The river bank (4)

The river bank (4)

The Rat said nothing, but lightly stepped into
a little boat which the Mole had not observed. 

It was painted blue outside and white within,
and was just the size for two animals;
and the Mole's whole heart went out to it
at once, even though he did not yet fully
understand its uses.

The Rat sculled smartly across and made fast.

'Now then, step lively!', he said, holding up his
forepaw as the Mole stepped gingerly down.

And the Mole, to his surprise and rapture, 
found himself actually seated in the stern of
a real boat.

He said,'this has been a wonderful day!'
'Do you know, I've never been in a boat
before in all my life.'

'What?' cried the Rat, open-mouthed.
'Never been in aーyou neverーwell, Iー
what have you been doing, then?'

'Is it so nice as all that?' asked the Mole
shyly, though he felt the boat sway lightly
under him.

'Nice?  It's the ONLY thing,' said the Water Rat
solemnly.

'Believe me, my young friend, there is
NOTHING half so much worth doing as simply
messing about in boats.

'Simply messing,' he went on dreamily.

'Look ahead, Rat !' cried the Mole suddenly.

It was too late.

The boat struck the bank full tilt.

The dreamer, the joyous oarsman, l
lay on his back at the bottom of the boat,
his heels in the air.

(4/20)