The water was cold.
Mole could not swim!
"How stupid of me!" Mole thought.
He started to sink.
Just in time, a paw grabbed Mole's fur.
Whoosh! Mole's head popped above the waves.
"Oh!" gasped Mole.
"I've got you," said Rat.
"You'll be all right."
He pulled Mole to shore.
"Rat, I am very sorry," said Mole.
"Don't worry about it," laughed Rat.
"What's a little water to a Water Rat?"
He pulled the boat to shore.
They stepped into the boat again.
This time Mole sat quietly on his cushion.
Rat took the oars and rowed.
"We'll be home soon," said Rat.
Rat's home was a very cozy place.
Its shelves were full of books.
"Sit down and warm up," said Rat.
"I will light a bright fire."
"Ah-choo!" Mole sneezed.
"Here are slippers and a robe," said Rat.
"Put them on, Mole."
Together they ate a fine supper.
Then Rat sat with Mole by the fire.
Rat loved to write songs and poems.
He told Mole many stories of the river.
"You should stay with me," said Rat.
"I'll teach you to row and swim."
"Thank you, Ratty," said Mole.
"You are a good friend!"