第1章 河(5)

When at last they could eat no more, the Mole lay back and watched the river lazily.

After a while he sat up.

I can see a long line of bubbles in the water, he said. I wonder what it is.

'Bubbles? Oho! 'said the Rat, and he called out across the river in a friendly kind of way.

The bubbles stopped and turned.

Soon a wet whiskery nose appeared above the edge of the bank, and the Otter pulled him self out and shook the water from his coat.

'A lunch party! 'he said, going straight towards the food. Why didn't you invite me, Ratty?

We didn't plan it, explained the Rat. We only decided to come this morning. Oh, and this is my friend, Mr Mole. '

'Happy to meet you, 'said the Otter, and the two animals were friends at once.

All the world seems to be out on the river today, said the Otter while he ate.