It’s a dark winter’s eve. They have traveled far and long, glimpsing wistfully, as they’ve trudged along, into the lighted front rooms of many homes, observing scenes of comfort and familial love. A longing has been stirred in them. Finally, Rat and Mole arrive: Mole’s face beamed at the sight of all these objects so dear to him, and he hurried Rat through the door, lit a lamp in the hall, and took one glance round his old home.