Rat ran home to pack a picnic basket.
"Sea Rat will only eat the best!" said Rat to himself.
"I'll put cheese and sausage in the basket.
Some bread too!"
Rat hurried back outside.
Sea Rat helped unpack the basket.
"This is excellent food!" cried Sea Rat.
While they ate, Sea Rat talked.
"Ah, my last trip was exciting," said Sea Rat.
"We sailed stormy seas.
A lighthouse guided us safely.
Then we rested on a sunny beach."
"What an adventure!" said Rat.
Sea Rat's voice sounded magical.
"The sailors sang songs.
At night, we danced by the fire."
"Lovely!" cried Rat.
"In the morning, fishermen spread their nets.
Then we sailed for a secret island."
Rat listened as if he was dreaming.
"Now," said Sea Rat, "I am traveling south.
You should come with me."
"You're right," said Rat, dreamily.
He went straight home to pack.
At home, Rat found his backpack.
He picked up his stick and coat.
"I will leave the riverbank," he mumbled.
"I will travel the wide seas."
Suddenly Mole appeared at his door.
"Where are you going, Ratty?" he asked.
"I'm going south," said Rat slowly.
"The sea is calling me."