Chapters 29 - 31 Summary

Chapter twenty-nine shows Mr. Barge, the old-fashioned pharmaceutical representative for Siegfried's veterinary practice, who is not accustomed to being wrong. When Mr. Barge visits, he tells them of a new sedative that specifically works to calm farrowing pigs and dogs who get carsick. This news excites the two vets and they order some of the drug, Soothitt. Unfortunately, the medicine does not work as a sedative. James tries it on a very high-strung Cocker Spaniel without effect. He also tries it on a vicious farrowing sow, to no avail. In fact, the sow only quiets after she is given two gallons of beer. James and Siegfried are simply unable to tell Mr. Barge that his Soothitt is quite ineffective.

In chapter thirty, a Mr. Mount calls Skeldale House. Tristan answers the call in an assumed accent, pretending to be someone else...