<P> Mole wants to meet the respected but elusive Badger, who lives deep in the Wild Wood, but Rat--knowing that Badger does not appreciate visits--tells Mole to be patient and wait for Badger to pay them a visit himself . Nevertheless, on a snowy winter's day, while the seasonally somnolent Rat dozes, Mole impulsively goes to the Wild Wood to explore, hoping to meet Badger . He gets lost in the woods, sees many "evil faces" among the wood's less - welcoming denizens, succumbs to fright and panic and hides, trying to stay warm, among the sheltering roots of a tree . Rat, finding Mole gone, guesses his mission from the direction of Mole's tracks and, equipping himself with two pistols and a stout cudgel, goes in search, finding him as snow begins to fall in earnest . Attempting to find their way home, Rat and Mole quite literally stumble across Badger's home--Mole barks his shin on the boot scraper on Badger's doorstep . Badger--en route to bed in his dressing - gown and slippers--nonetheless warmly welcomes Rat and Mole to his large and cozy underground home, providing them with hot food and dry clothes . </P> <P> Badger learns from his visitors that Toad has crashed seven cars, has been in hospital three times, and has spent a fortune on fines . Though nothing can be done at the moment (it being winter), they resolve that when the time is right they will make a plan to protect Toad from himself; they are, after all, his friends, and are worried about his well - being . </P> <P> With the arrival of summer, Badger visits Mole and Rat to take action over Toad's self - destructive obsession . The three of them go to Toad Hall, and Badger tries talking Toad out of his behaviour, to no avail . They put Toad under house arrest, with themselves as the guards, until Toad changes his mind . Feigning illness, Toad bamboozles the Water Rat (who is on guard duty at the time) and escapes . </P> <P> Badger and Mole are cross with Rat for his gullibility, but draw comfort because they need no longer waste their summer guarding Toad . However, Badger and Mole continue to live in Toad Hall in the hope that Toad may return . Meanwhile, Toad orders lunch at The Red Lion Inn, and then sees a motorcar pull into the courtyard . He steals the car, drives it recklessly and is caught by the police . He is sent to prison for 20 years . </P>

Who took over toad hall from mr toad