Rat and Mole were lost in the forest.
It was cold, but they tried to be cheerful.
"I've seen that tree over there before," said Rat.
Then he shook his head.
"No, I guess not."
"That round rock looks familiar," said Mole.
"Good for you, Mole," said Rat.
They walked over to a big rock.
"It's not the one I thought," sighed Mole.
"We'll find the way," said Rat. "Don't worry."
But Rat knew they were in trouble.
All they could see was white snow and black trees.
They kept walking for hours.
"Let's rest a minute," said Rat.
Rat sat down on a fallen tree.
They were tired, hungry, and very cold.
"We can't stay here long," said Mole.
"The snow will get too deep."
Mole held out his hand for his friend.
Rat took it.
"Thank you," he said, and stood.
They walked a little further.
"Look, Mole," said Rat.
"There's a small valley ahead of us.
Maybe it has a dry place where we can rest."
"That's a good idea," said Mole.
The wind blew hard and the snow fell thick.
The two friends went into the valley.
They searched for a dry hole or an empty cave.
Suddenly Mole tripped and fell.
"Ow! My leg!" he cried.
He held his leg in his paws.
It was bleeding.