The Open Road (3)

The OPen Road (3)

They got off a boat, and strolled across the flower-decked lawns in search of Toad.

Soon they found him resting in a wicker garden-chair with a preoccupied expression of face, and a large map spread out on his knees.



" Hooray ! " he cried, jumping up on seeing them, " this is splendid ! "

He shook the paws of both of them warmly, never waiting for an introduction to the Mole.

" How KIND of you, " he went on, dancing rousd them.
" I was just going to send a boat down the river for you, Ratty, with strict orders that you were to be fetched up here at once, whatever you were doing. I want you badlyーboth of you.
Now what will you take ?
Come inside and have something !
You don't know how lucky it is, your turning up just now ! "

" Let's sit quiet a bit, Toady ! " said the Rat, throwing himself into an easy chair, while Mole took another by the side of him and made some civil remark about Toad's ' delightful residence.'

" Finest house on the whole river, " cried the Toad boisterously.
" Or anywhere else, for that matter, " he could not help adding.

Here the Rat nudged the Mole.

Unfortunately Toad saw him do it, and turned very red.

There was a moment’s painful silence.

(3/20)