Mole makes a bold decision to adopt and raise a maggot fallen from his next. He discovers in himself a paternal instinct for the li'l critter. "Look at how beautiful he is! I've never seen such green eyes! That does it, I'm adopting him and raising him until he can fly on his own two wings!"
Naturally, nothing goes right without Fieldmouse's unflagging assistance. Mole throws himself endearingly into teaching the maggot. But it's not easy being a parent, much less teach the maggot to fly once he's sprouted wings!
The two friends are close as ever, and once again, will amuse young readers at the expense of (over)protective parents.