Reserved，shy，butfullofsignificance，ithidwhateveritmightholdbehindaveil，keepingittillthehourshouldcome，and，withthehour，thosewhowerecalledandchosen。
Slowly，butwithnodoubtorhesitationwhatever，andinsomethingofasolemnexpectancy，thetwoanimalspassedthroughthebrokentumultuouswaterandmooredtheirboatattheflowerymarginoftheisland。Insilencetheylanded，andpushedthroughtheblossomandscentedherbageandundergrowththatleduptothelevelground，tilltheystoodonalittlelawnofamarvellousgreen，setroundwithNature’sownorchard-trees——
crab-apple，wildcherry，andsloe。
`Thisistheplaceofmysong-dream，theplacethemusicplayedtome，’whisperedtheRat，asifinatrance。`Here，inthisholyplace，hereifanywhere，surelyweshallfindHim！’
ThensuddenlytheMolefeltagreatAwefalluponhim，anawethatturnedhismusclestowater，bowedhishead，androotedhisfeettotheground。Itwasnopanicterror——indeedhefeltwonderfullyatpeaceandhappy——butitwasanawethatsmoteandheldhimand，withoutseeing，heknewitcouldonlymeanthatsomeaugustPresencewasvery，verynear。Withdifficultyheturnedtolookforhisfriend。andsawhimathissidecowed，stricken，andtremblingviolently。Andstilltherewasuttersilenceinthepopulousbird-hauntedbranchesaroundthem；andstillthelightgrewandgrew。
Perhapshewouldneverhavedaredtoraisehiseyes，butthat，thoughthepipingwasnowhushed，thecallandthesummonsseemedstilldominantandimperious。Hemightnotrefuse，wereDeathhimselfwaitingtostrikehiminstantly，oncehehadlookedwithmortaleyeonthingsrightlykepthidden。Tremblingheobeyed，andraisedhishumblehead；andthen，inthatutterclearnessoftheimminentdawn，whileNature，flushedwithfulnessofincrediblecolour，seemedtoholdherbreathfortheevent，helookedintheveryeyesoftheFriendandHelper；sawthebackwardsweepofthecurvedhorns，gleaminginthegrowingdaylight；sawthestern，hookednosebetweenthekindlyeyesthatwerelookingdownonthemhumourously，whilethebeardedmouthbrokeintoahalf-smileatthecorners；sawtheripplingmusclesonthearmthatlayacrossthebroadchest，thelongsupplehandstillholdingthepan-pipesonlyjustfallenawayfromthepartedlips；sawthesplendidcurvesoftheshaggylimbsdisposedinmajesticeaseonthesward；saw，lastofall，nestlingbetweenhisveryhooves，sleepingsoundlyinentirepeaceandcontentment，thelittle，round，podgy，childishformofthebabyotter。Allthishesaw，foronemomentbreathlessandintense，vividonthemorningsky；andstill，ashelooked，helived；andstill，ashelived，hewondered。
`Rat！’hefoundbreathtowhisper，shaking。`Areyouafraid？’
`Afraid？’murmuredtheRat，hiseyesshiningwithunutterablelove。`Afraid！OfHIM？O，never，never！Andyet——andyet——
O，Mole，Iamafraid！’
Thenthetwoanimals，crouchingtotheearth，bowedtheirheadsanddidworship。
Suddenandmagnificent，thesun’sbroadgoldendiscshoweditselfoverthehorizonfacingthem；andthefirstrays，shootingacrossthelevelwater-meadows，tooktheanimalsfullintheeyesanddazzledthem。Whentheywereabletolookoncemore，theVisionhadvanished，andtheairwasfullofthecarolofbirdsthathailedthedawn。
Astheystaredblankly。indumbmiserydeepeningastheyslowlyrealisedalltheyhadseenandalltheyhadlost，acapriciouslittlebreeze，dancingupfromthesurfaceofthewater，tossedtheaspens，shookthedewyrosesandblewlightlyandcaressinglyintheirfaces；andwithitssofttouchcameinstantoblivion。Forthisisthelastbestgiftthatthekindlydemi-
godiscarefultobestowonthosetowhomhehasrevealedhimselfintheirhelping：thegiftofforgetfulness。Lesttheawfulremembranceshouldremainandgrow，andovershadowmirthandpleasure，andthegreathauntingmemoryshouldspoilalltheafter-livesoflittleanimalshelpedoutofdifficulties，inorderthattheyshouldbehappyandlightheartedasbefore。
MolerubbedhiseyesandstaredatRat，whowaslookingabouthiminapuzzledsortofway。`Ibegyourpardon；whatdidyousay，Rat？’heasked。
`IthinkIwasonlyremarking，’saidRatslowly，`thatthiswastherightsortofplace，andthathere，ifanywhere，weshouldfindhim。Andlook！Why，thereheis，thelittlefellow！’AndwithacryofdelightherantowardstheslumberingPortly。
ButMolestoodstillamoment，heldinthought。Asonewakenedsuddenlyfromabeautifuldream，whostrugglestorecallit，andcanre-capturenothingbutadimsenseofthebeautyofit，thebeauty！Tillthat，too，fadesawayinitsturn，andthedreamerbitterlyacceptsthehard，coldwakingandallitspenalties；soMole，afterstrugglingwithhismemoryforabriefspace，shookhisheadsadlyandfollowedtheRat。
Portlywokeupwithajoyoussqueak，andwriggledwithpleasureatthesightofhisfather’sfriends，whohadplayedwithhimsoofteninpastdays。Inamoment，however，hisfacegrewblank，andhefelltohuntingroundinacirclewithpleadingwhine。Asachildthathasfallenhappilyasleepinitsnurse’sarms，andwakestofinditselfaloneandlaidinastrangeplace，andsearchescornersandcupboards，andrunsfromroomtoroom，despairgrowingsilentlyinitsheart，evensoPortlysearchedtheislandandsearched，doggedandunwearying，tillatlasttheblackmomentcameforgivingitup，andsittingdownandcryingbitterly。
TheMoleranquicklytocomfortthelittleanimal；butRat，lingering，lookedlonganddoubtfullyatcertainhoof-marksdeepinthesward。
`Some——great——animal——hasbeenhere，’hemurmuredslowlyandthoughtfully；andstoodmusing，musing；hismindstrangelystirred。
`Comealong，Rat！’calledtheMole。`ThinkofpoorOtter，waitinguptherebytheford！’
Portlyhadsoonbeencomfortedbythepromiseofatreat——ajauntontheriverinMr。Rat’srealboat；andthetwoanimalsconductedhimtothewater’sside，placedhimsecurelybetweentheminthebottomoftheboat，andpaddledoffdownthebackwater。Thesunwasfullyupbynow，andhotonthem，birdssanglustilyandwithoutrestraint，andflowerssmiledandnoddedfromeitherbank，butsomehow——sothoughttheanimals——withlessofrichnessandblazeofcolourthantheyseemedtorememberseeingquiterecentlysomewhere——theywonderedwhere。
Themainriverreachedagain，theyturnedtheboat’sheadupstream，towardsthepointwheretheyknewtheirfriendwaskeepinghislonelyvigil。Astheydrewnearthefamiliarford，theMoletooktheboatintothebank，andtheyliftedPortlyoutandsethimonhislegsonthetow-path，gavehimhismarchingordersandafriendlyfarewellpatontheback，andshovedoutintomid-stream。Theywatchedthelittleanimalashewaddledalongthepathcontentedlyandwithimportance；watchedhimtilltheysawhismuzzlesuddenlyliftandhiswaddlebreakintoaclumsyambleashequickenedhispacewithshrillwhinesandwrigglesofrecognition。Lookinguptheriver，theycouldseeOtterstartup，tenseandrigid，fromoutoftheshallowswherehecrouchedindumbpatience，andcouldhearhisamazedandjoyousbarkasheboundedupthroughtheosiersontothepath。
ThentheMole，withastrongpullononeoar，swungtheboatroundandletthefullstreambearthemdownagainwhitheritwould，theirquestnowhappilyended。
`Ifeelstrangelytired，Rat，’saidtheMole，leaningwearilyoverhisoarsastheboatdrifted。`It’sbeingupallnight，you’llsay，perhaps；butthat’snothing。Wedoasmuchhalfthenightsoftheweek，atthistimeoftheyear。No；IfeelasifI
hadbeenthroughsomethingveryexcitingandratherterrible，anditwasjustover；andyetnothingparticularhashappened。’
`Orsomethingverysurprisingandsplendidandbeautiful，’
murmuredtheRat，leaningbackandclosinghiseyes。`Ifeeljustasyoudo，Mole；simplydeadtired，thoughnotbodytired。It’sluckywe’vegotthestreamwithus，totakeushome。Isn’titjollytofeelthesunagain，soakingintoone’sbones！Andharktothewindplayinginthereeds！’
`It’slikemusic——farawaymusic，’saidtheMolenoddingdrowsily。
`SoIwasthinking，’murmuredtheRat，dreamfulandlanguid。
`Dance-music——theliltingsortthatrunsonwithoutastop——butwithwordsinit，too——itpassesintowordsandoutofthemagain——Icatchthematintervals——thenitisdance-musiconcemore，andthennothingbutthereeds’softthinwhispering。’
`YouhearbetterthanI，’saidtheMolesadly。`Icannotcatchthewords。’
`Letmetryandgiveyouthem，’saidtheRatsoftly，hiseyesstillclosed。`Nowitisturningintowordsagain——faintbutclear——Lesttheaweshoulddwell——Andturnyourfrolictofret——Youshalllookonmypoweratthehelpinghour——Butthenyoushallforget！Nowthereedstakeitup——forget，forget，theysigh，anditdiesawayinarustleandawhisper。Thenthevoicereturns——
`Lestlimbsbereddenedandrent——Ispringthetrapthatisset——AsIloosethesnareyoumayglimpsemethere——Forsurelyyoushallforget！Rownearer，Mole，nearertothereeds！
Itishardtocatch，andgrowseachminutefainter。
`Helperandhealer，Icheer——Smallwaifsinthewoodlandwet——
StraysIfindinit，woundsIbindinit——Biddingthemallforget！Nearer，Mole，nearer！No，itisnogood；thesonghasdiedawayintoreed-talk。’
`Butwhatdothewordsmean？’askedthewonderingMole。
`ThatIdonotknow，’saidtheRatsimply。`Ipassedthemontoyouastheyreachedme。Ah！nowtheyreturnagain，andthistimefullandclear！Thistime，atlast，itisthereal，theunmistakablething，simple——passionate——perfect————’
`Well，let’shaveit，then，’saidtheMole，afterhehadwaitedpatientlyforafewminutes，half-dozinginthehotsun。
Butnoanswercame。Helooked，andunderstoodthesilence。Withasmileofmuchhappinessonhisface，andsomethingofalisteninglookstilllingeringthere，thewearyRatwasfastasleep。
VIII
TOAD’SADVENTURES
WhenToadfoundhimselfimmuredinadankandnoisomedungeon，andknewthatallthegrimdarknessofamedievalfortresslaybetweenhimandtheouterworldofsunshineandwell-metalledhighroadswherehehadlatelybeensohappy，disportinghimselfasifhehadboughtupeveryroadinEngland，heflunghimselfatfulllengthonthefloor，andshedbittertears，andabandonedhimselftodarkdespair。`Thisistheendofeverything’（hesaid），`atleastitistheendofthecareerofToad，whichisthesamething；thepopularandhandsomeToad，therichandhospitableToad，theToadsofreeandcarelessanddebonair！HowcanIhopetobeeversetatlargeagain’（hesaid），`whohavebeenimprisonedsojustlyforstealingsohandsomeamotor-carinsuchanaudaciousmanner，andforsuchluridandimaginativecheek，bestoweduponsuchanumberoffat，red-facedpolicemen！’（Herehissobschokedhim。）`StupidanimalthatI
was’（hesaid），`nowImustlanguishinthisdungeon，tillpeoplewhowereproudtosaytheyknewme，haveforgottentheverynameofToad！OwiseoldBadger！’（hesaid），`Oclever，intelligentRatandsensibleMole！Whatsoundjudgments，whataknowledgeofmenandmattersyoupossess！OunhappyandforsakenToad！’Withlamentationssuchasthesehepassedhisdaysandnightsforseveralweeks，refusinghismealsorintermediatelightrefreshments，thoughthegrimandancientgaoler，knowingthatToad’spocketswerewelllined，frequentlypointedoutthatmanycomforts，andindeedluxuries，couldbyarrangementbesentin——
ataprice——fromoutside。
Nowthegaolerhadadaughter，apleasantwenchandgood-hearted，whoassistedherfatherinthelighterdutiesofhispost。Shewasparticularlyfondofanimals，and，besideshercanary，whosecagehungonanailinthemassivewallofthekeepbyday，tothegreatannoyanceofprisonerswhorelishedanafterdinnernap，andwasshroudedinanantimacassarontheparlourtableatnight，shekeptseveralpiebaldmiceandarestlessrevolvingsquirrel。Thiskind-heartedgirl，pityingthemiseryofToad，saidtoherfatheroneday，`Father！Ican’tbeartoseethatpoorbeastsounhappy，andgettingsothin！Youletmehavethemanagingofhim。YouknowhowfondofanimalsIam。I’llmakehimeatfrommyhand，andsitup，anddoallsortsofthings。’
Herfatherrepliedthatshecoulddowhatshelikedwithhim。HewastiredofToad，andhissulksandhisairsandhismeanness。
Sothatdayshewentonhererrandofmercy，andknockedatthedoorofToad’scell。
`Now，cheerup，Toad，’shesaid，coaxingly，onentering，`andsitupanddryyoureyesandbeasensibleanimal。Anddotryandeatabitofdinner。See，I’vebroughtyousomeofmine，hotfromtheoven！’
Itwasbubble-and-squeak，betweentwoplates，anditsfragrancefilledthenarrowcell。ThepenetratingsmellofcabbagereachedthenoseofToadashelayprostrateinhismiseryonthefloor，andgavehimtheideaforamomentthatperhapslifewasnotsuchablankanddesperatethingashehadimagined。Butstillhewailed，andkickedwithhislegs，andrefusedtobecomforted。
Sothewisegirlretiredforthetime，but，ofcourse，agooddealofthesmellofhotcabbageremainedbehind，asitwilldo，andToad，betweenhissobs，sniffedandreflected，andgraduallybegantothinknewandinspiringthoughts：ofchivalry，andpoetry，anddeedsstilltobedone；ofbroadmeadows，andcattlebrowsinginthem，rakedbysunandwind；ofkitchen-gardens，andstraightherb-borders，andwarmsnap-dragonbesetbybees；andofthecomfortingclinkofdishessetdownonthetableatToadHall，andthescrapeofchair-legsontheflooraseveryonepulledhimselfcloseuptohiswork。Theairofthenarrowcelltookarosytinge；hebegantothinkofhisfriends，andhowtheywouldsurelybeabletodosomething；oflawyers，andhowtheywouldhaveenjoyedhiscase，andwhatanasshehadbeennottogetinafew；andlastly，hethoughtofhisowngreatclevernessandresource，andallthathewascapableofifheonlygavehisgreatmindtoit；andthecurewasalmostcomplete。
Whenthegirlreturned，somehourslater，shecarriedatray，withacupoffragrantteasteamingonit；andaplatepiledupwithveryhotbutteredtoast，cutthick，verybrownonbothsides，withthebutterrunningthroughtheholesinitingreatgoldendrops，likehoneyfromthehoneycomb。ThesmellofthatbutteredtoastsimplytalkedtoToad，andwithnouncertainvoice；talkedofwarmkitchens，ofbreakfastsonbrightfrostymornings，ofcosyparlourfiresidesonwinterevenings，whenone’sramblewasoverandslipperedfeetwereproppedonthefender；ofthepurringofcontentedcats，andthetwitterofsleepycanaries。Toadsatuponendoncemore，driedhiseyes，sippedhisteaandmunchedhistoast，andsoonbegantalkingfreelyabouthimself，andthehousehelivedin，andhisdoingsthere，andhowimportanthewas，andwhatalothisfriendsthoughtofhim。
Thegaoler’sdaughtersawthatthetopicwasdoinghimasmuchgoodasthetea，asindeeditwas，andencouragedhimtogoon。
`TellmeaboutToadHall，\"saidshe。`Itsoundsbeautiful。’
`ToadHall，’saidtheToadproudly，`isaneligibleself-
containedgentleman’sresidenceveryunique；datinginpartfromthefourteenthcentury，butrepletewitheverymodernconvenience。Up-to-datesanitation。Fiveminutesfromchurch，post-office，andgolf-links，Suitablefor————’
`Blesstheanimal，’saidthegirl，laughing，`Idon’twanttoTAKEit。TellmesomethingREALaboutit。ButfirstwaittillIfetchyousomemoreteaandtoast。’
Shetrippedaway，andpresentlyreturnedwithafreshtrayful；
andToad，pitchingintothetoastwithavidity，hisspiritsquiterestoredtotheirusuallevel，toldherabouttheboathouse，andthefish-pond，andtheoldwalledkitchen-garden；andaboutthepig-styes，andthestables，andthepigeon-house，andthehen-
house；andaboutthedairy，andthewash-house，andthechina-
cupboards，andthelinen-presses（shelikedthatbitespecially）；
andaboutthebanqueting-hall，andthefuntheyhadtherewhentheotheranimalsweregatheredroundthetableandToadwasathisbest，singingsongs，tellingstories，carryingongenerally。
Thenshewantedtoknowabouthisanimal-friends，andwasveryinterestedinallhehadtotellheraboutthemandhowtheylived，andwhattheydidtopasstheirtime。Ofcourse，shedidnotsayshewasfondofanimalsasPETS，becauseshehadthesensetoseethatToadwouldbeextremelyoffended。Whenshesaidgoodnight，havingfilledhiswater-jugandshakenuphisstrawforhim，Toadwasverymuchthesamesanguine，self-
satisfiedanimalthathehadbeenofold。Hesangalittlesongortwo，ofthesortheusedtosingathisdinner-parties，curledhimselfupinthestraw，andhadanexcellentnight’srestandthepleasantestofdreams。
Theyhadmanyinterestingtalkstogether，afterthat，asthedrearydayswenton；andthegaoler’sdaughtergrewverysorryforToad，andthoughtitagreatshamethatapoorlittleanimalshouldbelockedupinprisonforwhatseemedtoheraverytrivialoffence。Toad，ofcourse，inhisvanity，thoughtthatherinterestinhimproceededfromagrowingtenderness；andhecouldnothelphalf-regrettingthatthesocialgulfbetweenthemwassoverywide，forshewasacomelylass，andevidentlyadmiredhimverymuch。
Onemorningthegirlwasverythoughtful，andansweredatrandom，anddidnotseemtoToadtobepayingproperattentiontohiswittysayingsandsparklingcomments。
`Toad，’shesaidpresently，`justlisten，please。Ihaveanauntwhoisawasherwoman。’
`There，there，’saidToad，graciouslyandaffably，`nevermind；
thinknomoreaboutit。_I_haveseveralauntswhoOUGHTtobewasherwomen。’
`Dobequietaminute，Toad，’saidthegirl。`Youtalktoomuch，that’syourchieffault，andI’mtryingtothink，andyouhurtmyhead。AsIsaid，Ihaveanauntwhoisawasherwoman；shedoesthewashingforalltheprisonersinthiscastle——wetrytokeepanypayingbusinessofthatsortinthefamily，youunderstand。
ShetakesoutthewashingonMondaymorning，andbringsitinonFridayevening。ThisisaThursday。Now，thisiswhatoccurstome：you’reveryrich——atleastyou’realwaystellingmeso——andshe’sverypoor。Afewpoundswouldn’tmakeanydifferencetoyou，anditwouldmeanalottoher。Now，Ithinkifshewereproperlyapproached——squared，Ibelieveisthewordyouanimalsuse——youcouldcometosomearrangementbywhichshewouldletyouhaveherdressandbonnetandsoon，andyoucouldescapefromthecastleastheofficialwasherwoman。You’reveryalikeinmanyrespects——particularlyaboutthefigure。’
`We’reNOT，’saidtheToadinahuff。`Ihaveaveryelegantfigure——forwhatIam。’
`Sohasmyaunt，’repliedthegirl，`forwhatSHEis。Buthaveityourownway。Youhorrid，proud，ungratefulanimal，whenI’msorryforyou，andtryingtohelpyou！’
`Yes，yes，that’sallright；thankyouverymuchindeed，’saidtheToadhurriedly。`Butlookhere！youwouldn’tsurelyhaveMr。
ToadofToadHall，goingaboutthecountrydisguisedasawasherwoman！’
`ThenyoucanstophereasaToad，’repliedthegirlwithmuchspirit。`Isupposeyouwanttogooffinacoach-and-four！’
HonestToadwasalwaysreadytoadmithimselfinthewrong。`Youareagood，kind，clevergirl，’hesaid，`andIamindeedaproudandastupidtoad。Introducemetoyourworthyaunt，ifyouwillbesokind，andIhavenodoubtthattheexcellentladyandI
willbeabletoarrangetermssatisfactorytobothparties。’
NexteveningthegirlusheredherauntintoToad’scell，bearinghisweek’swashingpinnedupinatowel。Theoldladyhadbeenpreparedbeforehandfortheinterview，andthesightofcertaingoldsovereignsthatToadhadthoughtfullyplacedonthetableinfullviewpracticallycompletedthematterandleftlittlefurthertodiscuss。Inreturnforhiscash，Toadreceivedacottonprintgown，anapron，ashawl，andarustyblackbonnet；
theonlystipulationtheoldladymadebeingthatsheshouldbegaggedandboundanddumpeddowninacorner。Bythisnotveryconvincingartifice，sheexplained，aidedbypicturesquefictionwhichshecouldsupplyherself，shehopedtoretainhersituation，inspiteofthesuspiciousappearanceofthings。
Toadwasdelightedwiththesuggestion。Itwouldenablehimtoleavetheprisoninsomestyle，andwithhisreputationforbeingadesperateanddangerousfellowuntarnished；andhereadilyhelpedthegaoler’sdaughtertomakeherauntappearasmuchaspossiblethevictimofcircumstancesoverwhichshehadnocontrol。
`Nowit’syourturn，Toad，’saidthegirl。`Takeoffthatcoatandwaistcoatofyours；you’refatenoughasitis。’
Shakingwithlaughter，sheproceededto`hook-and-eye’himintothecottonprintgown，arrangedtheshawlwithaprofessionalfold，andtiedthestringsoftherustybonnetunderhischin。
`You’retheveryimageofher，’shegiggled，`onlyI’msureyouneverlookedhalfsorespectableinallyourlifebefore。Now，good-bye，Toad，andgoodluck。Gostraightdownthewayyoucameup；andifanyonesaysanythingtoyou，astheyprobablywill，beingbutmen，youcanchaffbackabit，ofcourse，butrememberyou’reawidowwoman，quitealoneintheworld，withacharactertolose。’
Withaquakingheart，butasfirmafootstepashecouldcommand，Toadsetforthcautiouslyonwhatseemedtobeamosthare-
brainedandhazardousundertaking；buthewassoonagreeablysurprisedtofindhoweasyeverythingwasmadeforhim，andalittlehumbledatthethoughtthatbothhispopularity，andthesexthatseemedtoinspireit，werereallyanother’s。Thewasherwoman’ssquatfigureinitsfamiliarcottonprintseemedapassportforeverybarreddoorandgrimgateway；evenwhenhehesitated，uncertainastotherightturningtotake，hefoundhimselfhelpedoutofhisdifficultybythewarderatthenextgate，anxioustobeofftohistea，summoninghimtocomealongsharpandnotkeephimwaitingthereallnight。Thechaffandthehumouroussalliestowhichhewassubjected，andtowhich，ofcourse，hehadtoprovidepromptandeffectivereply，formed，indeed，hischiefdanger；forToadwasananimalwithastrongsenseofhisowndignity，andthechaffwasmostly（hethought）poorandclumsy，andthehumourofthesalliesentirelylacking。However，hekepthistemper，thoughwithgreatdifficulty，suitedhisretortstohiscompanyandhissupposedcharacter，anddidhisbestnottooverstepthelimitsofgoodtaste。
Itseemedhoursbeforehecrossedthelastcourtyard，rejectedthepressinginvitationsfromthelastguardroom，anddodgedtheoutspreadarmsofthelastwarder，pleadingwithsimulatedpassionforjustonefarewellembrace。Butatlastheheardthewicket-gateinthegreatouterdoorclickbehindhim，feltthefreshairoftheouterworlduponhisanxiousbrow，andknewthathewasfree！
Dizzywiththeeasysuccessofhisdaringexploit，hewalkedquicklytowardsthelightsofthetown，notknowingintheleastwhatheshoulddonext，onlyquitecertainofonething，thathemustremovehimselfasquicklyaspossiblefromtheneighbourhoodwheretheladyhewasforcedtorepresentwassowell-knownandsopopularacharacter。
Ashewalkedalong，considering，hisattentionwascaughtbysomeredandgreenlightsalittlewayoff，toonesideofthetown，andthesoundofthepuffingandsnortingofenginesandthebangingofshuntedtrucksfellonhisear。`Aha！’hethought，`thisisapieceofluck！ArailwaystationisthethingIwantmostinthewholeworldatthismoment；andwhat’smore，I
needn’tgothroughthetowntogetit，andshan’thavetosupportthishumiliatingcharacterbyreparteeswhich，thoughthoroughlyeffective，donotassistone’ssenseofself-respect。’
Hemadehiswaytothestationaccordingly，consultedatime-
table，andfoundthatatrain，boundmoreorlessinthedirectionofhishome，wasduetostartinhalf-an-hour。`Moreluck！’saidToad，hisspiritsrisingrapidly，andwentofftothebooking-officetobuyhisticket。
HegavethenameofthestationthatheknewtobenearesttothevillageofwhichToadHallwastheprincipalfeature，andmechanicallyputhisfingers，insearchofthenecessarymoney，wherehiswaiscoatpocketshouldhavebeen。Butherethecottongown，whichhadnoblystoodbyhimsofar，andwhichhehadbaselyforgotten，intervened，andfrustratedhisefforts。Inasortofnightmarehestruggledwiththestrangeuncannythingthatseemedtoholdhishands，turnallmuscularstrivingstowater，andlaughathimallthetime；whileothertravellers，formingupinalinebehind，waitedwithimpatience，makingsuggestionsofmoreorlessvalueandcommentsofmoreorlessstringencyandpoint。Atlast——somehow——heneverrightlyunderstoodhow——heburstthebarriers，attainedthegoal，arrivedatwhereallwaistcoatpocketsareeternallysituated，andfound——notonlynomoney，butnopockettoholdit，andnowaistcoattoholdthepocket！
Tohishorrorherecollectedthathehadleftbothcoatandwaistcoatbehindhiminhiscell，andwiththemhispocket-book，money，keys，watch，matches，pencil-case——allthatmakeslifeworthliving，allthatdistinguishesthemany-pocketedanimal，thelordofcreation，fromtheinferiorone-pocketedorno-pocketedproductionsthathoportripaboutpermissively，unequippedfortherealcontest。
Inhismiseryhemadeonedesperateefforttocarrythethingoff，and，withareturntohisfineoldmanner——ablendoftheSquireandtheCollegeDon——hesaid，`Lookhere！IfindI’veleftmypursebehind。Justgivemethatticket，willyou，andI’llsendthemoneyonto-morrow？I’mwell-knownintheseparts。’
Theclerkstaredathimandtherustyblackbonnetamoment，andthenlaughed。`Ishouldthinkyouwereprettywellknownintheseparts，’hesaid，`ifyou’vetriedthisgameonoften。
Here，standawayfromthewindow，please，madam；you’reobstructingtheotherpassengers！’
Anoldgentlemanwhohadbeenproddinghiminthebackforsomemomentsherethrusthimaway，and，whatwasworse，addressedhimashisgoodwoman，whichangeredToadmorethananythingthathadoccurredthatevening。
Baffledandfullofdespair，hewanderedblindlydowntheplatformwherethetrainwasstanding，andtearstrickleddowneachsideofhisnose。Itwashard，hethought，tobewithinsightofsafetyandalmostofhome，andtobebaulkedbythewantofafewwretchedshillingsandbythepettifoggingmistrustfulnessofpaidofficials。Verysoonhisescapewouldbediscovered，thehuntwouldbeup，hewouldbecaught，reviled，loadedwithchains，draggedbackagaintoprisonandbread-and-
waterandstraw；hisguardsandpenalitieswouldbedoubled；andO，whatsarcasticremarksthegirlwouldmake！Whatwastobedone？Hewasnotswiftoffoot；hisfigurewasunfortunatelyrecognisable。Couldhenotsqueezeundertheseatofacarriage？
Hehadseenthismethodadoptedbyschoolboys，whenthejourney-
moneyprovidedbythoughtfulparentshadbeendivertedtootherandbetterends。Ashepondered，hefoundhimselfoppositetheengine，whichwasbeingoiled，wiped，andgenerallycaressedbyitsaffectionatedriver，aburlymanwithanoil-caninonehandandalumpofcotton-wasteintheother。
`Hullo，mother！’saidtheengine-driver，`what’sthetrouble？
Youdon’tlookparticularlycheerful。’
`O，sir！’saidToad，cryingafresh，`Iamapoorunhappywasherwoman，andI’velostallmymoney，andcan’tpayforaticket，andImustgethometo-nightsomehow，andwhateverIamtodoIdon’tknow。Odear，Odear！’
`That’sabadbusiness，indeed，’saidtheengine-driverreflectively。`Lostyourmoney——andcan’tgethome——andgotsomekids，too，waitingforyou，Idaresay？’
`Anyamountof’em，’sobbedToad。`Andthey’llbehungry——andplayingwithmatches——andupsettinglamps，thelittleinnocents！——andquarrelling，andgoingongenerally。Odear，O
dear！’
`Well，I’lltellyouwhatI’lldo，’saidthegoodengine-driver。
`You’reawasherwomantoyourtrade，saysyou。Verywell，that’sthat。AndI’manengine-driver，asyouwellmaysee，andthere’snodenyingit’sterriblydirtywork。Usesupapowerofshirts，itdoes，tillmymissusisfairtiredofwashingof’em。Ifyou’llwashafewshirtsformewhenyougethome，andsend’emalong，I’llgiveyouarideonmyengine。It’sagainsttheCompany’sregulations，butwe’renotsoveryparticularintheseout-of-the-wayparts。’
TheToad’smiseryturnedintoraptureasheeagerlyscrambledupintothecaboftheengine。Ofcourse，hehadneverwashedashirtinhislife，andcouldn’tifhetriedand，anyhow，hewasn’tgoingtobegin；buthethought：`WhenIgetsafelyhometoToadHall，andhavemoneyagain，andpocketstoputitin，I
willsendtheengine-driverenoughtopayforquiteaquantityofwashing，andthatwillbethesamething，orbetter。’
Theguardwavedhiswelcomeflag，theengine-driverwhistledincheerfulresponse，andthetrainmovedoutofthestation。Asthespeedincreased，andtheToadcouldseeoneithersideofhimrealfields，andtrees，andhedges，andcows，andhorses，allflyingpasthim，andashethoughthoweveryminutewasbringinghimnearertoToadHall，andsympatheticfriends，andmoneytochinkinhispocket，andasoftbedtosleepin，andgoodthingstoeat，andpraiseandadmirationattherecitalofhisadventuresandhissurpassingcleverness，hebegantoskipupanddownandshoutandsingsnatchesofsong，tothegreatastonishmentoftheengine-driver，whohadcomeacrosswasherwomenbefore，atlongintervals，butneveroneatalllikethis。
Theyhadcoveredmanyandmanyamile，andToadwasalreadyconsideringwhathewouldhaveforsupperassoonashegothome，whenhenoticedthattheengine-driver，withapuzzledexpressiononhisface，wasleaningoverthesideoftheengineandlisteninghard。Thenhesawhimclimbontothecoalsandgazeoutoverthetopofthetrain；thenhereturnedandsaidtoToad：
`It’sverystrange；we’rethelasttrainrunninginthisdirectionto-night，yetIcouldbeswornthatIheardanotherfollowingus！’
Toadceasedhisfrivolousanticsatonce。Hebecamegraveanddepressed，andadullpaininthelowerpartofhisspine，communicatingitselftohislegs，madehimwanttositdownandtrydesperatelynottothinkofallthepossibilities。
Bythistimethemoonwasshiningbrightly，andtheengine-
driver，steadyinghimselfonthecoal，couldcommandaviewofthelinebehindthemforalongdistance。
Presentlyhecalledout，`Icanseeitclearlynow！Itisanengine，onourrails，comingalongatagreatpace！Itlooksasifwewerebeingpursued！’
ThemiserableToad，crouchinginthecoal-dust，triedhardtothinkofsomethingtodo，withdismalwantofsuccess。
`Theyaregainingonusfast！’criedtheengine-driver。Andtheengineiscrowdedwiththequeerestlotofpeople！Menlikeancientwarders，wavinghalberds；policemenintheirhelmets，wavingtruncheons；andshabbilydressedmeninpot-hats，obviousandunmistakableplain-clothesdetectivesevenatthisdistance，wavingrevolversandwalking-sticks；allwaving，andallshoutingthesamething——\"Stop，stop，stop！\"’
ThenToadfellonhiskneesamongthecoalsand，raisinghisclaspedpawsinsupplication，cried，`Saveme，onlysaveme，dearkindMr。Engine-driver，andIwillconfesseverything！IamnotthesimplewasherwomanIseemtobe！Ihavenochildrenwaitingforme，innocentorotherwise！Iamatoad——thewell-knownandpopularMr。Toad，alandedproprietor；Ihavejustescaped，bymygreatdaringandcleverness，fromaloathsomedungeonintowhichmyenemieshadflungme；andifthosefellowsonthatenginerecaptureme，itwillbechainsandbread-and-waterandstrawandmiseryoncemoreforpoor，unhappy，innocentToad！’
Theengine-driverlookeddownuponhimverysternly，andsaid，`Nowtellthetruth；whatwereyouputinprisonfor？’
`Itwasnothingverymuch，’saidpoorToad，colouringdeeply。`I
onlyborrowedamotorcarwhiletheownerswereatlunch；theyhadnoneedofitatthetime。Ididn’tmeantostealit，really；
butpeople——especiallymagistrates——takesuchharshviewsofthoughtlessandhigh-spiritedactions。’
Theengine-driverlookedverygraveandsaid，`Ifearthatyouhavebeenindeedawickedtoad，andbyrightsIoughttogiveyouuptooffendedjustice。Butyouareevidentlyinsoretroubleanddistress，soIwillnotdesertyou。Idon’tholdwithmotor-
cars，foronething；andIdon’tholdwithbeingorderedaboutbypolicemenwhenI’monmyownengine，foranother。Andthesightofananimalintearsalwaysmakesmefeelqueerandsofthearted。
Socheerup，Toad！I’lldomybest，andwemaybeatthemyet！’
Theypiledonmorecoals，shovellingfuriously；thefurnaceroared，thesparksflew，theengineleaptandswungbutstilltheirpursuersslowlygained。Theengine-driver，withasigh，wipedhisbrowwithahandfulofcotton-waste，andsaid，`I’mafraidit’snogood，Toad。Yousee，theyarerunninglight，andtheyhavethebetterengine。There’sjustonethingleftforustodo，andit’syouronlychance，soattendverycarefullytowhatItellyou。Ashortwayaheadofusisalongtunnel，andontheothersideofthatthelinepassesthroughathickwood。
Now，IwillputonallthespeedIcanwhilewearerunningthroughthetunnel，buttheotherfellowswillslowdownabit，naturally，forfearofanaccident。Whenwearethrough，IwillshutoffsteamandputonbrakesashardasIcan，andthemomentit’ssafetodosoyoumustjumpandhideinthewood，beforetheygetthroughthetunnelandseeyou。ThenIwillgofullspeedaheadagain，andtheycanchasemeiftheylike，foraslongastheylike，andasfarastheylike。NowmindandbereadytojumpwhenItellyou！’
Theypiledonmorecoals，andthetrainshotintothetunnel，andtheenginerushedandroaredandrattled，tillatlasttheyshotoutattheotherendintofreshairandthepeacefulmoonlight，andsawthewoodlyingdarkandhelpfuluponeithersideoftheline。Thedrivershutoffsteamandputonbrakes，theToadgotdownonthestep，andasthetrainsloweddowntoalmostawalkingpaceheheardthedrivercallout，`Now，jump！’
Toadjumped，rolleddownashortembankment，pickedhimselfupunhurt，scrambledintothewoodandhid。
Peepingout，hesawhistraingetupspeedagainanddisappearatagreatpace。Thenoutofthetunnelburstthepursuingengine，roaringandwhistling，hermotleycrewwavingtheirvariousweaponsandshouting，`Stop！stop！stop！’Whentheywerepast，theToadhadaheartylaugh——forthefirsttimesincehewasthrownintoprison。
Buthesoonstoppedlaughingwhenhecametoconsiderthatitwasnowverylateanddarkandcold，andhewasinanunknownwood，withnomoneyandnochanceofsupper，andstillfarfromfriendsandhome；andthedeadsilenceofeverything，aftertheroarandrattleofthetrain，wassomethingofashock。Hedarednotleavetheshelterofthetrees，sohestruckintothewood，withtheideaofleavingtherailwayasfaraspossiblebehindhim。
Aftersomanyweekswithinwalls，hefoundthewoodstrangeandunfriendlyandinclined，hethought，tomakefunofhim。
Night-jars，soundingtheirmechanicalrattle，madehimthinkthatthewoodwasfullofsearchingwarders，closinginonhim。Anowl，swoopingnoiselesslytowardshim，brushedhisshoulderwithitswing，makinghimjumpwiththehorridcertaintythatitwasahand；thenflittedoff，moth-like，laughingitslowho！ho！ho；
whichToadthoughtinverypoortaste。Oncehemetafox，whostopped，lookedhimupanddowninasarcasticsortofway，andsaid，`Hullo，washerwoman！Halfapairofsocksandapillow-
caseshortthisweek！Minditdoesn’toccuragain！’andswaggeredoff，sniggering。Toadlookedaboutforastonetothrowathim，butcouldnotsucceedinfindingone，whichvexedhimmorethananything。Atlast，cold，hungry，andtiredout，hesoughttheshelterofahollowtree，wherewithbranchesanddeadleaveshemadehimselfascomfortableabedashecould，andsleptsoundlytillthemorning。
IX
WAYFARERSALL
TheWaterRatwasrestless，andhedidnotexactlyknowwhy。Toallappearancethesummer’spompwasstillatfullestheight，andalthoughinthetilledacresgreenhadgivenwaytogold，thoughrowanswerereddening，andthewoodsweredashedhereandtherewithatawnyfierceness，yetlightandwarmthandcolourwerestillpresentinundiminishedmeasure，cleanofanychillypremonitionsofthepassingyear。Buttheconstantchorusoftheorchardsandhedgeshadshrunktoacasualevensongfromafewyetunweariedperformers；therobinwasbeginningtoasserthimselfoncemore；andtherewasafeelingintheairofchangeanddeparture。Thecuckoo，ofcourse，hadlongbeensilent；butmanyanotherfeatheredfriend，formonthsapartofthefamiliarlandscapeanditssmallsociety，wasmissingtooanditseemedthattheranksthinnedsteadilydaybyday。Rat，everobservantofallwingedmovement，sawthatitwastakingdailyasouthingtendency；andevenashelayinbedatnighthethoughthecouldmakeout，passinginthedarknessoverhead，thebeatandquiverofimpatientpinions，obedienttotheperemptorycall。
Nature’sGrandHotelhasitsSeason，liketheothers。Astheguestsonebyonepack，pay，anddepart，andtheseatsatthetable-d’hoteshrinkpitifullyateachsucceedingmeal；assuitesofroomsareclosed，carpetstakenup，andwaiterssentaway；thoseboarderswhoarestayingon，enpension，untilthenextyear’sfullre-opening，cannothelpbeingsomewhataffectedbyalltheseflittingsandfarewells，thiseagerdiscussionofplans，routes，andfreshquarters，thisdailyshrinkageinthestreamofcomradeship。Onegetsunsettled，depressed，andinclinedtobequerulous。Whythiscravingforchange？Whynotstayonquietlyhere，likeus，andbejolly？Youdon’tknowthishoteloutoftheseason，andwhatfunwehaveamongourselves，wefellowswhoremainandseethewholeinterestingyearout。Allverytrue，nodoubttheothersalwaysreply；wequiteenvyyou——andsomeotheryearperhaps——butjustnowwehaveengagements——andthere’sthebusatthedoor——ourtimeisup！Sotheydepart，withasmileandanod，andwemissthem，andfeelresentful。TheRatwasaself-sufficingsortofanimal，rootedtotheland，and，whoeverwent，hestayed；still，hecouldnothelpnoticingwhatwasintheair，andfeelingsomeofitsinfluenceinhisbones。
Itwasdifficulttosettledowntoanythingseriously，withallthisflittinggoingon。Leavingthewater-side，whererushesstoodthickandtallinastreamthatwasbecomingsluggishandlow，hewanderedcountry-wards，crossedafieldortwoofpasturagealreadylookingdustyandparched，andthrustintothegreatseaofwheat，yellow，wavy，andmurmurous，fullofquietmotionandsmallwhisperings。Hereheoftenlovedtowander，throughtheforestofstiffstrongstalksthatcarriedtheirowngoldenskyawayoverhishead——askythatwasalwaysdancing，shimmering，softlytalking；orswayingstronglytothepassingwindandrecoveringitselfwithatossandamerrylaugh。Here，too，hehadmanysmallfriends，asocietycompleteinitself，leadingfullandbusylives，butalwayswithasparemomenttogossip，andexchangenewswithavisitor。Today，however，thoughtheywerecivilenough，thefield-miceandharvest-miceseemedpreoccupied。Manywerediggingandtunnellingbusily；others，gatheredtogetherinsmallgroups，examinedplansanddrawingsofsmallflats，statedtobedesirableandcompact，andsituatedconvenientlyneartheStores。
Somewerehaulingoutdustytrunksanddress-baskets，otherswerealreadyelbow-deeppackingtheirbelongings；whileeverywherepilesandbundlesofwheat，oats，barley，beech-mastandnuts，layaboutreadyfortransport。
`Here’soldRatty！’theycriedassoonastheysawhim。`Comeandbearahand，Rat，anddon’tstandaboutidle！’
`Whatsortofgamesareyouupto？’saidtheWaterRatseverely。
`Youknowitisn’ttimetobethinkingofwinterquartersyet，byalongway！’
`Oyes，weknowthat，’explainedafield-mouserathershamefacedly；`butit’salwaysaswelltobeingoodtime，isn’tit？WereallyMUSTgetallthefurnitureandbaggageandstoresmovedoutofthisbeforethosehorridmachinesbeginclickingroundthefields；andthen，youknow，thebestflatsgetpickedupsoquicklynowadays，andifyou’relateyouhavetoputupwithANYTHING；andtheywantsuchalotofdoingup，too，beforethey’refittomoveinto。Ofcourse，we’reearly，weknowthat；butwe’reonlyjustmakingastart。’
`O，botherSTARTS，’saidtheRat。`It’sasplendidday。Comeforarow，orastrollalongthehedges，orapicnicinthewoods，orsomething。’
`Well，ITHINKnotTO-DAY，thankyou，’repliedthefield-
mousehurriedly。`PerhapssomeOTHERday——whenwe’vemoreTIME————’
TheRat，withasnortofcontempt，swungroundtogo，trippedoverahat-box，andfell，withundignifiedremarks。
`Ifpeoplewouldbemorecareful，’saidafield-mouseratherstiffly，`andlookwherethey’regoing，peoplewouldn’thurtthemselves——andforgetthemselves。Mindthathold-all，Rat！
You’dbettersitdownsomewhere。Inanhourortwowemaybemorefreetoattendtoyou。’
`Youwon’tbe\"free\"asyoucallitmuchthissideofChristmas，Icanseethat，’retortedtheRatgrumpily，ashepickedhiswayoutofthefield。
Hereturnedsomewhatdespondentlytohisriveragain——hisfaithful，steady-goingoldriver，whichneverpackedup，flitted，orwentintowinterquarters。
Intheosierswhichfringedthebankhespiedaswallowsitting。
Presentlyitwasjoinedbyanother，andthenbyathird；andthebirds，fidgetingrestlesslyontheirbough，talkedtogetherearnestlyandlow。
`What，ALREADY，’saidtheRat，strollinguptothem。`What’sthehurry？Icallitsimplyridiculous。’
`O，we’renotoffyet，ifthat’swhatyoumean，’repliedthefirstswallow。`We’reonlymakingplansandarrangingthings。
