Chapter 56 Summary

One exception to the charming non-payer rule is the local butcher. He has not paid his bill in more than a year, but he still expects prompt service. Dr. Farnon has it out with him, and the butcher becomes greatly offended. Herriot becomes aware that everywhere he goes, the butcher seems to be there too, staring at him.

Finally, Herriot gets a call at 3 a.m. to assist one of the butcher's cows with a difficult delivery. The cow is having twins, and they are twisted around one another. After much effort, they are finally born and both survive, against the odds. The butcher offers Herriot some sausages, but Herriot decides not to let him off the hook. He asks the butcher how much he owes him, and after a great deal of struggle, the butcher tells him the price.

Chapter 56 Analysis

It...