ele não fizesse isso, nem ele nem o Doutor teriam paz.

En A notícia se espalhou de que o Doutor Dolittle estava ampliando seu zoológico para muitos novos animais. Muitos animais queriam morar lá e se candidatavam constantemente. Parecia que todos os animais do mundo estavam esperando por essa chance.

En O Doutor Dolittle anunciou que todas as solicitações para o novo zoológico deveriam passar pelo narrador, que era o gerente assistente. Isso o ajudou muito, mas muitos animais que o conheciam há muito tempo ainda pediam a ele diretamente um lugar.

En Foi difícil pedir que alguns dos animais antigos fossem embora. Alguns animais não estavam saudáveis em Puddleby. Por exemplo, dois castores estavam frequentemente doentes e não em boas condições. Eles gostavam muito do Doutor e não queriam voltar para o Canadá, mas ele viu que eles estavam muito doentes e decidiu que era mais gentil ser firme.

En O Doutor Dolittle disse aos castores que o clima era muito ruim para eles e estava prejudicando a saúde deles. Ele explicou que eles precisavam voltar para o Canadá para o próprio bem deles.

En Os dois castores começaram a chorar. Eles só concordaram em voltar para o Canadá depois que o Doutor Dolittle prometeu que eles poderiam retornar em dois anos, se ainda quisessem.

En O assistente de gerente tinha a tarefa de enviar os castores de volta para o Canadá. Isso era difícil porque ele não podia entregá-los a qualquer um. Ele passou vários dias procurando um comissário de bordo perto das docas. Encontrou um que era honesto e confiável. O comissário concordou em levar os castores para Halifax em seu navio por algum dinheiro. Ele os soltaria em um rio fora da cidade.

En Muitos animais queriam viver no zoológico. Além disso, quando os animais ouviram falar do Clube dos Ratos e Camundongos do Doutor Dolittle, outros animais de todo o mundo enviaram grupos para perguntar se também poderiam ter um clube.

En Polinésia e o narrador estavam olhando um mapa do novo zoológico. Polinésia lhe disse que ela o havia avisado sobre isso. Ela disse que mesmo que o zoológico fosse dez vezes maior, não seria grande o suficiente para abrigar todos os animais.

En Um rato branco, que se sentia importante porque o Doutor estava pedindo sua opinião, sugeriu que desenhassem todos os diferentes lugares para animais no mapa. Ele disse que isso os ajudaria a ver quanto espaço restava e quantos clubes eles poderiam criar.

En O narrador concordou com o rato branco, dizendo que era uma boa ideia. Ele explicou que, depois que o zoológico fosse construído, seria muito difícil mudar as coisas. Os animais também naturalmente ficariam infelizes se suas casas fossem movidas.

En O rato branco sugeriu que eles deveriam ter algumas lojas e perguntou se os outros concordavam.

En O narrador ficou surpreso e perguntou por que as lojas eram necessárias.

En O rato branco explicou que o local se tornaria como uma cidade de animais com uma rua principal. Ele achava que lojas seriam úteis para os animais comprarem alimentos como nozes e grãos, e que restaurantes também seriam uma boa ideia para fazer refeições.

En Polinésia perguntou quem seria responsável por administrar as lojas, destacando que lojas e cafés não funcionam por conta própria.

En Os animais discutiram as questões financeiras do Doutor.

En O rato branco riu e disse que era simples. Ele explicou que muitos ratos e ratazanas ficariam muito felizes em administrar uma loja de nozes ou um restaurante. Ele achava que eles tinham um talento natural para negócios, especialmente para serviços de alimentação.

En Polinésia respondeu que isso poderia ser verdade para os ratos e camundongos. No entanto, ela lembrou a ele que havia muitos outros animais no zoológico. Ela destacou que o zoológico não tinha a intenção de ser apenas para ratos e camundongos.

En O rato branco pensou que o zoológico naturalmente se dividiria em diferentes áreas. Ele perguntou a Tommy se ele lembrava de ter prometido a eles a área perto da entrada principal para o clube deles. Ele disse que já havia planejado toda a seção em sua mente e que ela se tornaria um bairro pequeno muito atraente.

En Depois de muito planejamento e trabalho duro, eles conseguiram abrir o novo zoológico. As primeiras instalações públicas incluíam: um prédio de apartamentos para coelhos com muitos buracos e um jardim compartilhado para alface, um local para cães de raças mistas, um clube para ratos e camundongos, uma taverna para texugos, uma casa de reuniões para raposas e um hotel para esquilos.

En Cada um desses lugares funcionava como um clube. Era importante controlar cuidadosamente quem podia entrar porque milhares de animais de cada tipo queriam se tornar membros. Para aqueles que não podiam ser aceitos, seus nomes eram colocados em uma lista de espera. Quando um membro saía, o que era raro, uma pessoa da lista era convidada a entrar. Todo clube tinha um presidente e um comitê responsáveis por sua boa administração e funcionamento tranquilo.

En Como um rato branco havia previsto, a nova cidade dos animais dentro das muralhas antigas foi dividida em diferentes áreas. Animais de diferentes partes frequentemente se encontravam na rua principal, mas na maioria das vezes cuidavam da própria vida e não interferiam uns com os outros.

En A regra mais importante para o Zoológico do Dr. Dolittle era que a caça não era permitida dentro da cidade. Por exemplo, cães do Lar para Cães de Raça Mista não tinham permissão para caçar ratos dentro do zoológico, e raposas não podiam perseguir pássaros ou esquilos.

En Quando os animais não precisavam mais se preocupar em ser caçados por seus inimigos naturais, eles começaram a viver de uma maneira nova e mais relaxada. Por exemplo, era comum ver uma mãe esquilo descansando do lado de fora de sua casa com seus filhos, enquanto terriers passeavam nas proximidades pela rua sem causar nenhum problema.

En Ratos e camundongos, que gostavam da vida na cidade, usavam principalmente as lojas e restaurantes. Essa área ficou conhecida como Cidade dos Ratos. No entanto, outros animais como raposas, cães e corvos também compravam comida lá, frequentemente nas noites de sábado. Os meninos entregadores ratos eram corajosos e iam para a casa de qualquer animal, até mesmo para a toca de um buldogue ou de uma raposa, para entregar mercadorias.

En Alguém expressou que achou a ideia maravilhosa.

POBREZA NOVAMENTE

En Era esperado que animais vivendo juntos pudessem discutir às vezes. O plano do Doutor era ver se animais que eram inimigos naturais poderiam aprender a viver juntos em paz.

En O Doutor explicou a Stubbins que os animais não poderiam mudar seus comportamentos naturais imediatamente. Ele esperava que, ao viverem pacificamente no zoológico, desenvolvessem uma melhor compreensão uns dos outros a longo prazo.

INTRODUCTION

Português

Este é o título: O Zoológico do Doutor Dolittle.

Original English

DOCTOR DOLITTLE'S ZOO

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Português

O escritor pediu conselhos à Polinésia, um papagaio velho. Ele estava sentado e mastigando uma caneta. Queria saber a melhor maneira de começar um novo livro sobre a vida do Doutor Dolittle.

Original English

"POLYNESIA," I SAID, leaning back in my chair and chewing the end of a quill pen, "what should you say would be the best way to begin another book of Doctor Dolittle's memoirs?"

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Português

Polinésia estava se olhando em um tinteiro. Ela parou de se olhar e se virou rapidamente para o escritor.

Original English

The old parrot, who was using the glass inkpot on my desk as a mirror, stopped admiring her reflection and glanced at me sharply.

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Português

Polinésia perguntou se haveria outro livro sobre o Doutor Dolittle.

Original English

"Another!" she exclaimed. "Is there going to be another Dolittle book?"

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Português

O escritor respondeu que sim. Ele explicou que ainda estavam escrevendo sobre a vida do Doutor Dolittle e ainda não haviam terminado.

Original English

"Why — er — yes," I said. "After all, we are writing the Doctor's life and we haven't nearly finished yet."

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Português

Polinésia disse que entendeu. Ela perguntou quem decide quantos livros devem existir.

Original English

"Oh, yes, I quite see that," said Polynesia. "I was only wondering who decides how many books there shall be."

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Português

O interlocutor respondeu que o público decide no final. Ele então perguntou a Polinésia como ela começaria.

Original English

"Well, I suppose — in the end — the public does," said I. "But tell me now: how would you begin?"

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Português

Polinésia disse a Thomas Stubbins que era uma pergunta difícil. Ela explicou que havia tantas informações interessantes sobre o Doutor Dolittle que o principal problema era decidir o que deixar de fora, não o que incluir. Ela avisou Tommy que ele ficaria muito velho antes de terminar se tentasse escrever tudo o que o Doutor fez. Ela pensou que ele poderia escrever algo útil sobre história natural, mas sugeriu que isso poderia ser feito depois. Ela então perguntou se eles deveriam começar a história a partir do momento em que voltaram ao Rio Puddleby dentro do Caracol Marinho Gigante, após sua jornada sob o oceano.

Original English

"Thomas Stubbins Esquire," said she, screwing up her eyes, "that's a very difficult question to answer. There is so much of interest in the life of John Dolittle that the problem is what to leave out, rather than what to put in. Already I see gray hairs showing at your temples, Tommy. If you try to write down everything the Doctor did, you'll be nearly my age before you've finished. Of course, you're not writing this book for the scientists exactly, though I confess I often think since you are the only person so far — besides the Doctor — to talk animal languages at all well, that you ought to write something sort of — er — highbrow in natural history. Usefully highbrow, I mean, of course. But that can be done later perhaps. As you said, we are still engaged on the story of the great man's life.... How to begin? — Humph! Well, why not go on from where we all got back to Puddleby River inside the Giant Sea Snail, you remember? — after our journey under the ocean?"

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Português

O interlocutor confirmou que havia pensado em começar por ali. Ele esclareceu que sua principal preocupação não era onde começar, mas sim como escolher quais informações incluir e quais deixar de fora, e quais partes eram as mais interessantes.

Original English

"Yes," I said, "I thought of beginning there. But it was more how than where — I mean, the things to leave out and the things to put in; what parts to choose as the most interesting."

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Português

Polinésia concordou que esse era o problema. Ela lembrou que o Doutor Dolittle costumava dizer a mesma coisa quando arrumava sua mala para uma viagem, perguntando a si mesmo o que deixar de fora e o que colocar. Ela se lembrou de uma vez em que ele passou muito tempo decidindo se deveria levar sua navalha, pois achava que uma garrafa quebrada poderia ser usada em seu lugar. Ele não gostava de carregar muitas coisas e frequentemente decidia deixar a navalha para trás. No entanto, Polinésia e Dab-Dab estavam preocupados que ele pudesse se cortar com o vidro, então eles abriam secretamente sua mala depois e adicionavam a navalha. Como ele nunca se lembrava de sua decisão, tudo dava certo.

Original English

"Ah!" said she. "Yes, that's the problem. How often have I heard the Doctor himself say those very words as he was packing his little black bag to go on a voyage: 'What to leave out and what to put in? That's the problem.' I've seen him spend half an hour wondering over his razor — whether he should pack it or not. He said a broken bottle did just as well, once you had learned how to use it. You remember how he hated a lot of baggage. He usually decided to go without the razor. But Dab-Dab and I were so scared he'd cut himself with the broken glass we always secretly opened the bag later and slipped the razor in before starting. And as he never could remember which way he had decided the problem, it was all right."

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Português

O interlocutor concordou e disse que sua pergunta ainda não havia sido respondida.

Original English

"Indeed," said I. "But you haven't answered my question yet."

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Português

Polinésia pensou por um breve momento.

Original English

Polynesia pondered a moment.

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Português

Ela perguntou como se chamava o livro.

Original English

"What are you calling the book?" she asked presently.

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Português

O interlocutor disse que o livro se chamava "Zoológico do Doutor Dolittle".

Original English

"' Doctor Dolittle's Zoo,'" I said.

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Português

Polinésia sugeriu que o livro deveria falar em breve sobre o zoológico. Ela também achou que seria bom incluir informações sobre seu retorno para casa e seus pais, já que ele estava ausente há quase três anos. Ela mencionou que algumas pessoas gostam de partes tristes ou sentimentais em livros.

Original English

"Humph!" she murmured. "Then I suppose you ought to get on to the zoo part as soon as possible. But first I think you had better put in a little about your own homecoming and your parents and all that. You had been away nearly three years, you know. Of course it's sort of sentimental. But some people like a little sentiment in their books. In fact, I knew an old lady once who simply loved books that made her weep. She used to — —"

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Português

O narrador concordou rapidamente. Ele percebeu que o velho papagaio estava começando outra história longa, então pediu que eles se concentrassem no tópico principal.

Original English

"Yes, yes," I said hurriedly, seeing that the old parrot was drifting into another story, "but let us keep to the point."

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Português

Ela sugeriu que o melhor método era ele ler tudo em voz alta enquanto escrevia. Ela explicou que ele saberia se ela estava entediada porque ela adormeceria. Ela também disse que ele precisava manter a leitura interessante porque ela achava difícil ficar acordada depois de um almoço pesado. Ela confirmou que ele tinha papel e tinta suficientes e disse para ele começar.

Original English

"Well," said she, "I think this would be the best way: you read it all out aloud to me as you put it down; and if it starts to get tiresome you'll know, because you'll see me dropping off to sleep. You will have to keep it bright and lively though, for as I grow older I find it harder and harder to stay awake after lunch — and I've just had a big one. Have you got enough paper? Yes. And the inkpot is full? Yes. All right. Get along with it."

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Português

O narrador preparou uma nova pena de ganso afiando cuidadosamente a ponta, e então começou a escrever.

Original English

So taking a new quill pen and sharpening the point very carefully, I began:

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A MESSAGE FROM DAB-DAB

Português

John Dolittle lembrou-se de repente que, na empolgação de voltar para casa, havia esquecido de se despedir do caracol. Esse caracol os havia guiado em segurança por uma longa e perigosa jornada. Ele gritou para todos esperarem e correu de volta pela praia.

Original English

IT SUDDENLY OCCURRED to John Dolittle that in the excitement of getting back he had not said good-by to the snail who had brought us through this long and perilous voyage and landed us safely on our home shores. He called to us to wait and ran down the beach again.

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Português

A despedida foi breve. John Dolittle então se juntou ao grupo. Todos ficaram com suas malas e observaram o caracol gigante partir. O corpo longo e cinza do caracol se misturava com o banco de areia cinza onde descansava. Ele se moveu suavemente para a água mais profunda, deslizando para frente e depois afundando. Eventualmente, apenas o topo de sua concha era visível, uma cor fraca no mar. Sem fazer barulho ou respingo, ele desapareceu.

Original English

The farewell did not take long; and presently he left the great creature's side and rejoined us. Then for a few moments the whole party stood there watching, with our bundles in our hands, while the giant snail, half-hidden in the mists that writhed about his towering shell, got under way. Truly, he seemed to belong to this landscape — or seascape — for his long, gray body looked like a part of the long, gray sandbar on which he rested. With easy muscular motion, so fluid and smooth that you could not tell how he moved at all, his great hulk slid out into deeper water. And as he went forward he went down, and down, and down, till only the top of his shell's dome, a dim gray pink in the colorless sea, could be seen. Then, without sound or splash, he was gone.

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Português

Eles olhavam em direção à terra. Eles estavam indo para Puddleby, que era a casa deles.

Original English

We turned our faces toward the land, Puddleby and home.

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Português

O Doutor se perguntou sobre a comida que Dab-Dab havia preparado em casa. Enquanto andavam em fila atrás de Jip pela terra úmida e pantanosa, ele disse que estava com muita fome.

Original English

"I wonder what supplies Dab-Dab has in the house," said the Doctor, as we formed into single file and, following Jip, began to pick our way across the boggy marshland. "I hope she has plenty to eat. I am thoroughly hungry."

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Português

Bumpo concordou que também estava com fome.

Original English

"So am I," said Bumpo.

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Português

Naquele momento, dois lindos patos selvagens voaram do ar enevoado. Eles pousaram perto dos pés de John Dolittle.

Original English

At that moment, out of the wet, misty air above our heads two handsome wild ducks curved fluttering down and came to a standstill at John Dolittle's feet.

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Português

Os patos explicaram que Dab-Dab havia pedido que dissessem a John Dolittle para se apressar em casa por causa da chuva. Eles acrescentaram que Dab-Dab estava esperando por ele.

Original English

"Dab-Dab asked us to tell you," said they, "that you're to hurry up and get home out of this rain. She's waiting for you."

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Português

O Doutor ficou muito surpreso. Ele perguntou como a pessoa sabia que eles estavam chegando.

Original English

"Good gracious!" cried the Doctor. "How did she know that we were coming?"

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Português

Os patos explicaram que tinham contado a ela. Eles viram o Doutor pousando de uma concha de caracol. Voaram até a casa para dar a notícia. Ela pediu que trouxessem o Doutor para casa. Ela também pediu que ele parasse no açougue para comprar salsichas e mencionou que precisava de mais açúcar e velas.

Original English

"We told her," said the ducks. "We were flying inland — there's a pretty bad storm over the Irish Sea, and it's headed this way — and we saw you landing out of the snail's shell. We dropped down at the house to let her know the news. We were awfully glad to see you back. And she asked would we return and bring you a message — she herself was busy airing the bed linen, it seems. She says you're to stop in at the butcher's on the way home and bring along a pound of sausages. Also she's short of sugar, she says, and needs a few more candles, too."

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Português

O Doutor agradeceu aos patos pela gentileza. Ele disse que compraria os itens. Ele achou que eles tinham viajado muito rápido, pois parecia que apenas um minuto havia passado desde que pousaram.

Original English

"Thank you," said the Doctor. "You are very kind. I will attend to these things. You didn't take long over getting there and back; it doesn't seem to me as though more than a minute had passed since we landed."

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Português

Os patos responderam que eram bons voadores. Disseram que não eram extravagantes, mas voavam de forma constante.

Original English

"No, we're pretty good flyers," said the ducks; "nothing fancy, but steady."

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Português

O Doutor perguntou se a chuva tinha dificultado o voo para eles.

Original English

"Didn't you find the rain a great handicap?" asked the Doctor.

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Português

Os patos disseram ao Doutor que a chuva não os incomodava. No entanto, eles mencionaram que penas molhadas dificultavam a vida das aves terrestres. Eles também explicaram que o ar mais pesado durante a chuva tornava o movimento mais lento para todos.

Original English

"No, the rain doesn't bother us," said the ducks, "though some of the land birds are very badly hampered by wet feathers. But, of course, for all, the going is a little slower in rain on account of the air being heavier."

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Português

O Doutor disse que entendeu. Em seguida, pediu a Jip que liderasse o caminho, porque Jip era melhor em encontrar terreno firme para andar do que os outros.

Original English

"I see," said the Doctor. "Well, now, let us be getting along. Jip, you lead the way, will you, please? You can pick out the firm ground so much better than the rest of us."

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Português

Alguém reportou que Dab-Dab havia pedido que eles voltassem para casa rapidamente.

Original English

"'Dab-Dab asked us to tell you that you're to hurry home'"

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Português

Polinésia pediu aos patos que não espalhassem a notícia do retorno do Doutor muito rapidamente. Ela explicou que ele acabara de terminar uma longa e cansativa viagem e precisava descansar. Ela alertou que, se as pessoas soubessem que ele estava em casa, muitos animais o visitariam com doenças, reais ou inventadas, e ele precisava de uma pausa antes de começar a tratá-los.

Original English

"Look here, you fellows," said Polynesia, as the ducks prepared to take wing; "don't be spreading the news of the Doctor's arrival too fast, will you? He's only just back from a long and tiresome journey. You know what happens when it gets known that he's home: all the birds and beasts of the countryside come around to the back door with coughs and colds and what not. And those who haven't anything wrong with them invent some ailment just to have an excuse to call. He needs to rest up a bit before he starts in doctoring."

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Português

Os patos prometeram não contar a ninguém naquela noite. Eles mencionaram que muitas aves selvagens estavam perguntando sobre o Doutor há muito tempo e se perguntando quando ele voltaria, já que ele nunca havia ficado fora por um período tão longo antes.

Original English

"No, we won't tell any one," said the ducks; "not to-night, anyway, though a tremendous lot of wildfowl have been inquiring for him for ever so long, wondering when he was going to get back. He has never been gone so long before, you see."

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Português

Polinésia resmungou enquanto os patos voavam para a névoa chuvosa. Ela pensou que o Dr. Dolittle tinha que explicar suas ações para cada pássaro que encontrava. Ela sentiu que ele tinha ficado longe por muito tempo, dizendo que esse era o preço da fama. Polinésia estava feliz por não ser médica. Ela perguntou a Tommy se podia se abrigar debaixo do casaco dele porque a chuva estava molhando suas asas e deixando seu humor ruim.

Original English

"Humph!" muttered Polynesia, as the ducks, with a whir of feathers, disappeared again into the rainy mist above our heads. "I suppose John Dolittle has to give an account of his actions now to every snipe and sandpiper that ever met him. Poor man! How dare he be away so long! Well, such is fame, I suppose. But I'm glad I'm not a doctor myself. Oh, bless this rain! Let me get under your coat, Tommy. It's trickling down between my wings and ruining my disposition."

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Português

A boa orientação de Jip foi muito útil enquanto tentavam chegar à cidade através dos pântanos. A luz da tarde estava diminuindo. O nevoeiro frequentemente vinha do mar, tornando impossível ver mais do que uma curta distância à frente. Os únicos sons que ouviam que sugeriam civilização eram os sinos de hora em hora da torre da igreja de Puddleby.

Original English

If it had not been for Jip's good guidance we would have had a hard job to make our way to the town across the marshes. The light of the late afternoon was failing. And every once in a while the fog would come billowing in from the sea and blot out everything around us, so that you could see no further than a foot before your nose. The chimes of the quarter-hours from Puddleby church tower were the only sounds or signs of civilization to reach us.

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Português

Com seu excelente nariz, Jip foi um guia valioso naquele lugar difícil. O pântano estava cheio de valas profundas que estavam se enchendo com a maré alta, como rios. Isso poderia facilmente prender viajantes e deixá-los ilhados na água. No entanto, embora Jip estivesse tentado a perseguir ratos d'água, ele agiu como um bom piloto, guiando-os em segurança pelos perigos e mantendo-os em terreno sólido.

Original English

But Jip, with that wonderful nose of his, was a guide worth having in a place like this. The marsh was riddled and crossed in all directions by deep dykes, now filling up like rivers with the incoming tide. These could very easily cut off the unwary traveler and leave him stranded at the mercy of the rising waters. But in spite of continuous temptation to go off on the scent of water rats, Jip, like a good pilot, steered a safe course through all the dangers and kept us on fairly solid ground the whole way.

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Português

Finalmente, Jip os levou a um longo e alto monte próximo ao Rio Puddleby, que eles sabiam que os levaria à ponte. Logo, passaram por algumas cabanas, que eram os primeiros sinais da cidade. Através do nevoeiro, ocasionalmente viam as velas cinzentas de barcos de pesca na água à sua esquerda, voltando para casa do mar, assim como eles.

Original English

Finally we found he had brought us round to the long, high mound that bordered the Puddleby River. This we knew would lead us to the bridge. Presently we passed a hut or two, the outposts of the town. And occasionally in the swiftly flowing water on our left we would see through the lifting mists the gray, ghostly sails of a fishing boat coming home, like us, from the sea.

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Português

Jip provou ser um guia muito útil.

Original English

"Jip was a guide worth having"

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THE ADVENTURER'S RETURN

Português

Polinésia aconselhou o Doutor que seria mais seguro se Tommy fosse até a cidade comprar as salsichas. Ela sugeriu que o Doutor contornasse a cidade sozinho. Ela avisou que, se crianças e cães o reconhecessem, ele poderia não conseguir voltar para casa.

Original English

A S WE CAME nearer to the town and the lights about Kingsbridge twinkled at us through the gray mist Polynesia said: "It would be wiser, Doctor, if you sent Tommy in to get the sausages and went around the town yourself. You'll never get home if the children and dogs start recognizing you. You know that."

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Português

O Doutor concordou com Polinésia. Ele decidiu que eles virariam para o norte e iriam em direção à Estrada Oxenthorpe, passando pela Lagoa de Baldwin e pelos Campos do Moinho.

Original English

"Yes, I think you're right, Polynesia," said the Doctor. "We can turn off here to the North and get around on to the Oxenthorpe Road by Baldwin's Pool and the Mill Fields."

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Português

O resto do grupo foi com o Doutor, mas Tommy foi para a cidade sozinho. Ele ficou um pouco triste por não ver o Doutor Dolittle chegar em casa. No entanto, ele se sentiu animado. Ele atravessou Kingsbridge como um explorador corajoso voltando de uma jornada. Ele se sentiu muito orgulhoso, como Cristóvão Colombo descobrindo o Novo Mundo.

Original English

So the rest of the party went off with the Doctor, while I went on into the town alone. I was a little sorry not to have been present at John Dolittle's homecoming, I must admit. But I had another thrill which partly made up for it. Swaggering across Kingsbridge, alone, I returned to my native town a conquering adventurer from foreign parts. Oh, my! Christopher Columbus just back from his discovery of the New World could not have felt prouder than I, Tommy Stubbins, the cobbler's son, did that night.

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Português

Ninguém reconheceu Tommy, o que o fez sentir especial, como um personagem de conto de fadas. Ele estava três anos mais velho do que quando partiu e tinha mudado muito. Enquanto caminhava sob as luzes da rua em direção ao açougue, ele viu muitas pessoas que conhecia. Ele pensou que elas ficariam muito surpresas se ele contasse quem era e sobre suas aventuras. Ele lembrou-se de sentar à beira do rio, observando navios e sonhando com lugares distantes.

Original English

One of the little things that added to the thrill of it was that no one recognized me. I was like some enchanted person in the Arabian Nights who could see without being seen. I was three years older than when I had left, at an age when a boy shoots up and changes like a weed. As I swung along beneath the dim street lamps toward the butcher's in the High Street I knew the faces of more than half the folk who passed me by. And I chuckled to myself to think how surprised they'd be if I told them who I was and all the great things I had seen and done since last I trod these cobble-stones. Then in a flash I saw myself back again on the river wall, where I had so often sat with legs dangling over the water, watching the ships come and go, dreaming of the lands I had never seen.

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Português

Na Praça do Mercado, Tommy viu Matthew Mugg, que vendia carne para gatos. Tommy decidiu pregar uma peça e ver se Matthew Mugg o reconheceria. Ele ficou perto da vitrine da loja, olhando para dentro. Matthew Mugg olhou para Tommy, mas não o reconheceu de jeito nenhum. Tommy achou isso muito engraçado e continuou seu caminho até o açougue.

Original English

In the Market Square, before a dimly lighted shop, I saw a figure which I would have known anywhere, seen from the back or the front. It was Matthew Mugg, the Cats'-meat-Man. Just out of mischief, to see if he, too, would be unable to recognize me, I went up the shop front and stood, like him, looking in at the window. Presently he turned and looked at me. No. He didn't know me from Adam. Highly amused, I went on to the butcher's.

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Português

A pessoa pediu salsichas e o açougueiro as preparou. Embora o açougueiro conhecesse a pessoa, ele não parecia reconhecê-la, possivelmente porque as roupas da pessoa estavam velhas e gastas. Quando chegou a hora de pagar, a pessoa descobriu que só tinha duas grandes moedas de prata espanholas, que havia guardado de uma viagem às Ilhas Capa Blanca. O açougueiro olhou para essas moedas e balançou a cabeça.

Original English

I asked for the sausages. They were weighed out, wrapped and handed to me. The butcher was an old acquaintance of mine, but beyond glancing at my old clothes (they were patched and mended and sadly outgrown) he showed no sign of curiosity or recognition. But when I came to pay for my purchases I found to my dismay that the only money I had in my pockets was two large Spanish silver pieces, souvenirs of our stormy visit to the Capa Blanca Islands. The butcher looked at them and shook his head.

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Português

O açougueiro explicou que só podia aceitar dinheiro inglês.

Original English

"We only take English money here," he said.

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Português

A pessoa se desculpou, dizendo que era todo o dinheiro que tinha. Perguntou se o açougueiro podia trocar as moedas, destacando que elas eram de prata valiosa e que uma moeda deveria valer pelo menos uma coroa.

Original English

"I'm sorry," I said apologetically, "but that is all I have. Couldn't you exchange it for me? It is, as you see, good silver. One of these pieces should be worth a crown at least."

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Português

O açougueiro respondeu que, embora as moedas pudessem ser valiosas, ele não podia aceitá-las.

Original English

"Maybe it is," said the butcher. "But I can't take it."

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Português

O açougueiro parecia suspeito e um pouco irritado. Enquanto a pessoa pensava no que fazer, ele notou que outra pessoa estava observando eles. Ele se virou e viu que era Matthew Mugg, que o havia seguido até a loja.

Original English

He seemed sort of suspicious and rather annoyed. While I was wondering what I should do I became aware that there was a third party in the shop interested in what was going on. I turned to look. It was Matthew Mugg. He had followed me.

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Português

Um de seus olhos me olhou com uma expressão que sugeria que ele me conhecia um pouco. De repente, ele correu em minha direção e pegou minha mão.

Original English

This time his eye (the one that didn't squint) fixed me with a curious look of half-recognition. Suddenly he rushed at me and grabbed me by the hand.

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Português

Ele disse animadamente que era Tommy Stubbins. Ele explicou que Tommy havia crescido muito alto e bonito, parecendo muito mais moreno do que antes, tanto que sua própria mãe poderia não reconhecê-lo.

Original English

"It's Tommy!" he squeaked. "As I live it's Tommy Stubbins, grown so tall and handsome his own mother wouldn't know him, and as brown as a berry."

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Português

Matthew era conhecido pelos comerciantes locais, especialmente pelo açougueiro onde comprava ossos e carne para os cães. Ele então se virou para falar com o comerciante.

Original English

Matthew was, of course, well known to the tradesmen of the town — especially to the butcher, from whom he bought the bones and odd pieces of meat he fed to the dogs. He turned to the shopkeeper.

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Português

Ele disse a Alfred que a pessoa era Tommy Stubbins, filho de Jacob Stubbins, que havia retornado do exterior. Ele garantiu a Alfred que Tommy era confiável para pagar. Ele imaginou que Tommy estava fazendo compras para o Doutor e perguntou se o Doutor havia voltado com ele, parecendo preocupado e esperando que não tivesse voltado sozinho.

Original English

"Why, Alfred," he cried, "this is Tommy Stubbins, Jacob Stubbins's lad, back from furrin parts. No need to be worried about his credit, Alfred. He's shopping for the Doctor, I'll be bound. You brought the Doctor back with you?" he asked, peering at me anxiously. "Don't tell me you come back alone?"

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Português

Eu respondi que o Doutor estava aqui e seguro.

Original English

"No," I said. "The Doctor's here, safe and sound."

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Português

Um homem perguntou se a pessoa tinha acabado de chegar. Ele também disse que saberia se John Dolittle ficasse na cidade por muito tempo.

Original English

"You're just in, eh?" said he. "To-night — huh? John Dolittle couldn't be in this town long without my knowing it."

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Português

O narrador respondeu que sim. Ele explicou que John Dolittle estava vindo para a casa e havia pedido que ele comprasse algumas coisas. No entanto, o narrador mencionou que todo o dinheiro que ele tinha era de outro país.

Original English

"Yes," I said. "He's on his way up to the house now. Asked me to do a little shopping for him. But all the money I have is foreign."

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Português

O narrador falou com a confiança de alguém que já havia viajado muito. Ele olhou para o açougueiro com um pouco de orgulho, pensando que o açougueiro, que não tinha viajado, não poderia entender as dificuldades enfrentadas por um aventureiro.

Original English

I said this with the superior air of an experienced traveler, raising my eyebrows a little disdainfully at the obstinate butcher, whose stay-at-home mind couldn't be expected to appreciate a real adventurer's difficulties.

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Português

Matthew disse ao narrador que tinha certeza de que Alfred venderia as salsichas para ele.

Original English

"Oh, well, Alfred will let you have the sausages, I'm sure," said Matthew.

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Português

O narrador disse que reconheceu os rostos de mais da metade das pessoas que passaram.

Original English

"I knew the faces of more than half the folk who passed"

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Português

O açougueiro sorriu e concordou em deixar Tommy levar a carne. Ele explicou que sua loja não era um lugar para trocar dinheiro. Acrescentou que, se Tommy tivesse explicado desde o início quem ele era e para quem eram as salsichas, ele teria colocado o custo na conta do Doutor Dolittle. O açougueiro mencionou que o crédito do Doutor Dolittle nem sempre fora muito bom. Pediu a Tommy que levasse a carne e dissesse a John Dolittle que ele estava feliz por ele ter voltado em segurança.

Original English

"Why, yes, that's all right, Tommy," said the butcher, smiling at my airs. "Though we ain't exactly a money exchange, you know. But if you had said at first who you were, and who the sausages were for, I'd have charged them to the Doctor without a word — even though his credit hasn't always been of the best. Take the meat — and tell John Dolittle I'm glad he's back safe."

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Português

Tommy respondeu, agradecendo com um senso de importância.

Original English

"Thank you," I said, with dignity.

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Português

Tommy então pegou o pacote de carne debaixo de um braço, e com Matthew Mugg segurando seu outro braço, eles saíram para a rua.

Original English

Then, with my package beneath one arm and Matthew Mugg firmly grasping the other, I stepped forth into the street.

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Português

Enquanto caminhavam em direção à Oxenthorpe Road, Matthew disse a Tommy que toda vez que John Dolittle voltava de suas viagens, Matthew estava sempre lá para recebê-lo na primeira noite. Matthew explicou que John Dolittle nunca lhe contava quando viria, e muitas vezes preferia que as pessoas não soubessem. No entanto, Matthew sempre descobria rapidamente e ia recebê-lo. Então ele perguntou a Tommy se ele tinha vivido muitas aventuras e visto muitas coisas estranhas desde que se encontraram pela última vez.

Original English

"You know, Tommy," said Matthew, as we set off in the direction of the Oxenthorpe Road, "all the years that John Dolittle's been returning from voyages he ain't never got home once without me to welcome him the first night he got in. Not that he ever tells me he's coming, mind you. No, indeed. As often as not, I fancy, he'd rather no one knew. But somehow or other I always finds out before he's been in the town an hour, and right away I'm up there to welcome him. And once I'm inside the house, he seems to get used to me and be glad I'm there. I suppose you seen an awful lot of adventures and strange sights and things since I saw you last?"

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Português

Tommy disse a Matthew que eles realmente tinham visto mais do que ele esperava. Ele mencionou que trouxeram muitos cadernos e coletaram ervas valiosas de um naturalista indiano. Tommy também contou animadamente a Matthew que eles viajaram de volta dentro da concha de um caracol marinho gigante, que se moveu pelo fundo do oceano desde o outro lado do Atlântico.

Original English

"Yes, Matthew," I said. "We saw even more than I had thought or hoped we would. We have brought back notebooks by the barrow-load and a collection of wonderful herbs which were gathered by an Indian naturalist — frightfully valuable and important. And — what do you think, Matthew? — we came back inside the shell of a giant sea snail who crawled along the bottom of the ocean with us all the way from the other side of the Atlantic!"

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Português

Matthew explicou que o Doutor Dolittle teve muitas experiências incomuns. Ele costumava contar histórias sobre as viagens do Doutor em um bar à noite. No entanto, ele decidiu parar de contar essas histórias. Ele sentia que as pessoas não acreditavam nele quando ele falava sobre a habilidade do Doutor de falar com animais.

Original English

"Oh, well," said Matthew, "there be no end to the strange things Doctor John Dolittle's seen and gone through. I've given up talking about his voyagings and queer doings. Down in the tap-room of the Red Lion I used to tell about his travels — of an evening like, when folk enjoy a tale. But never no more. It's like this business of his speaking animal languages: people don't believe you; so what's the good?"

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Português

Eles estavam andando por uma estrada perto da casa do Doutor. Estava escuro, mas pássaros faziam barulho nas árvores. A notícia de que o Doutor estava voltando já havia se espalhado rapidamente entre os animais. Apesar do frio, muitos pássaros, como pardais, tordos, melros, corvos e estorninhos, haviam se reunido perto da casa do Doutor. Eles estavam esperando para recebê-lo de volta e esperavam vê-lo pela manhã.

Original English

We were now some half-mile along the Oxenthorpe Road and within a short distance of the Doctor's house. It was quite dark. But in the hedges and the trees all about us I could hear birds fluttering and chattering. In spite of Polynesia's request, the news had already spread, in that mysterious way it does in the Animal Kingdom. The season was still cold and few more than the winter birds could be found in England now. But round about the famous Little House with the Big Garden they were gathered in thousands — sparrows, robins, blackbirds, crows and starlings — to welcome the great man back, prepared to sit up all night just to see him in the morning.

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Português

Enquanto o narrador caminhava em direção à casa do Doutor, ele pensava em como a popularidade do Doutor Dolittle era diferente da das pessoas comuns. Se amigos humanos ficassem ausentes por muito tempo, poderiam ser esquecidos. Mas para o Doutor Dolittle e seus amigos animais, quanto mais tempo ele ficava ausente, mais animados eles ficavam ao vê-lo quando ele retornava.

Original English

And it occurred to me, as I walked up the steps and opened the little gate at the top, that such was the great difference between this strange popularity and friendship that the Doctor enjoyed and that of ordinary human society: with some friends, if you were away three years, it would mean you'd find yourself forgotten when you returned. But with John Dolittle and his animal friends, the longer he was gone the greater the welcome and rejoicing when he came home again.

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Português

A pessoa que estava falando era Matthew Mugg.

Original English

"It was Matthew Mugg"

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THE SURPRISE PARTY

Português

Matthew e o narrador entraram na casa pela porta da cozinha. Eles esperavam muito barulho e saudações. Em vez disso, a casa estava quieta. Apenas o Doutor Dolittle e Dab-Dab estavam lá. Dab-Dab disse ao narrador que ele tinha demorado muito para comprar as salsichas.

Original English

A S A MATTER of fact, I did not entirely miss witnessing the Doctor's homecoming. When Matthew and I entered at the kitchen door we found an air of mystery in the house. We had expected, of course, an enormous amount of noise — greetings, questions and so forth. But there wasn't a soul even visible besides the Doctor himself — and Dab-Dab who promptly berated me for taking so long over getting the sausages.

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Português

Quando eles entraram, o Doutor perguntou sobre a localização de Gub-Gub.

Original English

"But where is Gub-Gub?" the Doctor was asking as we came in.

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Português

Dab-Dab respondeu que não sabia onde Gub-Gub estava, mas que ele provavelmente chegaria em breve. Ela lembrou ao Doutor de lavar as mãos para o jantar, que estaria pronto em cinco minutos. Ela também pediu ajuda com as salsichas e mencionou que eles comeriam na sala de jantar.

Original English

"How on earth should I know, Doctor?" said Dab-Dab. "He'll turn up presently — and the rest of them, no doubt. Have you washed your hands for supper? Please don't leave it to the last moment. The food will be on the table in five minutes. I'll want you to help me, Tommy, with the sausages. By the way, Doctor, we're going to have supper in the dining room."

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Português

John Dolittle questionou por que eles estavam jantando na sala de jantar e perguntou por que não estavam usando a cozinha como de costume.

Original English

"In the dining room!" cried John Dolittle. "What on earth for? Why don't we use the kitchen as usual?"

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Português

Dab-Dab resmungou que a cozinha não era grande o suficiente.

Original English

"Not big enough," grunted Dab-Dab.

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Português

O narrador suspeitava que uma surpresa estava planejada. Quando a porta da sala de jantar se abriu, eles viram Gub-Gub, Too-Too, Swizzle, Toby e o camundongo branco, todos usando fantasias. Era uma festa surpresa para o Doutor.

Original English

I suspected from an odd look in the house-keeper's eye that there was some surprise in store. And, sure enough, when the dining room door was opened, there it was. The whole crowd of them, Gub-Gub, Too-Too, Swizzle, Toby and the white mouse, all in fancy dress. It was a surprise party given in the Doctor's honor.

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Português

A sala de jantar era um cômodo grande e antigo que o Doutor Dolittle não usava há muitos anos, desde que sua irmã Sarah havia partido. No entanto, para esta noite especial, estava decorada com papéis coloridos e fitas. Todos os animais estavam usando suas fantasias antigas de shows passados, e até o pequeno rato branco usava um colete e calças minúsculos que ele costumava vestir no famoso Circo Dolittle.

Original English

The dining room was a funny old stately chamber which the Doctor had closed up years and years ago — in fact, it had not been used since his sister Sarah had left him. But to-night it was gaily decorated with colored papers, ribbons and evergreens. The animals were all in their old pantomime costumes, even the white mouse was wearing a tiny waistcoat and pants in which he used to appear in the famous Dolittle Circus of bygone days.

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Português

Quando o Doutor chegou, os animais o cumprimentaram com barulhos altos e felizes. Eles haviam planejado um programa de entretenimento especial. A refeição era muito sofisticada, com uma mesa cheia de frutas e comidas deliciosas. Entre as partes principais da refeição, os animais que ficaram em casa se apresentaram. Gub-Gub leu um poema que ele escreveu sobre comida. Toby e Swizzle tiveram uma luta de boxe na mesa, usando luvas de boxe reais em suas patas. O rato branco apresentou o "Circo da Tigela de Ponche", que foi muito emocionante. Ele atuou como o mestre de cerimônias, usando um pequeno chapéu de papel. Seu show incluía uma senhora rato amazona que montava um esquilo veloz como um cavalo, um palhaço rato e um domador de leões com um rato vestido de leão.

Original English

Now, with the Doctor's appearance at the door, the noise which we had missed began in earnest. Barks, yelps and squeals of greeting broke forth. But there was very little disorderly behavior, for apparently a regular program of entertainment had been arranged. The meal was most elaborate, the table piled high with fruits and dainties of every kind. Between courses each one of the animals who had stayed at home had some performance to give. Gub-Gub recited one of his own food poems, entitled "The Wilted Cauliflower"; Toby and Swizzle gave a boxing match (the stage was the middle of the table) with real boxing gloves tied on their front paws; and the white mouse showed us what he called "The Punchbowl Circus." This took place in a large glass bowl, and was the most thrilling thing of its kind I have ever seen. The white mouse was ringmaster, and he swaggered about on his hind legs with a tiny top hat on his head made of paper. In his troupe he had a lady bareback rider, a clown and a lion tamer. The rider was another mouse (using a cutlet frill for a ballet skirt), and she rode a squirrel for a horse — the fastest mount I ever saw. The lion tamer was still another mouse, and his lion was a large rat dressed up with strings on his head for a mane.

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Português

O Circo Punchbowl foi provavelmente a parte de maior sucesso da noite. O rato branco tinha até usado maquiagem para parecer mais com um verdadeiro mestre de cerimônias, fazendo seus bigodes parecerem longos bigodes. A rata amazona pulou através de argolas de papel, o palhaço rato, que havia pintado o rosto, deu cambalhotas, e o rato vestido de leão rugiu alto.

Original English

Taken all in all, the Punchbowl Circus was, I think, the greatest success of the evening. The white mouse had even, in a way, made himself up. With some heavy black grease paint, which Swizzle, the old clown dog of the circus, had lent him from his own private makeup box, he had waxed his whiskers together so that they looked exactly like the long, ferocious mustachios of a regular ringmaster. The lady bareback artist leapt through paper hoops, the mouse clown (also made up with a red and white face), threw somersaults, and the rat lion roared savagely.

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Português

Alguém comentou que não adiantava tentar porque as pessoas não acreditavam neles.

Original English

"'People don't believe you, so what's the use?'"

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Português

O Doutor Dolittle, rindo das ações engraçadas do palhaço rato, perguntou como eles conseguiram preparar um show tão bom tão rapidamente. Ele disse que era melhor do que qualquer coisa que ele tinha visto em seu próprio circo, especialmente porque eles só tiveram meia hora de aviso antes de ele chegar.

Original English

"I don't know how on earth you all managed to get the show ready in time," said the Doctor, tears of laughter running down his cheeks at the antics of the mouse clown. "It's better than anything I ever had in my circus. And you only knew I was coming half an hour before I got here. How did you do it?"

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Português

Dab-Dab explicou ao Doutor que Gub-Gub teve a ideia de usar fantasias, fitas e sempre-vivas. Ela disse que eles viraram a casa e o jardim de cabeça para baixo para encontrá-los. Dab-Dab achou que isso era uma perda de tempo porque ela precisava de ajuda para limpar a casa antes da chegada do Doutor.

Original English

"You'll soon see how it was done if you go upstairs, Doctor," said Dab-Dab severely. "It was Gub-Gub's idea. They turned the house inside out to get the costumes and the ribbons and they turned the garden upside down to get the evergreens. Tut! Such foolishness! And just when I needed every one of them to help me put the house in proper order against your coming."

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Português

O Doutor riu e disse a Dab-Dab para não se preocupar. Ele disse que a experiência foi muito agradável e valeu a pena. Ele também mencionou que eles poderiam arrumar a casa rapidamente porque Stubbins, Bumpo e ele estavam lá para ajudar.

Original English

"Oh, well, never mind, Dab-Dab," said the Doctor, still laughing. "It was worth it. I never enjoyed anything so much in all my life. We can soon get the house straightened out. You have Stubbins and Bumpo and me to help you now, you know."

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Português

Dab-Dab também disse que não tinha certeza onde Bumpo dormiria. Ela explicou que nenhuma das camas que eles tinham era grande o suficiente para ele.

Original English

"Yes, and I don't know where I'm going to put Bumpo to sleep, either," said Dab-Dab. "None of the beds we have will fit him."

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Português

O Doutor respondeu que eles encontrariam uma forma de se virar. Ele sugeriu que, se fosse necessário, eles poderiam colocar dois colchões no chão juntos para Bumpo.

Original English

"Well, we'll manage," said the Doctor. "If the worst comes to the worst we can put two mattresses together on the floor."

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Português

Então, Gub-Gub disse ao Doutor que era a vez dele de se apresentar. Ele disse que eles estavam ansiosos para ouvir sobre todos os lugares que o Doutor havia visitado desde a última vez que o viram.

Original English

"And now, Doctor," said Gub-Gub, "your part of the performance begins. We want to hear all about your travels since you left here."

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Português

Todos concordaram e pediram que a história começasse desde o início.

Original English

"Yes, yes," they all cried. "Begin at the beginning."

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Português

John Dolittle exclamou que era impossível contar a eles todas as suas histórias de três anos em apenas uma noite.

Original English

"But, good gracious!" cried John Dolittle. "I couldn't tell you our complete diary for three years in one evening!"

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Português

O rato branco sugeriu contar apenas parte da história naquela noite e guardar o restante para a noite seguinte.

Original English

"Well, tell us some of it," squeaked the white mouse; "and keep the rest for to-morrow night."

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Português

O Doutor acendeu seu cachimbo, que Chee-Chee havia trazido com o pote de tabaco. Ele começou a contar a história de suas viagens. Muitas pessoas e animais se reuniram em volta da longa mesa de jantar para ouvir. A casa do Doutor estava completa com Bumpo, Matthew Mugg, o escritor, Dab-Dab, Gub-Gub, Chee-Chee, Polynesia, Jip, Too-Too, Toby, Swizzle e o camundongo branco. Assim que ele estava prestes a começar, um som veio da janela.

Original English

So, lighting his pipe, which, with the tobacco jar, Chee-Chee brought down off the mantelpiece, the Doctor began at the beginning — the tale of his travels. It was a wonderful scene — the long dining room table packed all around with listening faces, animal and human. The Doctor's household had never, to my knowledge, been so complete before: Bumpo, Matthew Mugg, myself, Dab-Dab, Gub-Gub, Chee-Chee, Polynesia, Jip, Too-Too, Toby, Swizzle and the white mouse. And then, just as he was about to begin there came a thud at the window, and a voice said:

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Português

Uma voz pediu para entrar, dizendo que também queria ouvir a história.

Original English

"Let me in. I want to listen, too."

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Português

O velho cavalo manco do estábulo ouviu um barulho. Ele entendeu que o Doutor finalmente havia chegado e veio se juntar ao grupo.

Original English

It was the old lame horse from the stable. He had heard the noise, and, realizing that the Doctor had arrived at last, had come across to join the party.

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Português

O cavalo entrou pelas portas do jardim, o que irritou Dab-Dab, a governanta. Ela insistiu que ele limpasse a lama dos cascos antes de entrar. O cavalo andou calmamente pela sala sem perturbar nada e sentou-se perto do Doutor. Ele explicou que queria ficar perto porque sua audição não estava muito boa. O Doutor Dolittle ficou muito feliz em vê-lo.

Original English

Greatly to Dab-Dab's annoyance the double French windows which opened onto the garden were unlatched and the old lame horse invited to join the party. The good housekeeper did insist, however, that I brush his hoofs clean of mud before he was allowed in onto the carpets. It was surprising to see how naturally he took to such unusual surroundings. He passed through the room without upsetting anything and took up a place between the Doctor's chair and the sideboard. He said he wanted to be near the speaker, because his hearing wasn't what it used to be. John Dolittle was overjoyed to see him.

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Português

O cavalo disse ao Doutor que estava a caminho de visitá-lo quando o jantar foi anunciado. Ele também perguntou se o Doutor estava recebendo sua aveia e cevada regularmente desde que ele havia estado fora.

Original English

"I was on my way out to your stable to call on you," he said, "when supper was announced. You know how particular Dab-Dab is. Have you been getting your oats and barley regularly since I've been gone?"

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Português

O cavalo velho respondeu que tudo estava bem. Ele mencionou que estava um pouco solitário sem o Doutor e o Jip, mas que, no resto, estava tudo bem.

Original English

"Yes, thank you," said the old horse. "Everything's been quite all right — lonely, of course, somewhat, without you and Jip — but all right otherwise."

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Português

O Doutor começou a contar sua história novamente, mas alguém bateu na janela mais uma vez, interrompendo-o.

Original English

Once more the Doctor settled down to begin his story and once more he was interrupted by a tapping at the window.

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Português

Gub-Gub gritou, perguntando quem estava lá.

Original English

"Oh, goodness! Who is it now?" wailed Gub-Gub.

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Português

O narrador abriu a janela, e três pássaros voaram para dentro. Esses pássaros eram Cheapside, sua esposa Becky, e Speedy-the-Skimmer.

Original English

I opened the window and three birds fluttered in — Cheapside, with his wife Becky, and the famous Speedy-the-Skimmer.

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Português

Gub-Gub recitou um de seus poemas sobre comida.

Original English

"Gub-Gub recited one of his food poems"

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Português

Cheapside, um pardal cockney, voou para cima da mesa. Ele disse ao Doutor que ele e sua esposa Becky haviam procurado por horas para encontrar uma maneira de entrar na casa. Ele ficou feliz em ver o Doutor novamente. Ele explicou que ouviu dos pombos que o Doutor tinha voltado, então eles decidiram visitá-lo. Ele começou a dizer que ninguém jamais poderia...

Original English

"Bless my soul!" chirped the Cockney sparrow, flying up onto the table. "If anybody ever broke into this 'ouse 'e'd deserve all 'e could pinch. That's what I say. Me and Becky 'as been pokin' round the doors and windows for hours, lookin' for a way in. Might as well try to get into the Bank of Hengland after closin' time. Well, Doc, 'ere we are! The old firm! Glad to see you back. Me and the missis was just turnin' in up at St. Paul's when we 'eard the pigeons gossipin' below us. There was a rumor, they said, that you'd got back. So I says to Becky, I says, 'Let's take a run down to Puddleby and see.' 'Right you are,' says she. And down we come. Nobody can't never — —"

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Português

Too-Too interrompeu Cheapside, dizendo para ele ficar quieto. Too-Too disse que o Doutor ia falar sobre sua viagem e que eles não queriam ouvir Cheapside a noite toda.

Original English

"Oh, be quiet!" Too-Too broke in. "The Doctor is about to tell us of his voyage. We don't want to listen to you all night."

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Português

Cheapside falou com Cross-eyes enquanto comia. Ele disse a Cross-eyes para se acalmar e perguntou há quanto tempo ele era dono da casa. Então, Cheapside pediu a Speedy que viesse para um lugar mais quente.

Original English

"All right, Cross-eyes, all right," said Cheapside, picking up a crumb from the table and talking with his mouth full, "keep your feathers on. 'Ow long 'ave you owned this 'ouse, anyway? Hey, Speedy, come over 'ere where it's warmer."

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Português

A famosa andorinha, que era uma voadora muito rápida, moveu-se para um lugar mais quente. Ela havia retornado à Inglaterra mais cedo do que o normal, mas o clima quente havia terminado. Agora estava frio, e a andorinha estava tremendo.

Original English

The famous swallow, champion speed flyer of Europe, Africa and America, modestly came forward to a warmer place under the branching candlesticks. He had returned to England a little earlier this year than usual, but the warm weather which had tempted him northward had given way to a cold snap. And now in the brighter light near the center of the table we could plainly see that he was shivering.

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Português

A andorinha disse calmamente que estava feliz em ver o Doutor. Ela pediu desculpas por interromper e pediu que o Doutor começasse a contar sua história.

Original English

"Glad to see you, Doctor," said he quietly. "Excuse us interrupting you like this. Please begin, won't you?"

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THE NEW ZOO

Português

Tarde da noite, John Dolittle contou à sua família a história de sua viagem. Gub-Gub continuava adormecendo e depois acordava sentindo raiva porque estava preocupado por ter perdido as partes mais interessantes.

Original English

S O, FAR INTO the night, John Dolittle told his household the story of his voyage. Gub-Gub kept falling asleep and then waking up very angry with himself because he was afraid he had missed the best parts.

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Português

Por volta das duas da manhã, o Doutor decidiu que todos deveriam ir para a cama, mesmo que ele não tivesse terminado sua história. Ele disse que continuariam o resto das aventuras na noite seguinte.

Original English

Somewhere around two o'clock in the morning, although he was not more than half done, the Doctor insisted that everybody go to bed and the rest of the adventures be put off until to-morrow night.

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Português

O dia seguinte foi extremamente ocupado para o Doutor. Muitas pessoas e animais precisavam de sua ajuda ao mesmo tempo. Primeiro, havia pacientes esperando na porta da clínica. Entre eles, um esquilo com uma garra machucada, um coelho perdendo o pelo e uma raposa com um olho ferido.

Original English

The following day was, I think, the busiest day I have ever seen the Doctor put in. Everybody and everything demanded his attention at once. First of all, of course, there were patients waiting at the surgery door: a squirrel with a broken claw, a rabbit who was losing his fur, a fox with a sore eye.

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Português

O jardim do Doutor estava muito bagunçado porque não tinha sido cuidado por três anos. Ele ficou muito triste ao ver como estava abandonado. No entanto, muitos pássaros do campo vieram saudá-lo, o que o ajudou a esquecer suas preocupações por um tempo. Pássaros como estorninhos e corvos voavam ao redor dele em grande número.

Original English

Then there was the garden, the Doctor's well-beloved garden. What a mess it was in, to be sure! Three years of weeds, three years of over-growth, three years of neglect! He almost wept as he stepped out of the kitchen door and saw the desolation of it fully revealed in the bright morning sunlight. Luckily the country birds who had been waiting all night to greet him helped to take his mind off it for a while. It reminded me of the pictures of St. Francis and the pigeons, as the starlings, crows, robins and blackbirds swarmed down about him in clouds as soon as he appeared.

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Português

Bumpo, o narrador e Chee-Chee decidiram ajudar a limpar o jardim porque o Doutor estava chateado com sua condição. Muitos animais pequenos também se voluntariaram, como ratos do campo, ratos, texugos e esquilos. Os animais trabalharam duro apesar de seu tamanho. Por exemplo, as toupeiras cavaram o canteiro de ervas muito bem e separaram as ervas daninhas. Chee-Chee coletou as ervas daninhas em seu carrinho de mão. Os esquilos limparam os caminhos juntando folhas e galhos para a pilha de compostagem. Os texugos ajudaram podando as raízes das macieiras no subsolo.

Original English

Bumpo and I, realizing how deeply affected he was by the sad state of his garden, decided to put our shoulder to the wheel and see what we could do toward cleaning it up. Chee-Chee also volunteered to help, and so did a great number of smaller animals like field mice, rats, badgers and squirrels. And, despite their tiny size, it was astonishing to see how much they could do. For example, two families of moles (who are usually a great pest in a garden) dug up, after the Doctor had explained what he wanted, the entire herb bed next to the peach wall and turned it over better than any professional gardener would have done. They sorted out the weeds from the herb roots and gathered them into neat piles, which Chee-Chee collected in his wheelbarrow. The squirrels were splendid as general clean-up men. They collected all the fallen twigs and leaves and other refuse which littered the gravel walks and carried them to the compost heap behind the potting shed. The badgers helped by burrowing down and pruning the roots of the apple trees underground.

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Português

O mestre de cerimônias do Circo Punchbowl.

Original English

"The ringmaster of the Punchbowl Circus"

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Português

Too-Too, o contador, falou com o Doutor sobre as finanças deles para que Dab-Dab soubesse quanto dinheiro eles tinham. Eles tinham dinheiro de prata espanhol, que, quando trocado por libras inglesas, era suficiente para sustentá-los por vários meses. Dab-Dab ficou aliviada, mas permaneceu atenta às novas ideias do Doutor. Ela sabia que ele tendia a gastar mais dinheiro quando o tinha.

Original English

Then, in the middle of the morning Too-Too, the accountant, wanted to go into money matters with the Doctor, so that Dab-Dab might see how much she had to keep house with. Fortunately, the Spanish silver we had brought back from the Capa Blancas (largely out of Bumpo's bet, which the Doctor didn't know anything about) looked, when changed into English pounds, as though it should keep us all comfortably for some months at least without worry. This was a great relief to Dab-Dab, though, as usual, she kept an anxious eye on any new schemes of the Doctor's, remembering from the past that the more money he had, the more extravagant he was likely to be.

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Português

Os animais Too-Too, Polynesia e Dab-Dab estavam analisando as finanças do Doutor. Faziam isso em segredo, quando ele não estava por perto.

Original English

It was a funny sight to see those wiseacres, Too-Too, Polynesia and Dab-Dab, putting their heads together over the Doctor's money affairs while his back was turned.

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Português

Polynesia mencionou que o Doutor deveria ganhar muito dinheiro com as ervas novas e especiais que Long Arrow havia trazido.

Original English

"But, look here," Polynesia put in, "the Doctor ought to make a lot of money out of all these new and precious herbs of Long Arrow's which he brought back."

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Português

O falante discordou, dizendo que o Doutor provavelmente não venderia as ervas. Ele acreditava que elas eram destinadas a ajudar as pessoas, não a serem vendidas.

Original English

"Oh, hardly," said I. "You'll probably find he'll refuse to profit by them at all. In his eyes they are medicines for humanity's benefit; not things to sell."

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Português

O zoológico também precisava da atenção do Doutor naquela manhã. Matthew Mugg chegou cedo para examiná-lo com ele. Muitos animais haviam sido enviados embora porque eram muito difíceis de cuidar. No entanto, alguns animais, como as marmotas canadenses e os visons de regiões mais frias, puderam ficar porque pediram para permanecer.

Original English

And then, in addition to all the other departments of his strange establishment which claimed the Doctor's attention that morning, there was the zoo. Matthew Mugg was on hand very early to go over it with him. Not very many of the old inmates were there now. Quite a number had been sent away before the Doctor left, because he felt that in his absence their care would be too ticklish a job for Matthew to manage alone. But there were a few who had begged very hard to remain, some of the more northerly animals like the Canadian woodchucks and the minks.

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Português

Enquanto caminhavam pelas casas limpas dos animais, que Matthew Mugg mantinha em excelente estado, o Doutor disse a Stubbins que estava pensando em mudar todo o sistema do zoológico.

Original English

"You know, Stubbins," said the Doctor as we passed down between the clean, empty houses (Matthew had in our absence really kept the place in wonderful condition), "I have a notion to change the whole system of my zoo."

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Português

O narrador pediu ao Doutor Dolittle que explicasse o que ele queria dizer.

Original English

"How do you mean?" I asked.

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Português

O Doutor Dolittle explicou sua nova ideia. Ele costumava manter animais estrangeiros incomuns, mas agora quer usar seu grande jardim, que tem mais de um acre, para animais locais. Ele disse que muitos animais queriam morar com ele e que planejava criar uma "Cidade dos Animais". Ele queria iniciar clubes, como um "Clube dos Ratos e Camundongos" e um "Lar para Cães de Raça Mista", porque muitos cães sem raça definida não tinham lar. Ele pediu a opinião do narrador sobre a ideia.

Original English

"Well," said he, "so far I had kept it mostly for foreign exhibits — rather unusual animals — though, as you know, I always avoided the big hunting creatures. But now I think I'll give it over almost entirely to our native animals. There are a great many who want to live with me — many more than we can possibly manage in the house. You see, we have a big space here, over an acre, altogether. It used to be a sort of a bowling green hundreds of years ago, when an old castle stood where the house is now. It is walled in — private and secluded. Look at it. We could make this into a regular ideal Animal Town. Something quite new. You can help me with the planning of it. I thought I would have several clubs in it. The Rat and Mouse Club is one that I have been thinking of for a long time. Several rats and mice have asked me to start it. And, then, the Home for Cross-Bred Dogs is another. A tremendous lot of dogs — of no particular breed — call on me from time to time and ask if they can live with me. Jip will tell you all about it. I hate to turn them away, because I know many of them have no place to live — and people don't want them because they're not what is called thoroughbred. Silly idea. Myself, I've usually found that the mongrels had more character and sense than the prize winners. But there you are. What do you think of my idea?"

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Português

O narrador disse ao Doutor Dolittle que sua ideia era excelente e ajudaria Dab-Dab. Ele mencionou que Dab-Dab frequentemente se preocupava com os ratos usando fronhas e franjas de toalhas de banho do armário de roupas de cama para fazer seus ninhos.

Original English

"I think it's just a marvelous idea, Doctor," I cried. "And it will certainly relieve poor old Dab-Dab of an awful lot of worry. She is always grumbling over the way the mice eat the pillow slips in the linen closet and use the fringes off the bath towels to make their nests with."

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Português

O Doutor concordou.

Original English

"'All right, Cross-eyes'"

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Português

Doutor Dolittle disse que eles não haviam encontrado os animais responsáveis por pegar a roupa de cama. Ele explicou que, embora não se importasse se as fronhas tivessem buracos ou se as toalhas perdessem as franjas, Dab-Dab era muito exigente com seu armário de linho. Em seguida, ele pediu a Stubbins que planejasse o novo zoológico com a Polinésia, já que estava muito ocupado com seu trabalho médico, escrevendo notas e a coleção de Long Arrow. Ele também pediu a Stubbins que consultasse o camundongo branco sobre os aposentos para o Clube do Rato e do Camundongo.

Original English

"Yes," said the Doctor, "and we've never been able to find out who the culprits are. Each one, when I ask him, says he didn't do it. But the linen goes on disappearing, just the same. Of course, myself, I'm not very particular if a pillow slip has an extra hole in it or not. And bath towels don't have to have fringes. But Dab-Dab's awfully persnickety. Her linen closet — gracious! — for her it is the same as the garden is for me: the most important thing!... Well, now, Stubbins, supposing as soon as we get some of these poor old fruit trees into shape you plan out the new zoo for me. Get Polynesia to help you. She's full of ideas, as you know. Unfortunately, I've got my hands more than full already with the surgery and the writing up of the notebooks we brought back (I'll want you to help me on that, too) — to say nothing of Long Arrow's collection. Otherwise I could work with you on the first lay-out of the zoo. But you and Polynesia can do it between you. By the way, consult the white mouse about the quarters for the Rat and Mouse Club, will you?"

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Português

Este foi o início do novo Dolittle Zoo. O narrador estava muito interessado e se sentiu orgulhoso porque o Doutor Dolittle lhe havia dado muita responsabilidade. Ele não percebeu o quão grande a instituição se tornaria. Ele achou que deveria ter sido chamado de "Animal Town" ou "Animal Clubland" em vez de um zoológico, mas o nome "zoo" já era usado para aquela parte do jardim e permaneceu.

Original English

Well, that was the beginning of the new Dolittle Zoo. It was, of course, a thing that interested me tremendously, and I felt very proud that the Doctor had intrusted such a large measure of the responsibility to me. But I had very little idea, at the outset, into what an enormous institution it was to grow. "Animal Town" or "Animal Clubland" is really what it should have been called, instead of a zoo. But we had always called that part of the garden the zoo, and that name persisted.

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Português

A ideia de zoológico do Doutor Dolittle era diferente da do público. Ele acreditava que um zoológico deveria ser um lar para os animais, não uma prisão. O zoológico foi projetado com a ideia principal de que os animais deveriam ficar confortáveis e felizes. Alguns métodos antigos foram mantidos, como ter trincos na parte interna das casas para que os animais pudessem entrar e sair quando quisessem. Os moradores podiam pegar chaves para suas casas se quisessem. Havia algumas regras, mas elas foram feitas para proteger os animais uns dos outros, não para limitar sua liberdade. Por exemplo, os animais tinham que avisar seus vizinhos se planejassem uma festa, e não era permitido cantar músicas altas depois da meia-noite.

Original English

But if it wasn't a regular zoo to the ordinary public's way of thinking, it was very certainly Doctor Dolittle's idea of one. In his opinion, a zoo should be an animals' home, not an animals' prison. Every detail of our zoo (as with the first one the Doctor had shown me long ago) was worked out with this idea foremost in mind, that the animals should be made comfortable and happy. Many of the old things were kept the same. For example, the latches to the houses were all on the inside, so that the animals could come in and go out when they chose. Latchkeys were given out (if a tenant wanted one) when a house or room or hole was let. There were certain rules, it is true, although the Doctor was not fond of rules, but they were all drawn up to protect the animals against one another, rather than to enslave them or cut off their liberty in any way. For instance, any one wishing to give a party had to notify his next-door neighbor (they were very close, of course); and no tenant was allowed to sing comic songs after midnight.

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Português

Isso descreve pacientes esperando do lado de fora do consultório médico.

Original English

"Patients waiting at the surgery door"

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ANIMAL TOWN

Português

O Doutor Dolittle frequentemente achava difícil guardar segredos, o que talvez não seja surpreendente, já que as pessoas também acham difícil guardar segredos. Quando o narrador contou à Polinésia sobre o plano para o novo zoológico, ela imediatamente o advertiu.

Original English

ONE OF THE greatest difficulties the Doctor had in all his dealings with the Animal Kingdom was that of keeping anything secret. But then, I suppose, when we remember how hard it is for people to keep secrets, that need not be so surprising. Polynesia, as soon as I told her about the idea of the new zoo, immediately warned me.

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Português

Polynesia aconselhou Tommy a manter a ideia do zoológico em segredo pelo maior tempo possível. Ela o alertou que, se ele não fizesse isso, nem ele nem o Doutor teriam paz.

Original English

"Keep this to yourself, now, Tommy, as long as you can. If you don't, neither you nor the Doctor will get any peace."

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Português

A notícia se espalhou de que o Doutor Dolittle estava ampliando seu zoológico para muitos novos animais. Muitos animais queriam morar lá e se candidatavam constantemente. Parecia que todos os animais do mundo estavam esperando por essa chance.

Original English

I certainly kept it to myself. But nevertheless the news leaked out somehow that John Dolittle was reorganizing and enlarging his zoo in order that a lot of new animals might live with him. And then, exactly as Polynesia had prophesied, we were pestered to death morning, noon and night with applications. You would think that all the animals in the world had been waiting the whole of their lives for a chance to get into the Doctor's household.

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Português

O Doutor Dolittle anunciou que todas as solicitações para o novo zoológico deveriam passar pelo narrador, que era o gerente assistente. Isso o ajudou muito, mas muitos animais que o conheciam há muito tempo ainda pediam a ele diretamente um lugar.

Original English

He at once had it announced that as I was to be the assistant manager of the new zoo all applications must be made through me. But even so, of course, while that did relieve him of a good deal of annoyance, a great many animals who had known him a long time applied to him direct for a home in the new establishment.

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Português

Foi difícil pedir que alguns dos animais antigos fossem embora. Alguns animais não estavam saudáveis em Puddleby. Por exemplo, dois castores estavam frequentemente doentes e não em boas condições. Eles gostavam muito do Doutor e não queriam voltar para o Canadá, mas ele viu que eles estavam muito doentes e decidiu que era mais gentil ser firme.

Original English

And then we had quite a difficult time sending away some of the old tenants. The Doctor had found that for many foreigners the climate of Puddleby was quite unsuitable. There were a pair of beavers, for example, who had been sick a good deal and quite noticeably out of condition almost the whole time. But they were so attached to the Doctor that although he had often suggested sending them back to Canada they had always politely but stubbornly declined. However, on the Doctor's return this time he found them in such poor health he decided it would be kinder to be firm.

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Português

O Doutor Dolittle disse aos castores que o clima era muito ruim para eles e estava prejudicando a saúde deles. Ele explicou que eles precisavam voltar para o Canadá para o próprio bem deles.

Original English

"Listen," he said to them, "you may not know it, but this climate is very, very bad for you. It is either not cold enough or not dry enough — or something. I can't have you throwing your health away like this out of mere sentiment. You've got to go back to Canada."

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Português

Os dois castores começaram a chorar. Eles só concordaram em voltar para o Canadá depois que o Doutor Dolittle prometeu que eles poderiam retornar em dois anos, se ainda quisessem.

Original English

Well, the beavers just burst into tears, both of them. And it was not until John Dolittle had promised them that they should come back after two years — if at the end of that time they still wanted to — that they were consoled and consented to go.

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Português

O assistente de gerente tinha a tarefa de enviar os castores de volta para o Canadá. Isso era difícil porque ele não podia entregá-los a qualquer um. Ele passou vários dias procurando um comissário de bordo perto das docas. Encontrou um que era honesto e confiável. O comissário concordou em levar os castores para Halifax em seu navio por algum dinheiro. Ele os soltaria em um rio fora da cidade.

Original English

It was part of my duties as assistant manager to secure the beavers' passage back to Canada. This was no simple matter, as you can easily imagine, because, of course, I could not just hand them over to any one. I spent several days around the docks of Tilbury before I found a ship's steward whose references for honesty and reliability were such as to satisfy the Doctor. For a certain sum of money he agreed to take them to Halifax on his ship's next voyage to Nova Scotia and to let them go at the mouth of a river well outside the limits of the town.

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Português

Muitos animais queriam viver no zoológico. Além disso, quando os animais ouviram falar do Clube dos Ratos e Camundongos do Doutor Dolittle, outros animais de todo o mundo enviaram grupos para perguntar se também poderiam ter um clube.

Original English

Not only were there many applications from single animals and families of animals for accommodations in our zoo, but as soon as it got abroad that John Dolittle was going to set up his long-promised Rat and Mouse Club every other species of animal on earth, it seemed to me, sent committees to him to ask couldn't they have a club, too.

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Português

Polinésia e o narrador estavam olhando um mapa do novo zoológico. Polinésia lhe disse que ela o havia avisado sobre isso. Ela disse que mesmo que o zoológico fosse dez vezes maior, não seria grande o suficiente para abrigar todos os animais.

Original English

"I told you what it would be like," said Polynesia, as she and I were pondering one day over a map of the new zoo which I had laid out. "If the space you had was ten times as big you couldn't accommodate them all."

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Português

Um rato branco, que se sentia importante porque o Doutor estava pedindo sua opinião, sugeriu que desenhassem todos os diferentes lugares para animais no mapa. Ele disse que isso os ajudaria a ver quanto espaço restava e quantos clubes eles poderiam criar.

Original English

"But look here," said the white mouse (it was most amusing to see how important he had become now that he was being consulted in the Doctor's schemes), "suppose we set out on your drawing here all the different establishments, private houses, flats, hotels, clubs and what not, then we can see better how much room there is left and how many clubs we can have."

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Português

O narrador concordou com o rato branco, dizendo que era uma boa ideia. Ele explicou que, depois que o zoológico fosse construído, seria muito difícil mudar as coisas. Os animais também naturalmente ficariam infelizes se suas casas fossem movidas.

Original English

"Yes," I said, "that's a good idea, because once we get the zoo running it will be very hard to dig things out and change them around afterwards. The animals would very naturally object to that."

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Português

O rato branco sugeriu que eles deveriam ter algumas lojas e perguntou se os outros concordavam.

Original English

"And then I think we ought to have some shops," said the white mouse. "Don't you?"

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Português

O narrador ficou surpreso e perguntou por que as lojas eram necessárias.

Original English

"Shops!" I cried. "What on earth for?"

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Português

O rato branco explicou que o local se tornaria como uma cidade de animais com uma rua principal. Ele achava que lojas seriam úteis para os animais comprarem alimentos como nozes e grãos, e que restaurantes também seriam uma boa ideia para fazer refeições.

Original English

"Well, you see," said he, "by the time we're finished it will be like a town anyhow — an animal town — with a main street, I suppose, and the houses and clubs either side. A few shops where the squirrels could buy nuts and the mice could get acorns and grains of wheat — don't you see? — it would liven things up a bit. Nothing cheers a town up so much as good shops. And I think a restaurant or two where we could go and get our meals if we came home late and hadn't time to raise our own supper — yes, that's a good notion — we should surely have a restaurant or two."

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Português

Polinésia perguntou quem seria responsável por administrar as lojas, destacando que lojas e cafés não funcionam por conta própria.

Original English

"But who are you going to get to run these shops?" asked Polynesia. "Stores and cafés don't run themselves, you know."

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Português

Os animais discutiram as questões financeiras do Doutor.

Original English

"Putting their heads together over the Doctor's money affairs"

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Português

O rato branco riu e disse que era simples. Ele explicou que muitos ratos e ratazanas ficariam muito felizes em administrar uma loja de nozes ou um restaurante. Ele achava que eles tinham um talento natural para negócios, especialmente para serviços de alimentação.

Original English

"Oh, that's easy," laughed the white mouse. "I know lots of mice — and rats, too — who would jump at the chance to run a nut store or a restaurant — just have a natural gift for business, especially catering."

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Português

Polinésia respondeu que isso poderia ser verdade para os ratos e camundongos. No entanto, ela lembrou a ele que havia muitos outros animais no zoológico. Ela destacou que o zoológico não tinha a intenção de ser apenas para ratos e camundongos.

Original English

"Maybe, for the rats and mice," said Polynesia. "But they're not the only ones in the zoo, remember. This isn't just a rat and mouse town."

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Português

O rato branco pensou que o zoológico naturalmente se dividiria em diferentes áreas. Ele perguntou a Tommy se ele lembrava de ter prometido a eles a área perto da entrada principal para o clube deles. Ele disse que já havia planejado toda a seção em sua mente e que ela se tornaria um bairro pequeno muito atraente.

Original English

"Well, I imagine it will probably separate itself into districts anyway," said the white mouse. "You won't forget, Tommy, that you've promised us the top end, near the gate, for our club? I have that whole section laid out in my mind's eye complete. And it is going to be just the niftiest little neighborhood you ever saw."

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Português

Depois de muito planejamento e trabalho duro, eles conseguiram abrir o novo zoológico. As primeiras instalações públicas incluíam: um prédio de apartamentos para coelhos com muitos buracos e um jardim compartilhado para alface, um local para cães de raças mistas, um clube para ratos e camundongos, uma taverna para texugos, uma casa de reuniões para raposas e um hotel para esquilos.

Original English

Well, after a tremendous amount of planning and working out we finally got the new zoo going. The list of public institutions with which it began was as follows: The Rabbits' Apartment House (this consisted of an enormous mound full of rabbit holes with a community lettuce garden attached), the Home for Cross-Bred Dogs, the Rat and Mouse Club, the Badgers' Tavern, the Foxes' Meeting House and the Squirrels' Hotel.

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Português

Cada um desses lugares funcionava como um clube. Era importante controlar cuidadosamente quem podia entrar porque milhares de animais de cada tipo queriam se tornar membros. Para aqueles que não podiam ser aceitos, seus nomes eram colocados em uma lista de espera. Quando um membro saía, o que era raro, uma pessoa da lista era convidada a entrar. Todo clube tinha um presidente e um comitê responsáveis por sua boa administração e funcionamento tranquilo.

Original English

Each of these was a sort of club in its way. And we had to be most particular about limiting the membership, because from the outset thousands of creatures of each kind wanted to join. The best we could do for those who were not taken in was to keep their names on a waiting list, and as members left (which was very seldom) admit them one by one. Each club had its president and committee who were responsible for the proper organization and orderly carrying on of the establishment.

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Português

Como um rato branco havia previsto, a nova cidade dos animais dentro das muralhas antigas foi dividida em diferentes áreas. Animais de diferentes partes frequentemente se encontravam na rua principal, mas na maioria das vezes cuidavam da própria vida e não interferiam uns com os outros.

Original English

As the white mouse had prophesied, our new animal town within the high walls of the old bowling green did naturally divide itself up into districts. And the animals from each, while they often mingled in the main street with those from other quarters of the town, minded their own business, and no one interfered with anybody else.

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Português

A regra mais importante para o Zoológico do Dr. Dolittle era que a caça não era permitida dentro da cidade. Por exemplo, cães do Lar para Cães de Raça Mista não tinham permissão para caçar ratos dentro do zoológico, e raposas não podiam perseguir pássaros ou esquilos.

Original English

This we had to make the first and most important rule of the Dolittle Zoo: within the walls of the town all hunting was forbidden. No member of the Home for Cross-Bred Dogs was allowed to go ratting — in the zoo. No fox was permitted to chase birds or squirrels.

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Português

Quando os animais não precisavam mais se preocupar em ser caçados por seus inimigos naturais, eles começaram a viver de uma maneira nova e mais relaxada. Por exemplo, era comum ver uma mãe esquilo descansando do lado de fora de sua casa com seus filhos, enquanto terriers passeavam nas proximidades pela rua sem causar nenhum problema.

Original English

And it was surprising how, when the danger of pursuit by their natural enemies was removed, all the different sorts of animals took up a new, freer and more open kind of life. For instance, it was no unusual thing in Animal Town to see a mother squirrel lolling on her veranda, surrounded by her children, while a couple of terriers walked down the street within a yard of them.

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Português

Ratos e camundongos, que gostavam da vida na cidade, usavam principalmente as lojas e restaurantes. Essa área ficou conhecida como Cidade dos Ratos. No entanto, outros animais como raposas, cães e corvos também compravam comida lá, frequentemente nas noites de sábado. Os meninos entregadores ratos eram corajosos e iam para a casa de qualquer animal, até mesmo para a toca de um buldogue ou de uma raposa, para entregar mercadorias.

Original English

The shops and restaurants, of course, were mostly patronized by the rats and mice, who had a natural love for city life, and the majority of them were situated in the section at the north end of the inclosure which came to be known as Mouse Town. Nevertheless at the main grocery on a Saturday night we often saw foxes and dogs and crows all mixed up, buying their Sunday dinner from a large rat. And the mouse errand boys who delivered goods at the customers' houses were not afraid to walk right into a bulldog's kennel or a fox's den.

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Português

Alguém expressou que achou a ideia maravilhosa.

Original English

"I think it's just a marvellous idea!"

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POVERTY AGAIN

Português

Era esperado que animais vivendo juntos pudessem discutir às vezes. O plano do Doutor era ver se animais que eram inimigos naturais poderiam aprender a viver juntos em paz.

Original English

O F COURSE IT would be quite too much to expect that with lots of different kinds of animals housed in the same enclosure there would be no quarrels or disputes. It was in fact part of the Doctor's plan to see what could be done in getting different creatures who were born natural enemies to live together in harmony.

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Português

O Doutor explicou a Stubbins que os animais não poderiam mudar seus comportamentos naturais imediatamente. Ele esperava que, ao viverem pacificamente no zoológico, desenvolvessem uma melhor compreensão uns dos outros a longo prazo.

Original English

"Obviously, Stubbins," said he, "we can't expect foxes to give up their taste for spring chickens, or dogs their love of ratting, all in a moment. My hope is that by getting them to agree to live peaceably together while within my zoo, we will tend toward a better understanding among them permanently."

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