Here the Rat nudged the Mole. Unfortunately the Toad saw him do it,
and turned very red. There was a moment's painful silence. 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 yourself. 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----'

'O, pooh! boating!' interrupted the Toad, in great disgust. Silly
boyish amusement. I've given that up LONG ago. Sheer waste of time,
that's what it is. It makes me downright sorry to see you fellows,
who ought to know better, spending all your energies in that aimless
manner. 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, and can only regret the wasted years that lie behind me,
squandered in trivialities. Come with me, dear Ratty, and your amiable
friend also, if he will be so very good, just as far as the
stable-yard, and you shall see what you shall see!'

He led the way to the stable-yard accordingly, 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.