“Padra put a paw on his shoulder as they trudged slowly across the sand together. “It’s unusual for an otter to take on a squirrel for a page,” he said, “and I’m a poor substitute for Crispin.” Urchin had been feeling that he would never be happy again. Now hope flared. “I can swim a bit, sir, if that helps,” he said eagerly.” HopeEncouragementSwimmingCompanionshipOtters Book:Urchin of the Riding Stars Source: Urchin of the Riding Stars