Chapter
8
The Open Road, Part I
In 1908, the Scottish author Kenneth Grahame delighted readers with stories of Toad, Mole, and Rat and their adventures in a book called “The Wind in the Willows.”
“Won’t you take me to call on Toad?” said Mole to his friend, Rat. “I’ve heard so much about him.” “Why, of course,” said Rat. “Get the boat out and we’ll paddle up there at once. It’s never the wrong time to call on Toad. Early or late, he’s always the same fellow: always good-tempered, always glad to see you, and always sorry when you go!” “He must be a very nice animal,” said Mole, as he got into the boat. “He is indeed the best of animals,” replied Rat, “so simple, and so friendly. Perhaps he’s not very clever—we can’t all be smart. It may be that he is both boastful and conceited. But Toady is a great friend.”
78
Classic Tales
