Up Late

The Wind in the Willows 22 Up Late

Rat and Mole ate in Badger’s warm kitchen. No one spoke until the plates were empty. “ We’re sorry that we bothered you, ” said Rat. “ I’m glad to help, ” said Badger.

Badger gave them some tea. “ Now tell me, ” said Badger. “ How is Toad?” Rat was surprised. Normally Badger did not talk about Riverbankers.

” How’s Toad?” said Rat. “ Not good. ” ” He crashed another car last week, ” said Mole. ” He’s a very bad driver, ” said Rat. But he thinks he’s the best in the world. ”

“ How many has he had?” asked Badger. “ Do you mean crashes or cars?” asked Mole. “ It’s the same thing, ” laughed Rat. “ Seven! His yard is full of broken cars. ”

“ He went to the hospital three times, ” said Mole. “ Soon he’ll run out of money! ” said Rat. “ Or he’ll get killed! ” “ Shouldn’t we do something?” said Mole.