Kenneth Grahame: The Wind in the Willows

12. THE RETURN OF ULYSSES (continued)

Such a tremendous noise was going on in the banqueting-hall that there was little danger of their being overheard. The Badger said, `Now, boys, all together!' and the four of them put their shoulders to the trap-door and heaved it back. Hoisting each other up, they found themselves standing in the pantry, with only a door between them and the banqueting-hall, where their unconscious enemies were carousing.

The noise, as they emerged from the passage, was simply deafening. At last, as the cheering and hammering slowly subsided, a voice could be made out saying, `Well, I do not propose to detain you much longer'--(great applause)--`but before I resume my seat'--(renewed cheering)--`I should like to say one word about our kind host, Mr. Toad. We all know Toad!'--(great laughter)--`GOOD Toad, MODEST Toad, HONEST Toad!' (shrieks of merriment).

`Only just let me get at him!' muttered Toad, grinding his teeth.

`Hold hard a minute!' said the Badger, restraining him with difficulty. `Get ready, all of you!'

`--Let me sing you a little song,' went on the voice, `which I have composed on the subject of Toad'--(prolonged applause).

Then the Chief Weasel--for it was he--began in a high, squeaky voice--

`Toad he went a-pleasuring
Gaily down the street--'

The Badger drew himself up, took a firm grip of his stick with both paws, glanced round at his comrades, and cried--

`The hour is come! Follow me!'

And flung the door open wide.

My!

What a squealing and a squeaking and a screeching filled the air!