Chapter 53 Summary

Dick Rudd is a poor farmer who has scraped together a living out of nothing. He and his wife have seven children and have gotten by for years with just a few animals and no car. Rudd has finally purchased the cow of his dreams, a roan Shorthorn with a pedigree. She is a fantastic milker and everything seems to be going his way.

Herriot is a frequent guest at the Rudds' and is idolized by the entire family. Herriot is not sure how Mrs. Rudd feeds all seven of them on their small income. The reason becomes clear as he shares dinner with them and is served a filling rice pudding before the main course. By the time everyone has finished their pudding, they aren't hungry for the main course.

Shortly after buying the new cow, she begins to go downhill. Herriot...