Rat and Mole waited for the door to open.
But it didn't open any further.
"Who woke me up?" cried an angry voice.
"Can't a badger get some sleep?"
"Oh, Badger," said Rat.
"Let us in.
It's Rat, and my friend Mole.
We lost our way in the snow."
Suddenly the door swung wide open.
"Why Ratty! Come on in!" cried Badger.
"Lost in the Wild Wood?
My friends, you are soaking wet!"
Badger quickly shut the door behind them.
Badger wore a long dressing gown.
On his feet were large slippers.
He held a candle in his paw.
"Thank you, Mr. Badger," said Mole.
Badger looked kindly at Rat and Mole.
"Come into the kitchen," he said.
"There's a fire and some supper too."
Badger led them down a long hallway.
"I am so hungry!" Mole said to Rat.
"Me too!" agreed Rat.
"Here we are," said Badger.
He held open the door to a cozy kitchen.
"Sit by the fire," Badger told them.
"Take off those wet coats. Boots too!"
Badger gave them robes and slippers to wear.
"Now let me get you some dinner."
Badger brought them plates of hot food.
Soon they were warm and dry.
Mole looked at Badger's friendly face.
"I have finally met Badger," thought Mole.