y, 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 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 wanted to-day," he sa