still gasping, “O my! O my!” at each fresh revelation. When all was ready, the Rat said, “Now, pitch in, old fellow!” and the Mole was indeed very glad to obey, for he had started his spring-cleaning at a very early hour that morning, as people will do, and had not paused for bite or sup; and he had been through a very great deal since that distant time which now seemed so many days ago. 

 “What are you looking at?” said the Rat presently, when the edge of their hunger was somewhat dulled, and the Mole’s eyes were able to wander off the table-cloth a little. 

 “I am looking,” said the Mole, “at a streak of bubbles that I see travelling along the surface of the water. That is a thing that strikes me as funny.” 

 “Bubbles? Oho!” said the Rat, and chirruped cheerily in an inviting sort of way. 

 A broad glistening muzzle showed itself above the edge of the bank, and the Otter hauled himself out and shook the water from his coat. 

 “Greedy beggars!” he observed, making for the provender. “Why didn’t you invite me, Ratty?” 

 “This was an impromptu affair,” explained the Rat. “By the way—my friend Mr. Mole.” 

 “Proud, I’m sure,” said the Otter, and the two animals were friends forthwith. 

 “Such a rumpus everywhere!” continued the Otter. “All the world seems out on the river to-day. I came up this backwater to try and get a moment’s peace, and then stumble upon you fellows!—At least—I beg pardon—I don’t exactly mean that, you know.” 

 There was a rustle behind them, proceeding from a hedge wherein last year’s leaves still clung thick, and a stripy head, with high shoulders behind it, peered forth on them. 

 “Come on, old Badger!” shouted the Rat. 

 The Badger trotted forward a pace or two; then grunted, “H’m! Company,” and turned his back and disappeared from view. 

 “That’s just the sort of fellow he is!” observed the disappointed Rat. “Simply hates Society! Now we shan’t see any more of him to-day. Well, tell us, who’s out on the river?” 

 “Toad’s out, for one,” replied the Otter. “In his brand-new wager-boat; new togs, new everything!” 

 The two animals looked at each other and laughed. 

 Prev. P 7/132 next