Chapter Two. The Riverbank.
The very next morning, after having a large breakfast, the two animals dressed and began trekking through the snow. Many Wild Wooders who saw Mr. Badger would stop for a moment to wonder at him. He usually never came out during winter, unless for matters of great importance. He was mostly quiet during the walk, listening to Benjamin talk of his family. Especially his cousin Peter. Badger chuckled a bit when Benjamin told him of Peter's exploits with a certain farmer.
After walking for some time they finally reached the riverbank. "But wait," said Benjamin. "I thought we were going to head for the train station?"
"Not quite yet," replied Badger who tested the frozen river with his walking stick. "I can tell this will be an unpleasant venture, and I shall have want of some reliable friends at my side. Come, the ice is thick enough to cross." And with that Badger began to slowly cross the ice to a burrow on the other bank. Benjamin followed, finding the house rather curious. It seemed to him, that the door practically touched the water, save for a small wooden porch, with a boat resting on it.
Once the two had crossed the ice, and were standing on the
porch, Badger knocked a few times on the door with his cane. The shuffling of feat could be heard on the other side, and the door opened to reveal a friendly looking water rat, wearing pajama bottoms and an opened robe. "Oh, morning
Badger," he yawned sleepily. "How are you old chap? Not like you to be out this early, and during winter no less!"
"There is a matter of great import, which I shall need your assistance in dear Rat. Ah but where are my manners," he then introduced Benjamin, and they were led inside. Rat who was now wide awake, tied his robe and went about the kitchen, fussing with food and dishes. Badger however told him it wouldn't be necessary, and advised him to get dressed, saying he would explain on the way to Mole's.
"Oh and Ratty," he continued before Rat left the room. "It would be wise of you to pack a pistol,"
The trio where now headed for Mole's, Ratty carrying a small suitcase and listening intently to Benjamin's tale. At the mention of Tod, by Badger, Ratty wrinkled his nose and replied, "Well he may have been wronged, but it sounds very brash of him to call on someone to deliver a message this late in the winter. You can never be too sure with foxes!"
"Very true Mr. Rat," replied Benjamin who had taken a liking to the fellow. "My family has had regrettable dealings with him before. A downright rotter! I believe he made me messenger as a form of revenge. Yet, hard to say who's worse. Him or Brock!" The fellows at that point had reached the tunnel leading to Mole End. Benjamin and Ratty descended with ease. But Badger, who was too large to fit, chose to wait outside.
After some climbing they finally made it to Mole's front door. Around it were many potted plant's, and a large heat lamp. Benjamin found all this quite fascinating. Rat however went right to the door and knocked softly a few times. A noise was heard as if someone was grumbling. Then the door opened and someone could be heard saying, "Now listen here. I don't appreciate solicitors this late in the- Oh! Ratty I'm so sorry I didn't realize-"
"Quite all right old friend. But there seems to be a spot of trouble. I'll explain." So they stood at the door way, and Ratty and Benjamin explained the affair to Mole.
Mole looked to Benjamin and said, "Oh dear. It does sound like a mess. Give me a moment and I shall be out faster than lightning!" So Ratty and Benjamin ascended the tunnel again, and with Badger waited on the mole. When Mole finally appeared with his luggage, they were off to the station.
They must have appeared quite a strange band, as they marched through the snow. Badge looking like an old gentleman, the rat and mole like they were on an expedition, and then the humble Benjamin, dressed in the attire of a country farmer. There was worry that gaining access to a train would be difficult, but luckily the weather had cleared up and Badger had good dealings with the engineer. Then after a few minutes the engines roared to life, and they were speeding north.