AliceMongoose

“You are very kind, Alistair,” Alice said. “Are you a mongoose? You do not look very much like a mongoose.” “Dear me no,” Alistair said. “I am a rat. Like you.” “I am not a rat,” Alice Mongoose said. “I am a mongoose.” “That is impossible,” Alistair Rat replied, adjusting his monocle to get a better look at Alice (for he was quite nearsighted). “If you were a mongoose, you would have tried to kill me. Instead of sitting with me and having a nice cup of tea.” “I have never killed anyone,” Alice said, setting down her tea. “And I certainly do not plan to kill you. You have been very hospitable, and you make a splendid cup of tea. I should like to have a look at the house next door. I am inclined to take it, if you think I would be a suitable tenant.” Mongoose were introduced to Hawaii in 1883 by the sugar plantations, in order to control rats in the cane fields. This did not work as planned; mongoose are awake during the daytime, while rats are nocturnal. Alice and Alistair share their morning and evening meals, but are otherwise on different schedules.