The Story of Barnicle and Husk
America’s Hometown Favorites
A long, long time ago the Mayflower sailed from England to America. Terrifying storms and huge waves rocked the ship. Everyone was very sea sick, especially Barnicle the cat and Daphne the mouse. Normally cats and mice don’t get along, but somehow they became good friends. When the boat finally reached Plymouth, Barnicle and Daphne said sad good-byes to each other. Barnicle went off looking for adventure and Daphne, who was still very sick, searched for a place to nest. It was time for her to have a baby.
When little Husk was born Daphne was so weak she could hardly lift him. At night she told him wonderful bedtime stories. Husk especially loved the one about a boat named Mayflower and Barnicle, the orange-striped cat. Daphne got sicker and sicker, and then one day, she never woke up. Now baby Husk had no mother. He was all alone – cold, hungry and crying. Luckily for Husk a beautiful, young Wampanoag girl named Running Deer heard his cries. The kind girl gently wrapped Husk in a little piece of leather and put him inside a soft, warm pouch. Then she invited Husk to live with her in the Wampanoag village.
As time passed, Husk learned many important lessons from Running Deer and by secretly watching the Wampanoag people. Running Deer explained the seasonal way of life with her people and how everyone prepared during one season for the next season. Everyone had a love for the natural world and all their surroundings.
Husk overheard a young brave named Pathfinder talk about a time of great challenge that comes in every Wampanoag boy’s life. When ready, each must go out alone, to prove he can survive under all conditions. That evening, as Husk was drifting off to sleep, he wondered if he would ever be ready to go out on his own.
The next morning when Husk woke up there was a special present from Running Deer lying beside his bed. It was a perfect little bow, three little arrows, and a leather quiver to hold the arrows. For months Husk practiced and fine-tuned his aim, picking off acorns and dried berries.
One night, when everyone was sleeping, Husk heard something sneaking around outside. Ever-so-quietly Husk grabbed his bow and arrows. A quick peek out the door told him nothing. The beast had disappeared! Suddenly an odd sound came from the place where the food was stored. It sounded like “Mmmmmmm-mmmmm….” Husk realized the creature was eating their dried food! He fearlessly aimed the sharp arrow up at the animal’s muzzle and demanded it stop eating the food. The intruder – a scrawny, orange cat – barely jumped. The wily cat said he was cold and starving. He didn’t think anyone would miss a tiny bit of fish. Husk still didn’t like the idea of the cat stealing their food, so he poked the arrow closer toward the cat.
At that moment the cat started laughing! Then he told Husk to put his arrow away. “Barnicle” never hurt anyone, he said, speaking of himself. Husk nearly dropped his arrow at the mention of the cat’s name. Barnicle? Could this be his mother’s friend?
After a few hurried questions Husk was sure this was his mother’s friend and put his arrow down. Barnicle was amazed, too! Husk then decided to share some of the fish with Barnicle, knowing that Running Deer and the Wampanoag would share their food with new friends. The two sat for hours, nibbling on fish and corn, telling their stories. Barnicle was sad to hear about Daphne, but happy he made a new friend in Husk. As night finally turned to day and the sun’s first light peeked from the horizon, Barnicle asked Husk if he like to come along as he explored the world. Husk was silent, thinking to himself. He wondered if he was ready. Yes! He was ready as he’d ever be. And so it was decided.
That same morning Husk told Running Deer about his plans. It was sad for both, but each knew the time would come for Husk to set out on a great journey. As he tearfully said good-bye to Running Deer he promised to visit as often as possible. This was a vow he would never break and Running Deer knew it. Husk thanked his friend for her kindness and gave Running Deer a final hug. Then, with a quick wave he disappeared into the woods to meet Barnicle.
As Barnicle saw Husk approach he called out, “Are you ready, my friend? Ready for anything?”
“Yes, I am!” Husk shouted.
And that’s how Barnicle and Husk – America’s Hometown Favorites – started out on their big adventure!