Good morning, Rat! Good morning, Mole! This is a formal call, you fellows! Summer is here - so - the hour has come!
Whose hour, I hear you ask! Why, Toad's hour!
The hour of Toad! I said I would take him in hand as soon as the winter was well and truly over, and I am going to take him in hand - (Pause) - TODAY!!
Now - I shall need you chaps to back me up - but I have a sound plan - and some very important news. May I -
(Sits down)
This very morning, as I learnt last night from a trustworthy source, another new and exceptionally powerful motor-car will arrive at Toad Hall on approval or return.
At this very moment, perhaps Toad is busily arraying himself in those singularly hideous habiliments so dear to him, which transform him from a comparatively good-looking Toad into an object which throws any decent-minded animal that comes across it into a violent fit.
We must be up and doing, before it is too late. You two animals will accompany me instantly to Toad Hall, and the work of rescue shall be accomplished.
We'll save the poor unhappy animal! We'll rescue him! We'll convert him! He'll be the most converted Toad that ever was before we've done with him!
Yes indeed, the hour has come! Gentlemen - follow me! Onwards!