Вітер у вербах
Mr. Toad
Atfirsthehadtakenby-paths,andcrossedmanyfields,andchangedhiscourseseveraltimes,incaseofpursuit;butnow,feelingbythistimesafefromrecapture,andthesunsmilingbrightlyonhim,andallNaturejoininginachorusofapprovaltothesongofself-praisethathisownheartwassingingtohim,healmostdancedalongtheroadinhissatisfactionandconceit.
"Smartpieceofworkthat!"heremarkedtohimselfchuckling."Brainagainstbruteforce—andbraincameoutonthetop—asit’sboundtodo.PooroldRatty!My!won’thecatchitwhentheBadgergetsback!Aworthyfellow,Ratty,withmanygoodqualities,butverylittleintelligenceandabsolutelynoeducation.Imusttakehiminhandsomeday,andseeifIcanmakesomethingofhim."
Filledfullofconceitedthoughtssuchasthesehestrodealong,hisheadintheair,tillhereachedalittletown,wherethesignof"TheRedLion,"swingingacrosstheroadhalf-waydownthemainstreet,remindedhimthathehadnotbreakfastedthatday,andthathewasexceedinglyhungryafterhislongwalk.HemarchedintotheInn,orderedthebestluncheonthatcouldbeprovidedatsoshortanotice,andsatdowntoeatitinthecoffee-room.
Hewasabouthalf-waythroughhismealwhenanonlytoofamiliarsound,approachingdownthestreet,madehimstartandfalla-tremblingallover.