One spring, Mole decides to begin a series of adventures with his new friend, Rat. They go for a picnic on the riverbank and on an expedition with Toad. Toad decides his new car is more fun and his reckless driving makes Mole and Rat search out Badger for help. Toad gets away from them and gets a 20-year sentence for theft, reckless driving, and gross impertinence. Toad works his wiles on the jailer's daughter and manages to escape. Badger tries to guard Toad Hall from the Weasel and is badly beaten. This finally brings all four friends back together, as it requires a plan of attack to regain Toad Hall.