"Dig in!" cried Rat.
Everyone around the table started to eat.
No one was shy about passing plates.
All the food was tasty.
"Hey, Mole," said one little mouse.
"Did you hear about the swamp?"
"No," said Mole. "What happened?"
"It dried up," another mouse answered.
"Hey, Mole," said a mouse.
"Do you remember Beaver's house?"
"Of course," said Mole.
"It's twice as big now," said the choir leader.
Mole laughed. "Good old Beaver!
He never stops building."
All through dinner, Rat did not say much.
He just smiled and ate.
"Well, it's time to go," said the choir leader.
Mole gave his visitors a warm good-bye.
The mice left with pockets full of treats.
As they went out the door, they sang.
You opened your doors so wide.
We left the snow outside.
You brought us in by the fire.
You will have joy in the morning!
Rat and Mole watched them leave.
The mice's lantern light faded behind the hill.
"Ratty, I'm going to bed," yawned Mole.
"Is it nice to be home?" asked Rat.
"Oh yes," sighed Mole.
"It's also nice by the river with you."
"Ah, the river," said Rat.
"But I'm glad to have my home too," said Mole.