One spring, Mole decides he can put off spring cleaning a little longer and embarks on a series of adventures with his new friend Rat. They go on a caravan expedition with Toad and have a picnic on the riverbank until Toad switches allegiance to his new car and his reckless driving causes Mole and Rat to seek help from Badger in curbing Toad's profligate habits. But Toad escapes and is sentenced to 20 years in prison by the magistrate for theft, reckless driving, and Gross Impertinence. While Toad manipulates the jailer's daughter and escapes dressed as a washerwoman, Badger attempts to protect Toad Hall from the Weasels and is severely beaten. To reclaim Toad Hall, a strategy and the cooperation of all four comrades are required.