It was painted blue outside and white within, and was just
the size for two animals; and the Mole's whole heart went out to it at
once, even though he did not yet fully understand its uses.
The Rat sculled smartly across and made fast. Then he held up his
forepaw as the Mole stepped gingerly down. 'Lean on that!' he said.
'Now then, step lively!' and the Mole to his surprise and rapture
found himself actually seated in the stern of a real boat.
'This has been a wonderful day!' said he, as the Rat shoved off and
took to the sculls again. 'Do you know, I've never been in a boat
before in all my life.'
'What?' cried the Rat, open-mouthed: 'Never been in a--you never--
well I--what have you been doing, then?'
'Is it so nice as all that?' asked the Mole shyly, though he was quite
prepared to believe it as he leant back in his seat and surveyed the
cushions, the oars, the rowlocks, and all the fascinating fittings,
and felt the boat sway lightly under him.
'Nice? It's the ONLY thing,' said the Water Rat solemnly, as he leant
forward for his stroke.
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