The Wind in the Willows: Mr. Badger

After a long wait they heard slow footsteps, and the door opened a little to show a long nose and a pair of sleepy eyes.“Who is disturbing people on a night like this?” said a gruff voice. “Speak up!”“Oh, Badger, it’s me, Rat, and my friend Mole, and we’ve lost our way in the snow!”

The Badger, in a long dressing-gown and slippers, became kind at once: “Come in, both of you, you poor little animals!”He led them into a big, warm kitchen with a bright fire, gave them dry clothes, and washed and bandaged Mole’s leg.Then they sat down to a wonderful supper, and Mole felt safe and happy at last.

After supper the Badger asked about Toad, and the Rat shook his head sadly.“He smashed another motor-car last week — that’s the seventh,” said the Rat, “and he’s been in hospital three times.”“When the winter is over, we three will take Toad in hand,” said the Badger firmly. “We’ll make him a sensible Toad again.”

The next morning two young hedgehogs, who had also been lost in the snow, were eating porridge by the kitchen fire.Soon the Otter arrived as well, for all the river-bankers had been out searching for the Rat and Mole.“Thought I’d find you here,” he said cheerfully, and they all ate a big meal of fried ham together.

Afterwards the Badger took Mole on a tour of his home, which was full of long tunnels, halls, and storerooms.“Long ago, people built a city here,” the Badger explained. “They went away, but we badgers stayed — we always do.”Mole, who loved living underground, felt completely at home, but the Rat was eager to get back to his river.

So the Badger led them along a long, secret tunnel that came out at the very edge of the Wild Wood.Far away they could see the fields, the hedges, and the shining river, with the red winter sun sinking low.Mole looked back at the dark wood and decided that the fields and the river, safe and friendly, were the place for him.