Rat was glad to see Otter.
Otter was a Riverbanker.
"Otter, this is Mole," said Rat.
"We're just about to eat."
Sounds came from the bushes.
They all looked.
It was Badger!
He pushed through the leaves.
Badger stared at them.
"Hmmph!" he said.
Badger turned and went into the bushes again.
"He didn't say hello," said Mole, surprised.
"I told you," Rat said.
"Badger likes to be alone."
After lunch Rat packed up the basket.
"Guess who is on the river today?" said Otter.
"Who?" asked Rat.
"Toad! He's in his new racing boat," said Otter.
"Toad is always trying new things," said Rat.
"But he's never good at them," laughed Otter.
"Well, I'm leaving!
Nice meeting you, Mole."
Mole was putting the oars in the boat.
"We're going too," said Rat.
"Oh, Rat, please let me row," cried Mole.
"Not yet. You need a few lessons," said Rat.
Mole climbed into the boat.
Rat hopped in and untied the boat.
"Rowing can't be very hard," Mole thought.
Quickly he grabbed the oars!
"Stop, you'll make us tip over!" cried Rat.
The boat tipped back and forth.
Mole lost his balance.
Sploosh! They fell into the cold water.