"I've asked him for five minutes," said the Shrew-mouse. "He must be fast asleep. I know he's there; I've seen his bubbles."
"How can we wake him?" said the Natterjack.
"You'd better dive," said the Shrew-mouse.
Now Natterjacks are bad enough at swimming; at diving they are hopeless.
"In you go," said the Shrew-mouse.
For very shame the Natterjack went in.
He swam to what he judged a likely spot, ducked down his head, his hands pressed tight against it, and lunged with both hind-legs. These, splashing on the surface, urged him on, but not one inch below.
Five times he tried, and five times his fat body, when half submerged, shot up and bobbed afloat.
Five Times He Tried, and Five Times His Fat Body, when Half Submerged, Shot Up and Bobbed Afloat