🐾 The Wind in the Willows – Chapter 3: Toad in Trouble

Toad’s obsession with motor-cars grew stronger every day.

He forgot about the horse and cart. He forgot about the river. He even forgot about his friends.

All he wanted was speed.

💨 He bought one car. He crashed it.
💨 He bought another. He crashed that one too.

But Toad didn’t care.

“This is life!” he shouted.

Mole and Rat were very worried. “He’ll hurt himself,” Rat said. “Or someone else.”

So they went to ask Badger for help.

Badger lived in the deep woods. He didn’t like noise or crowds, but he cared deeply about his friends.

When he heard about Toad, he nodded. “It’s time we had a serious talk with him.”

The next day, the three friends went to Toad Hall.

Toad was in his bedroom, wearing driving goggles and pretending to steer a car.

“Toad,” Badger said firmly, “you must stop this madness.”

Toad laughed. “You just don’t understand!”

“You’ve crashed seven cars and spent all your money!” Mole shouted.

“Please, Toad,” Rat said kindly. “Think of your safety.”

But Toad refused to listen. “I’m a free spirit!” he said. “I need the open road!”

So the friends locked the doors of Toad Hall and tried to keep him inside until he came to his senses.

At first, Toad sulked. Then he pretended to be sick. But Mole and Rat took care of him and didn’t believe his tricks.

On the fourth day, Toad escaped through a window.

He ran into town, laughing and shouting.

At the town square, he saw a red motor-car parked outside an inn.

Toad’s eyes lit up. “I must have it!”

He crept closer. No one was watching.

He jumped inside and drove off.

But not far.

🚓 A police officer saw him and shouted, “Stop! That’s not your car!”

Toad was caught and taken to court.

The judge was very angry. “You stole a car, drove dangerously, and lied to the police.”

Toad smiled nervously. “It was a small mistake…”

“Twenty years in prison!” the judge said.

And just like that, Toad was taken away.

His friends didn’t know where he was.

Toad sat in a cold cell with a tiny window.

For the first time in his life, he felt truly sorry.

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📖 Glossary

Word/Phrase	Meaning
Obsession	A strong, uncontrollable interest in something
Goggles	Protective glasses used for driving or swimming
Madness	Crazy or dangerous behavior
Sulked	Stayed quiet and unhappy because of anger
Crept	Moved slowly and quietly
Cell	A small room in a prison

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❓ Comprehension Questions

1. What does Toad become obsessed with?

2. Who do Mole and Rat ask for help?

3. What does Badger decide to do?

4. How do the friends try to stop Toad?

5. How does Toad escape?

6. What crime does Toad commit?

7. What punishment does the judge give Toad?

8. How does Toad feel at the end of the chapter?

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✅ Answers

1. Motor-cars and driving fast.

2. Badger.

3. He wants to have a serious talk with Toad.

4. They lock the doors of Toad Hall to keep him inside.

5. He escapes through a window.

6. He steals a motor-car.

7. Twenty years in prison.

8. He feels sorry and alone.