“Such a rumpus everywhere!” continued the Otter. “All the world seems out on the river today. I came up this backwater to try and get a moment’s peace, and then stumble upon you fellows!⁠—At least⁠—I beg pardon⁠—I don’t exactly mean that, you know.”

There was a rustle behind them, proceeding from a hedge wherein last year’s leaves still clung thick, and a stripy head, with high shoulders behind it, peered forth on them.

“Come on, old Badger!” shouted the Rat.

The Badger trotted forward a pace or two, then grunted, “H’m! Company,” and turned his back and disappeared from view.

“That’s just the sort of fellow he is!” observed the disappointed Rat. “Simply hates Society! Now we shan’t see any more of him today. Well, tell us, who’s out on the river?”