The dusty stranger bowed to Rat.
Then he smiled and sat down.
Rat sat down too.
The stranger took a deep breath.
"I smell clover and smoke on the wind.
A river runs close by here," he said, sniffing.
"You have a good life, my friend."
"Yes," said Rat proudly.
"The riverbank is the best!"
The visitor smiled to himself.
"Well, it's not for everyone," he said.
"Where are you from?" asked Rat.
"I am a sea rat," he said.
"I was born in an old city far away."
"A sea rat?" asked Rat.
"Yes," said Sea Rat.
"I know every port in the world."
"You sail on big ships!" said Rat.
Rat loved all boats, big and small.
"Tell me all about it!" said Rat.
"Once I sailed the coast of Italy," said Sea Rat.
"I lived in the captain's cabin."
Sea Rat sighed with pleasure.
"We ate shellfish with wine!
We dined on baked bread and cheese.
On shore, we lay under olive trees."
Rat imagined all the food.
"Now I'm hungry," said Rat.
"Will you have lunch with me?"
"A wonderful idea!" said Sea Rat.