The Reclamation of Toad Hall: A Strategic Victory

The Secret Infiltration

The narrative of The Return of Ulysses begins with a calculated and clandestine operation orchestrated by Badger. Recognizing that a direct frontal assault would be impractical, Badger leads his companions—Mole, Rat, and Toad—through a "secret passage" located in the riverbank. This tactical choice allows the group to bypass the defenses of the usurping weasels. The journey through the tunnel is described as "cold and dark and damp and low and narrow," emphasizing the grit required for the liberation. As they navigate the passage, they eventually find themselves directly beneath the "butler's pantry," positioning them perfectly to strike at the heart of the banquet hall where the invaders are celebrating.

The Sudden Strike

As the group waits, they overhear the weasels mocking Toad, referring to him as "Good Toad, modest Toad, honest Toad" with "shrieks of merriment." This irony fuels the tension, with Toad nearly losing his composure. Badger, maintaining discipline, commands them to "get ready" and declares, "The hour is come." The subsequent breach is chaotic and decisive. By emerging from beneath the floor, the four comrades catch the occupiers completely off guard. The "squealing and a squeaking and a screeching" of the weasels marks the collapse of the occupation. Within five minutes, the room is cleared, as the enemies are left "scattering" in the face of the unexpected assault. Badger notes with satisfaction that the invaders were "expecting an attack from outside, but not from below."

Reconciliation and Restoration

Following the victory, the dynamics among the friends shift toward reconciliation. While Toad initially feels "rather hurt" that Badger does not praise him as much as he praises Mole, he eventually displays growth by setting his "jealousy aside." Toad thanks Mole for his "pains this evening" and his "cleverness," which earns him the approval of Badger, who calls him a "brave toad." The restoration of the household is completed with a celebratory feast featuring "cold chicken," "lobster salad," and other delicacies, symbolizing the return of order to Toad's "ancestral home."

A Legacy of Peace

In the aftermath of the uprising, the four friends settle into a period of "great happiness and ease." Toad’s character development is significant; he becomes "modest, grateful, and appreciative," sending gifts to those who aided his escape, including the jailer's daughter. The story concludes with a reflection on their elevated status in the Wild Wood. The inhabitants of the wood now treat them with immense respect, with mother weasels pointing out the "famous Mr. Mole" and the "great Mr. Toad" to their offspring. Interestingly, the reputation of the "terrible grey badger" is used as a cautionary tale for unruly children, a legacy that contrasts with Badger's secret fondness for the young. Ultimately, the successful reclamation of Toad Hall ensures that the protagonists live "undisturbed by further uprisings or invasions," cementing their status as the unchallenged legends of the riverbank.