The Open Road (6)

The Open Road (6)

" Of course I am, " said the Mole loyally.

" I'll always stick to you, Ratty, and what you say is to beー
has go to be. All the same, it sounds as if it might have been rather fun, you know." he added wistfully.

Poor Mole !

Adventurure life was so new a thing to him, and so thrilling.
He had fallen in love at first sight with the canary-coloured cart and all its little fitments.
The Mole was longing to go.

The Rat looked at Mole and saw what was passing in his mind.

The Rat wavered.
He was fond of the Mole, and would do almost anyrhing to oblige him.

Toad was watching both of them closely.

" Come in and have some lunch, " said Toad,
" and we'll talk it over. We needn't decide anything in a hurry. I only want to give pleasure to you fellows.
Live for others !  That's my motto in life. "



During lunchonーwhich was excellent, of course, as everything at Toad Hall always wasーthe Toad simply let himself go.

The Toad painted the prospects of the trip and the joys of the open life and the roadside in such a glowing colours that the Mole could hardly sit in his chair for excitement.

Somehow, it soon seemed taken for granted by all three of them that the trip was a settled thing.

The Rat, though still unconvinced in his mind, allowed his good-nature to override his personal objection.

He could not bear to disappoint his two friends, who were already planning out each day's separate occupation for several weeks ahead.

(6/20)