A Mysterious Friend

The Wind in the Willows 48 A Mysterious Friend

“ Oh my! ” cried Mole. “ Shh, ” said Rat gently. A very strange sight appeared before them.

It was a strange creature. He had the legs of a goat and the body of a man. The horns on his head shone in the dawn. His kind face had a soft beard.

“ Rat, are you still afraid?” asked Mole. “ No, ” said Rat. “ And yes. He looks as strong as a thunderstorm. ” “ But as gentle as a summer breeze, ” said Mole.

“ Look, ” said Rat. “ He is holding pipes. ” “ The music! ” said Mole quietly. The kind face smiled at them.

“ I think, ” said Rat, “ he is a friend. ” The dawn glowed, and a warm breeze touched them. Then the two animals were alone. For a moment they felt very sad.