Chapters 42 - 44 Summary

In chapter forty-two, once James realizes that his operation has permanently grounded him, he begins to wonder about his worth in the military. Even his Wing Commander does not know what to do with him. "I see you are a veterinary surgeon. Mmm—this poses a problem. Normally when an aircrew man is grounded he remusters on the ground staff, but yours is a reserved occupation. You really can't serve in any capacity but aircrew" (p. 372, chap. 42). Feeling useless and put out to pasture, James recalls old Mr. Potts; an old farmer whose farming days are long gone. Mr. Potts placidly accepts the changes in his life, but lives vicariously through James's experiences. When Mr. Potts dies, James continues to serve the old farmer by exercising Nip, the farmer's dog with his own beagle, Sam.

In chapter forty-three, once James...