Chapter 5 Summary

The next day dawns, and Herriot waits anxiously for his first call, alone. Herriot usually spends most of the day accompanying Dr. Farnon on routine calls, but Dr. Farnon has left to visit his mother. Herriot's big chance arrives in the middle of the night. Mr. Soames, the farm manager for Lord Hulton, calls with a sick horse. Herriot immediately leaves and arrives at the Hulton estate. Hulton is known for his stable of horses, and Soames is in charge of keeping them well. The sick horse is a champion hunter and has been in terrible pain since early that morning.

Herriot finds the horse pacing, sweating, and groaning. He is obviously in great pain. Soames thinks that it is only a simple colic or stomachache, but Herriot believes it something far worse. Herriot examines the horse and finds that its small intestine...