The long winter ended.
The bright sun made the riverbank green.
The river flowed and sparkled again.
It was finally spring!
Rat and Mole planned to go boating.
"But first, breakfast!" said Rat, as he ate his egg.
Mole finished his toast and jelly.
They heard a knock at Rat's door.
"Mole, I'm still eating," said Rat.
"Will you answer the door?"
"Sure," said Mole.
Mole ran to the door and opened it.
"Mr. Badger!" cried Mole.
Rat dropped his fork.
"Badger? Here?" said Rat.
"He hardly ever leaves the Wild Wood!"
Badger walked into the room.
"The hour has come!" said Badger.
Mole looked at the clock on the wall.
"What hour?" asked Mole.
"You should say whose hour!
It is the hour for Toad!" cried Badger.
"What?" asked Rat, scratching his head.
"Winter is over," said Badger.
"We must take care of Toad!"
"Hooray!" shouted Mole.
He jumped up and down.
"When?"
"Right now!" said Badger.
"Toad just bought another big car!"
"Oh no," said Rat, getting up from the table.
"We must get to Toad Hall," cried Mole.
"Before it's too late!" added Rat.
The three friends rushed out the door.
Together they set out for Toad Hall.