Tufter Rabbit and the Big Flood

Press, 15 July 1976, Page 10

Tufter Rabbit and the Big Flood

This is the second part of the story started last week. Tufter Rabbit is worried by the danger of flooding when there came a knock on his door . . .

Outside, a rat shivered on the step. He clutched a skinny bone and water dripped from his cap and trickled over his whiskers. “I’m flooded out,” he mumbled. ‘‘Come in, come in” Tufter said, leading Rat to a chair by the fire. .But he was worried as he poured out a mug of soup for the visitor: there was only a small amount in the pot. But Rat was happy. He tucked his bone under the cushion end shook his wet tail on the mat. “Vegetable soup!” he exclaimed. “My favourite.” And he gulped it down noisily. Tufter frowned. Rat’s manners were not dainty. Yet life was difficult in stormy weather. He longed for some soup, too, but before he could pour more out, there was a gentle tap, tap, at the door. This time a hedgehog stood there. Bits of straw clung to his prickles and his little eyes blinked sleepily. “Please may I

stay?” he whispered. “I w'as dreaming, but the big flood woke me up and my warm bed of leaves was washed away.” Tufter showed Hedgehog a snug corner and he curled up at once and fell asleep. “He’s having another dream,” said Rat, as Hedehog snored. The snores grew louder and louder, even though Rat tapped his bone on Hedgehog's snout several times. “I’ll reheat the soup,” Tufter said. “It’s cold.” Suddenly the door shook. Somebody flung it open and a gust of wind whistled through the room. A voice shouted: ’‘Who’s there?” Tufter and Rat jumped up fearfully. A dark face with shining teeth stared at them through the burrow entrance. (Who is Tufteris new and noisy visitor? The answer will appear in the third part of the story next week.)