The Open Road (4)

The Open Road (4)

Then Toad burst out laughing.

" All right, Ratty, " he said.
" It's only my way, you know. And it's not such a very bad house, is it ? You know you rather like it.  Now look here. Let's be sensible. You are the very animals I wanted. You've got to help me. It's most important ! "

" It's about your rowing, I suppose, " said the Rat, with an innocent air.
" You're getting on fairly well, though you splash a good bit still. With a great deal of patience, and any quantity of coaching, you mayー　"



" O, pooh ! boating ! " interrupted the Toad, in great disgust.

" I've given that up LONG ago. It's a waste of time, that's what it is.
No, I've discovered the real thing, the only genuine occupation for a life time.
I propose to devote the remainder of mine to it.
Come with me, dear Ratty, and your amirable friend also. Just as far as the stable-yard, and you shall see what you shall see ! "

He led the way to the stable-yard, the Rat following with a most mistrustful expression.

And there, drawn out of the coach-house into the open, they saw a gipsy caravan, shining with newness, painted a canary-yellow picked out with green, and red wheels.



(4/20)