Chapter 24 Summary

Tristan and Dr. Farnon are at it again after Tristan returns at 4 a.m., drunk from a Bellringer's Outing. Dr. Farnon has his usual explosion, which doesn't seem to affect Tristan much. Later that evening, Tristan finds a note from his brother telling him to go home because a guest will be spending the night and they need his room. Although Tristan has plans to go to the village dance that night, Dr. Farnon is not sympathetic. Tristan refuses to go, and Dr. Farnon finds the most unpleasant task he can for Tristan in punishment.

A local farmer has an extremely mean sow with an infected growth on her ear, which must be lanced. Herriot has tried to help in the past, but he ran from the sow when she tried to attack him. It was looking to be an impossible job. Dr...