Phantom Hollow And still, as he looked, he lived

I suppose because it would be confusing for my good friend Mole if I was called Vole, Ratty answered thoughtfully. Truth be told, he had never really considered why he was called Rat and not Vole. Being called Rat felt more like a story, like a rat aboard a pirate ship, feasting on barrels of goods.

Darcy seemed to have traveled a good distance herself. This was impressive. Rat had only ever known the river. He did dream of the world beyond quite often. It was a thing of stories.

Oh, no, I am certain I can help, Ratty remarked quickly when Darcy suggested he not cause a commotion atop the water. Rat reached down between his paws and withdrew two large nuts. He bit into them a few times, creating smaller bits, and began to sprinkle them atop the water as he rowed toward the shore where Darcy stood.

I did say they were dreadfully stupid. The fish swam quickly to the surface and greedily ate at the crumbs that floated there.