Chapter 8 Chapter 8 Toad's Adventure

And when Toad sees himself shut up in a dark, smelly dungeon, knowing that all the terrible darkness of a medieval castle separates him from the sunlit macadam roads of the outside world--where he was so happy not so long ago, It was as if all the roads of England had been bought for him—and he threw himself on the ground, weeping bitter tears, and sank into dark despair. "It's all over" (says he), "at least my toad's life is over, both are the same anyway; the popular and handsome toad, the rich and hospitable toad, the free, careless and cheerful toad How can I hope to be free again," (he said), "who would be so justly locked up for stealing such a beautiful car with such audacity, for being so sensational? , imaginatively made fun of such a fat, rosy-cheeked policeman!" (here he sobbed and couldn't speak.) "I'm such a stupid thing" (he said), "now I have to die of old age in this In the dungeon, till the name Toad is forgotten by those who are proud to say they know me! Oh, wise old Badger!" (said he), "O wise Rat and sensible Mole!

What good judgment, what great knowledge of human affairs, you have!O unfortunate and outcast Toad! ’ And he passed his days and nights lamenting this sort of talk, for weeks on end, refusing to eat or refresh, though the stern jailer in ancient costume, knowing that Toad’s pockets were full of money, would often point out to him , there are many things that can make life comfortable, and things that are indeed luxurious, can be arranged to be brought in from outside--for payment. It is said that the jailer has a daughter, a lovely girl with a good heart, who often helps her father with some light work in his work.She was particularly fond of animals, and she had a canary whose cage hung on a nail in the thick prison wall during the day, making a fuss for the prisoners who were trying to nap after dinner, and at night stood on top of the table in the foyer. with.In addition to the canary, she also has several tabby mice and a wandering squirrel.The good-natured girl pitied the Toad's misery, and said to her father one day:

"Papa! I can't bear to see that poor beast so sad and so thin! You let me take care of him. You know how I love animals. I'll make him eat out of my hand, sit up, And do all kinds of things." Her dad replied that she could treat him as she liked.He was sick and tired of Toad, his temper, his air, his distaste.So this day she did something good and knocked on Toad's prison door. "Well, cheer up, Toad," she coaxed him as she came in, "sit up and dry your tears, and be a sensible animal. Try to eat something. Look, I've brought you some Cooked food, fresh out of the oven, still warm." Between two plates was fried potato and cabbage, and its aroma filled the cramped cell.

The refreshing scent of cabbage penetrated the nose of Toad, who lay sadly flat, and made him think for a moment that life might not be so empty and hopeless as he thought.Still he wailed, kicked, and refused to eat. So the clever girl went out for a while, and it goes without saying that the abundant aroma of the steaming cabbage lingered.Sniffing his nose while weeping, the toad began to think of new and inspiring thoughts: of chivalry, poetry, and deeds to be done; Sunning and wind blowing; thinking of vegetable gardens, straight hedges, bees around buzzing snapdragons; and thinking of the ping-pong of plates on the table in Toad Manor and the chairs being pulled closer to the table to eat The scuffing of chair feet.The air in the small cell was pink; he began to think of his friends, they must be able to figure something out; Stupid; at last he thought of his own incomparable cleverness and wisdom, and what he could do if he just thought about it; his mood was almost better.

The girl came back a few hours later with a tray of steaming, fragrant tea, and a plate full of hot buttered toast, thick slices of bread, browned on both sides, and milk. Through the holes of the bread flowed, golden drop by drop, like honey from a hive.The smell of bread and butter speaks to the toad, and speaks unambiguously; it speaks of the warm kitchen; of breakfast on a fine frosty morning; Returning from a walk, with slippered feet on the fender; of the purr of the contented cat and the quiver of the dozing canary.Toad sat up straight again, wiped away his tears, sipped his tea, clucked his toast, and soon began talking casually about himself, the house where he lived, what he did there, and How important he is, how many friends are thinking of him.

The jailer's daughter, seeing that the subject worked for him as well as the tea, encouraged him to continue. "Tell me about Toad Farm," she said, "it sounds lovely." "Toad Manor," said Toad grandly, "it's nothing short of a complete mansion; it was built in the fourteenth century, but now it's all modern fittings. Modern sanitary fittings. From the church, the post office, and Golf course just 5 mins. Good for…” "My dear, my little animal," said the girl, laughing, "I don't want to buy a house. Tell me something about it. But I'll get you some tea and toast first."

She went away and brought back a tray of food at once; and Toad, devouring his head on his toast, his spirits returning to his usual self, told her about boathouses and fishponds and old walled vegetable gardens, about pig pens, Stables, dove coops and hen coops, of milk sheds, washrooms, china cabinets and cloth presses (she was especially fond of this), of banquet halls and the fun they had there, while the other animals gathered around the table, toads Show off your talents, sing, tell stories, and perform whatever you can. Then she wanted to know about his animal friends, and he told about them, how they lived and how they passed their time, and the girl listened with interest.Of course, she didn't say that she liked animals just for fun, because she felt that Toad would be very angry if he said so.By the time she had filled his pitcher, fluffed up the hay for him, and said she would see him tomorrow, Toad was almost the healthy and triumphant animal he had been before.He sang a little song or two that he used to sing at parties, and curled up in the hay, and slept a good night, dreaming some of the sweetest dreams.

From then on, in dull days, they had many interesting conversations together; and the jailer's daughter felt more and more sorry for Toad, feeling that such a poor little animal had done nothing for what seemed to her a small fault. To be locked in jail is really outrageous.And Toad, who, in his vanity, naturally attributed her interest to him to growing tenderness, could not help feeling a little sorry that the social gulf between them was so wide, for she was a pretty girl, Obviously in love with him. One morning the girl was so preoccupied that she answered his questions half-heartedly, and Toad felt that he was not paying much attention to his witty remarks.

"Toad," she said quickly, "please listen. I have an aunt who does laundry." "Come on," said Toad magnanimously and affectionately, "never mind that. I have several aunts who should be washerwomen too." "Be quiet for a moment, Toad," said the girl. "You talk too much, and that's your chief trouble. I tried to use my brains, but you gave me a headache. As I said, I have a My aunt is the laundry, she does laundry for all the convicts in the castle - you know, we want to keep all that kind of money-making work on our own. She comes on Monday mornings to get the laundry out Go, bring it back on Friday night. It's Thursday. And here's what I'm thinking: you're very rich—at least you keep telling me—and she's very poor. A few pounds isn't much to you, but to her Just a lot of money. Well, I think if you talk it over with her—buy her, I believe you animals use that word—you can make a deal that she let you wear her clothes and wear her Millinery, etc., and you can escape from the castle as an officially sanctioned washerwoman. You two are very much alike in many ways—especially your figures."

"We're not like that," said Toad angrily. "I have a very fine figure--for a toad like me." "And so is my aunt," answered the girl, "as far as she is. Then do as you please. I pity you and try to help you, but you are a loathsome, proud, ignorant What an animal!" "Okay, well, no more, thank you very much," Toad said hastily, "but listen to me! You will never let Mr. Toad of Toad Manor walk around dressed as a washerwoman!" "Then you stay here and be your Mr. Toad," replied the girl very angrily. "I suppose you're going out in a four-horse carriage!" Honest Toad was always ready to admit his mistake. "You are a good, bright and good girl," he said, "and I am indeed a proud and stupid toad. Thank you for introducing me to your worthy aunt, who, I have no doubt, My wife and I will negotiate a mutually satisfactory condition."

The next night the girl took her aunt into Toad's cell with a bag of her week's change of clothes in her hand.The old lady had prepared for this meeting in advance, and as soon as she saw the gold coin that Toad had thoughtfully placed on the table, the matter was settled without further discussion. In return for the cash, Toad received a calico gown, an apron, a shawl, and a black bonnet. The only condition the old lady offered was to tie her up, gag her, and throw her in a corner.She said that although the game was not very credible and suspicious, she would talk about it and keep her job. Toad was delighted with the suggestion.This would allow him to get out of prison with some style, maintaining his reputation of being fearless and tough.He immediately helped the jailer's daughter, trying to make her aunt look as if she were bound in a helpless situation. "Now it's your turn, Toad," said the girl, "take off your blouse and vest, you're fat enough." She shook herself with a laugh, and began to pull the calico gown on him, Throwing the shawl over him like a washerwoman, and fastening the ribbon of a ochre-black bonnet under his chin. "You're exactly the same mold as she is," she giggled, "but I'm sure you never looked so respectable in all your life, not even half. Well, good-bye, Toad, and best wishes." You're lucky. Keep walking the way you came. If anyone talks to you, they'll say, men, and you can answer a joke or two, but remember, you're a widow, To live alone in the world will lose one's reputation." Toad trembled in his heart, but he set out as firmly as possible, and set off cautiously, to do what seemed the most rash and dangerous thing.But he was soon surprised and delighted that the journey had gone so smoothly, but he felt a little inferior when he thought that his popularity and the sex that made him belonged to another person.The squat figure of the washerwoman, with the same calico dress, was like a passport through every barred gate and gloomy entrance and exit.Even when he felt hesitant about which way to turn, the doorman at the next gate, anxious to get his tea, would urge him loudly to pass quickly before he should be left waiting there all night.He was naturally compelled to respond swiftly and emphatically to jests, which indeed constituted his chief danger; for the toad is a creature of great pride, and jests were mostly (in his opinion) vulgar and utterly devoid of humor.Yet, with great difficulty, he held back his breath, and tried to make his retort as tactful as possible, befitting his opponent and his assumed identity. It seemed like hours before he walked through the last courtyard, refused the earnest invitation of the last guard, dodged the outstretched arms of the doorman.The policeman, with feigned enthusiasm, asked only for a goodbye hug.But at last he heard the click of the side door on the outermost gate behind him, felt the fresh air of the outside world blowing on his anxious brow, and knew he was free! His daring venture succeeded so easily that he felt like a fool, and walked quickly towards the town lights, not knowing what to do next, but being absolutely certain that he must get away as soon as possible. He had to dress up the neighborhood where the lady lived, because she was well known and famous here. As he walked while thinking like this, he suddenly noticed some traffic lights not far from the side of the town, and heard the sound of the locomotive's puffing steam and the clanging of freight cars switching tracks. "Aha!" he thought. "What luck! The train station is just what I need most at the moment; and I don't have to go across town to find it, nor to cover up my humiliating identity with clever answers, which I say are completely Success is not good for one's self-esteem." So he went all the way to the station, checked the timetable, and saw a train that was going exactly in the direction of his house and was leaving in half an hour. "That's more luck!" said Toad.His emotions quickly rose, and he hurried to the ticket office to buy a ticket. He named the railway station, which he knew was the closest to the village where Toad Manor stood, and mechanically ran his fingers into his vest pocket to get money for a ticket.But he completely forgot that he was wearing that airy sarong all the time, it blocked his fingers and made him helpless.He wrestled as in a nightmare with this terrible monster, which seemed to take hold of his hands, and he fought with all his might, achieved nothing, and was always mocked by the monster; while the other passengers lined up behind him, waiting impatiently. , make all sorts of somewhat valuable suggestions, and express somewhat reasonable opinions.Finally... In the end... I don't understand what's going on... He broke through the obstacle at once and achieved his goal. He reached the place where the pocket of the vest should be, but found that...not only did he have no money, but even the pocket that contained the money Neither, and there are no vests with pockets sewn on at all! He was taken aback when he remembered that he had left his coat and vest in the cell over there, along with notepads, money, keys, pocket watches, matches, pencil case--everything that made life worth living, it was These things make animals with many pockets.Spirit of all things, as opposed to one-pocketed or no-pocketed scumbags who hang around with no capital to engage in real competition. In a sad and desperate effort to get on with it as if nothing had happened, he said with his old good looks--a mixture of master and proctor--"Listen to me! I forgot my wallet at home. Just give me that ticket, will you, and I'll bring the money back tomorrow. I'm well known around here." The conductor stared at him and the black ochre hat for a moment, then laughed. "I suppose you're well known in this part of the world," said he, "if you're used to cheating like this. Well, please get out of the window, ma'am; you're blocking the other passengers!" An old gentleman who had already poked him a few times in the back was unceremonious, pushed him away, but worse called him his good lady, which pissed him off more than anything else that night . He was dejected, his eyes were dark, and he walked to the station where the train stopped in a daze, with tears dripping from both sides of his nose.He thought he was on the verge of getting out of danger and almost seeing home, and it was unbearable to have it ruined by the loss of a few damned shillings and the negligence and mistrust of the conductor.His escape will soon be discovered, and the police will come after him again, catch him, scold him, put him in chains, and drag him back to the prison again, with bread and water and hay; his guards and punishment will be doubled; oh, how the girl will mock him!How to do it?His legs were slow; his stature was unfortunate and easily recognizable.Can't he get under the train seat?He had seen schoolboys do just that when they had put the traveling money their thoughtful parents had given them to other and better uses.When he was thinking so hard, he had already come to the locomotive, and the driver who loved the locomotive was fueling it, wiping it, and stroking it in every possible way.It was a strong man with an oil pot in one hand and a wad of cotton yarn in the other. "Hello, ma'am!" said the engine driver, "what's the matter? You don't look very happy." "Oh, sir!" cried Toad again. "I'm a poor unfortunate washerwoman, I've lost all my money, I can't buy a train ticket, but I have to go home tonight anyway, and I just don't know what to do. Oh, dear, oh dear what!" "That's really bad," thought the engine driver, "you've lost your money . . . Can't go home... dare I say, how many children are waiting for you? " "A lot," said Toad, twitching, "they're hungry...and playing with matches... Knock over the oil lamp, those ignorant little ones! ...and quarreling, always quarreling.Oh my God, oh my God! " "Well, then, I'll tell you what I do," said the kind engineer. "You say you're a washerwoman. That's fine, that's all. I'm a train driver, and you've probably seen it. Don't deny it. It's a dirty job. Wear a lot of dirty clothes and my wife washes them I'm exhausted from washing. If you can wash some clothes for me when you get home, and bring them to me, I can let you go on my locomotive. It's against company policy to do that, but we don't take it seriously in the middle of nowhere. When Toad scrambled up on the locomotive, his worries turned into joy. Of course, he never washed a piece of clothing in his life, and he couldn't do it if he wanted to, and he didn't intend to do it; but he thought: "When I get back safely to Toad Manor, and have money again, and pockets to put it in, I'll give the engine driver enough money to pay for the big laundry bills, which is the same anyway, or more it is good. " The conductor waved his flag to drive, the driver answered it cheerfully with his whistle, and the train left the station.When the speed had increased, and Toad could see on either side of him real fields, trees, rows of scrub trees, cows, and horses galloping past him, he thought to himself that every minute he was getting closer to Toad. Manor and dear friend, the money will rattle in his pocket, he can lie down and sleep in the soft bed again, eat delicious food, and his friends will listen to him tell his adventures and superhuman wisdom He would praise him and adore him from time to time, so he began to jump up and down, singing loudly and staccatoly, to the amazement of the engine driver. He had met some washerwomen now and then, but never one like this. They walked many miles, and Toad was already thinking about what he would eat when he got home, when he suddenly noticed the engineer with a perplexed expression on his face, leaning against the engine and listening desperately. Then he saw him climb up the coal pile and look out from the top of the train; Follow a train!" Toad immediately stopped his frivolous antics.He suddenly became dejected, and a dull pain in the lower part of his spine where he joined his legs made him want to sit down and try not to think about what might happen. At this time, the bright moon was in the sky, and the train driver stood firm on the coal pile, from which he could see the railway far behind. He soon cried out: "I can see clearly now! It's a train, walking on our track, coming fast! It looks like it's chasing us!" The sad toad huddled in the soot, desperately trying to figure out what to do. "They're coming after us!" cried the train driver. "The locomotive was packed with the most queerest people! People like ancient jailers, brandishing halberds; They were plainclothes detectives, brandishing pistols and sticks; all waving what they had, all shouting the same words: 'Stop, stop, stop!'" Then the Toad knelt down among the coals, and raised his clenched hands in entreaty, crying, "Help me, but please save me, dear good Mr. Confess all! I am not what I seem to be an ordinary washerwoman! I have no children waiting for me, ignorant or anything! I am a toad--everyone knows, the famous Mr. Toad, a Landlord; I have escaped boldly and wisely from the disgusting dungeon thrown by my enemies; if the men in that train catch me again, to my poor, unfortunate, innocent toad For me, it will be chains, bread and water, hay and torture again!" The train driver looked down at him fiercely and said, "Now tell me the truth, why were you thrown into prison?" "It's no big deal," said poor Toad, his face turning red. "The owner of a car went to lunch, and I just borrowed their car for a while, when they don't use it at all. I really didn't steal a car." meaning, but people—especially the government—have such an exaggerated view of this unintentional and noble act.” The engine driver said gravely, "I'm afraid you're such a bad toad, and I ought to send you to the court you've offended. But you're obviously distressed and sad, so I won't abandon you, for I don't like cars, Two, I don't want to listen to the police on my own train. I always feel bad and soft-hearted when I see an animal with tears in my eyes. So, cheer up, Toad! I'll do my best, and we can still beat them !" They piled up more coal and shoveled harder; the furnace rumbled, sparks flew, and the locomotive jumped and shook, but their pursuers slowly caught up. The train driver sighed, wiped his forehead with a handful of cotton gauze in his hand, and said, "I'm afraid it won't work, toad. You see, they go faster with empty trains, and their locomotives are better. Now we have only one way, which is It's your only luck, so listen very carefully to what I say to you. There is a long tunnel not far ahead of us. After passing through the tunnel, the railway will pass through a very dense forest. Well, when passing through the tunnel I Drive at full speed, while others drive slowly through the tunnel to avoid accidents. Once I pass through the tunnel, I turn off the steam and brake as hard as I can. It is safer to jump off the car at this time. You must jump off immediately before they pass through the tunnel. Hide in the forest before you come out and see you. At this time I am running forward again at full speed, and they can chase me if they like, as long as they like, and as far as they want. Now pay attention, get ready to kill me when I call you Jump down!" They piled more coal, and the train flew into the tunnel, the locomotive rushing and rumbling, until at last they burst out on the other side of the tunnel, in the fresh air and calm moonlight, and saw The dark life-saving forest on both sides of the railway. The driver turned off the steam, braked the car, and the toad got down on the steps. When the train slowed down to about the same speed as a person walking, the driver yelled: "Okay, jump down!" The toad jumped down, rolled down the embankment, got up unhurt, and scurried into the forest, where he hid. He looked out and saw his train pick up speed again and disappear in the distance. At this time, the chasing locomotive rushed out of the tunnel, roaring and blowing its whistle, and the group of people in colorful clothes on it waved all kinds of weapons in their hands, yelling: "Stop! Stop! !parking!" When they passed, Toad laughed heartily--for the first time since he was thrown into prison. But he soon stopped laughing, because it occurred to him that it was late, dark and cold, and he was in a strange forest, without money or supper, and still far away from home and friends; After the rumble and rattle of the trains, the deathly silence was eerie.He dared not leave the trees that hid him, so he burrowed into the forest, trying to get as far away from the railroad behind him as possible. After so many weeks imprisoned in the prison walls, the forest seemed strange and hostile to him now, and he thought it was playing tricks on him.The nighthawks sounded their mechanical cooing, and it made him feel that the forest was full of jailors searching for him, getting closer and closer to him.An owl came noiselessly at him, brushed his shoulders with its wings, and made him jump up in fright, assuming it was a hand; Low-pitched "Ha! Ha! Ha!" laughter, Toad thought he was extremely rude. Once he met a fox.The fox stopped, looked him up and down with a mocking look, and said, "Hello, washerwoman! One sock and one pillowcase are missing this week! Be careful that it doesn't happen again!" He walked away with a smile.The Toad looked about for a stone to throw at the Fox, but he was irritated more by this than anything. At last he was cold, hungry, and exhausted, so he found a tree hole and hid in it, where he made himself a comfortable bed out of branches and dead leaves, and slept soundly on it until dawn.