Hi, there Pat. How are you? Fine, thanks, Martin. I haven't seen you for a long time. What have you been up to? Oh, studying. It seems that university life is much more time-consuming than I originally thought. I even don't have time to read newspapers. Really? You're so busy. You know, I read an article in yesterday's newspaper. It is very interesting. What's it about? It's about Post Office Cats. They are mouse hunters. That really sounds interesting. Could you tell me something about the story now? Yes, certainly. The post office has actually employed cats since 1868. That means that they have been on the official payroll of the post office for more than 100 years. The loyal public servants appear on the official payroll as "Rodent Operative". But we would more easily recognise them under the title "Post Office Cat". They are not employed to sort or deliver mail, of course, but to protect the mail and keep the rodent population under control. What do you mean? They are mouse hunters. They make sure your morning post arrives nibble free. You know, they work unsocial hours while we sleep. They hardly ever get a Christmas bonus in their pay packets and can't bargain for better conditions. The average rate of pay is no more than a few pounds a month, just enough to pay for their food. But they are allowed to eat all the mice they can catch.