At first the animals were pleased when it began to rain, because it helped put out the fire. Mole had been found, and they all travelled on happily. But soon they were soaked, and thunder and lightning made them jump out of their wet skins. Only Toad was happy.    The wretched animals huddled in a barn, watching the storm. Suddenly there was darkness as they heard a huge bang - not thunder, but the door slamming! The farmer had shut them in.    "I've seen you, Mr Fox!" he shouted. "Just wait till I get my gun!"    The animals ran about wildly. There was no escape.    "Let's dig!" cried Mole and Badger together, and began to tunnel under the barn wall. At last all the animals had squeezed through and run or flown away: all but the poor pheasants who were too slow. The farmer caught them and ate them for dinner.    Many miles later the animals came to a wide river they had to cross. Toad and some others could swim well, but the rabbits panicked in the deep swirling water. They clung selfishly to poor Fox, pushing him under. Badger tried to rescue him, and both were swept away. All the silly rabbits and Badger were saved - but where was Fox? He had disappeared in the river. The animals crept away from the bank, miserable without their bold leader to cheer them on.

DISCLAIMER: THIS IS AN ANIMALS OF FARTHING WOOD FAN SITE AND IS IN NO WAY AFFILIATED WITH COLIN DANN OR THE BBC ANIMATED SERIES

The sun shone, the grass smelt fresh, and soon everyone started to feel less gloomy. It could not be long now before they reach White Deer Park. Suddenly they all fell over each other.   Toad had stopped without warning. "Oh dear, I'm sorry," he croaked. "I've lost my way."   Lost! The animals were relying on Toad's homing instinct to take them to White Deer Park.   "Toad's homing instinct is as strong as ever," said Owl, who knew a thing or two. "Only it's working the wrong way. It's leading us back to Farthing Wood! Kestrel and I will have to guide you now."    The tired animals travelled on, losing count of the days. One afternoon they were resting on a hillside when a blaring horn made their fur and feathers stand on end. Then far below them, they saw their own dear Fox again - but being chased by hunters!

Fox heard the hounds behind him. He looked up in despair - and to his relief, saw the other animals from Farthing Wood! He flew up the hill and his long-lost friends dragged him to safety.    "The hunt is after my new friend Vixen too!" gasped Fox.    But there was nothing the animals could do. Suddenly, they heard a snake hissing, then a horse neighed and people shouted. Adder had attacked the leader of the hunt and Vixen was saved!