Chapter 25 Summary and Analysis

While castrating pigs on a local farm, Herriot accidentally makes a deep and bloody cut into his own forefinger. He finally stanches the flow of blood and puts a huge white bandage on the finger. Driving off into the night with the finger sticking out from the steering wheel, he peers ahead into the gathering darkness. A couple in a car stopped by the side of the road flags him down and asks him to help with their dog, that has a ball caught in his throat.

Herriot can hear a chorus of wailing children's voices coming from the back seat, Oh Benny, Benny, Benny!" He quickly pulls the dog onto the pavement and into the beam of the headlights, aware that time is crucial. After probing in the Collie's throat with his finger unsuccessfully, Herriot places his thumbs behind the...