【英】《柳林风声》第2集： Meeting New Friends

Mole and Rat continued on their adventure. Rat brought the boat alongside the bank and helped Mole to shore. Rat gave the wicker basket to Mole. Mole wanted to empty the basket himself to thank Rat for lunch.

Mole shook out the tablecloth and lay it down on the grass. Then, he took out all sorts of mysterious packets and lay them out.

Finally Rat said, “Dig in.”

Mole was happy to obey the orders.

As they ate, Rat noticed Mole staring at something. “What are you looking at?”

“I see bubbles in the water,” said Mole. “A streak of bubbles traveling along the surface. It looks funny.”

“Bubbles?” asked Rat. He perked up as a broad, glistening muzzle popped up on the bank. It was Otter. He hauled himself out of the water and shook his coat.

“Greedy!” said Otter. “Why didn’t you invite me, Ratty?”

“This is an impromptu affair,” said Rat. “But please meet my friend, Mr. Mole.”

“Nice to meet you,” said Otter. “Such a rumpus everywhere. All the world seems out on the river today. I came here to get a moment’s peace and found you two.”

Just then, there was a slight rustle behind them. Badger peered out from behind a bush.

“Come out, Badger.”

Badger trotted forward a pace or two and then grunted. “Hmpf! Company.” He turned his back and disappeared.

“That’s the sort of fellow he is,” said Rat. “Simply hates society and the world at times. We won’t see any more of him today.”

Otter then gave everyone the rundown on who was on the river that day. He enjoyed speaking of Toad, who had a new boat.

“Toad often has new boats and grows tired of them easily. It won’t be long before he has a new boat and grows bored of that one, too.” 

It was only minutes later that they spied Toad working hard in his boat to keep it steady. Rat stood and waved him over. Toad shook his head and returned to his work.

“If he doesn’t steady that boat, he’ll be in the water soon enough,” said Rat, laughing.

“Of course he will,” said Otter. “Did I ever tell you the time Toad . . .” But he didn’t finish. Instead, Otter was off in the water chasing a mayfly. Although they couldn’t see Otter in the water, they followed the stream of bubbles on the surface.

Rat hummed a tune and didn’t mention Otter’s sudden disappearance. Mole didn’t want to appear rude, so he didn’t mention it either.

“I think we should be moving along,” said Rat. 
“I’ll pack up our lunch basket.”
“Allow me,” said Mole.

Packing up the basket wasn’t nearly as much fun as unpacking it. But Mole enjoyed it because he enjoyed everything about river life.

After he had finished, he didn’t even mind when Rat laughed about the plate, fork, and mustard bowl that Mole had forgotten to pack away.

The afternoon sun was getting low. Rat gently rowed toward home in a dreamy mood. Mole was feeling content and already at home in the boat. “Please, Rat. May I row the boat?” 

Rat shook his head and smiled. “Not yet, my young friend. Wait until you’ve had a few lessons. It’s not as easy as it looks.”

Mole was quiet for a few minutes. But then he began to feel a bit jealous of Rat. He started to think that he would indeed be able to row the boat without lessons.


Mole jumped up and seized the oars so suddenly that Rat was taken by surprise and fell backward. 

For the second time that day, Rat’s feet were up in the air. Mole took his place and started rowing with confidence.

“Stop!” yelled Rat. “You’ll tip us over.”

Mole flung his oars back and made a great dig in the water. He missed the surface altogether and his legs flew up above his head. He suddenly found himself lying on top of Rat!

Shocked, Mole reached for the side of the boat and in the next moment—sploosh! Over went the boat. Mole struggled in the water. He felt a paw grip his neck and heard Rat laughing.

It only took Rat a minute to propel Mole safely to shore. “Dry off, Mole, while I get the picnic basket at the bottom of the river.” Rat quickly turned the boat right side up and got the basket.

“Ratty, my generous friend,” said Mole, “I am sorry for the way I acted. Will you forgive me?”

“What’s a little wet to a water rat?” asked Rat cheerily. “I’m in the water more than I’m out of it most days. Why don’t you come and stay with me awhile? I’ll teach you to row and swim. You’ll soon be as good in the water as any of us.”

Mole was so touched by Rat’s generous offer that he had to wipe away a tear with his paw.

Rat brought Mole home and lit a fire for him. He fetched slippers and a robe for him. Mole was thrilled to listen to the river adventures that Rat spoke of.

Rat told stories deep into the evening until Mole fell asleep. As he drifted off to sleep, Mole thought about how happy he was with his new friend.

This was the first day of their many adventures together. Mole did indeed learn to swim and row. But he learned more than swimming and rowing during those first months together. Mole learned the language of the river and came to understand the 
whispers of the wind.