asked the Rat uneasily, glancing at the clock on the
mantelpiece.

'WHOSE hour, you should rather say,' replied the Badger. 'Why, Toad's
hour! The hour of Toad! I said I would take him in hand as soon as the
winter was well over, and I'm going to take him in hand to-day!'

'Toad's hour, of course!' cried the Mole delightedly. 'Hooray! I
remember now! WE'LL teach him to be a sensible Toad!'

'This very morning,' continued the Badger, taking an arm-chair, 'as
I learnt last night from a trustworthy source, another new and
exceptionally powerful motor-car will arrive at Toad Hall on approval or
return. At this very moment, perhaps, Toad is busy arraying himself in
those singularly hideous habiliments so dear to him, which transform him
from a (comparatively) good-looking Toad into an Object which throws any
decent-minded animal that comes across it into a violent fit. We must
be up and doing, ere it is too late. You two animals will accompany me
instantly to Toad Hall, and the work of rescue shall be accomplished.'

'Right you are!' cried the Rat, starting up. 'We'll rescue the poor
unhappy animal! We'll convert him! He'll be the most converted Toad that
ever was before we've done with him!'

They set off up the road on their mission of mercy, Badger leading the
way. Animals when in company walk in a proper and sensible manner, in
single file, instead of sprawling all across the road and being of no
use or support to each other in case of sudden trouble or danger.

They reached the carriage-drive of Toad Hall to find, as the Badger had
anticipated, a shiny new motor-car, of great size, painted a bright
red (Toad's favourite colour), standing in front of the house. As they
neared the door it was flung open, and Mr. Toad, arrayed in goggles,
cap, gaiters, and enormous overcoat, came swaggering down the steps,
drawing on his gauntleted gloves.

'Hullo! come on, you fellows!' he cried cheerfully on catching sight of
them. 'You're just in time to come with me for a jolly--to come for a
jolly--for a--er--jolly----'

His hearty accents faltered and fell away as he noticed the stern
unbending look on the countenances of his silent friends, and his
invitation remained unfinished.

The Badger strode up the steps. 'Take him inside,' he said sternly to
his companions. Then, as Toad was hustled through the door, struggling
and protesting, he turned to the chauffeur in charge of the new
motor-car.

'I'm afraid you won't be w