Phantom Hollow And still, as he looked, he lived

A huffing sound drew Rat's ears to stand stiff atop his small head. The little figure settled his beady gaze upon a rather large shape, an impressive shape indeed! Rat could not help but to think that this animal had ventured to the river from the wild wood. 

Hello there! The squeak was made as loud as he could manage. Do mind your paws, good hunter. My home is just on the edge of the river here, see. Ratty gestured to his riverside home with fondness. 

What was a wild wood creature doing there?