The whole riverbank was worried.
"Rat was away all night," said a squirrel.
"Mole is gone too," said a robin.
"Maybe they went to the Wild Wood!" said a deer.
When Otter heard, he was worried too.
"Can you find them?" asked the squirrel.
"I'll look for Badger's house," Otter told them.
"When animals get in trouble, he often helps."
The Wild Wood was cold and empty.
Otter found no one to ask for news.
Then he saw a rabbit hopping by.
"Did you see my friend Mole?" asked Otter.
"Ahh!" screamed the rabbit, turning around.
"You scared me!"
"Have you seen Mole?" Otter said again.
"Well . . . ," said the rabbit.
"Why do you ask?"
"Don't play games," said Otter.
"Did you see him?"
Otter hit the rabbit on the head.
"Ow!" cried the rabbit, rubbing his head.
"You mean Rat's friend?"
The rabbit laughed.
"I told all the other rabbits.
They thought it was very funny.
Mole got lost, and he was soo scared!"
"Why didn't you do something?" Otter asked.
"Like what?" asked the rabbit.
"Take him in!
Help him!" said Otter.
"What? Us?" said the rabbit, confused.
"You expect us rabbits to help anyone?"
Shaking his head, Otter hurried on.