Ewan!
(KNOCKING)
Ewan!
Off you go.
Mr Peart, here's your culprit, grass seed.
Oh! Then it's nowt catching?
No, no, luckily.
Contagious eye disease, that's the last thing you need.
Aye. I want that one missed afore tupping time.
Could say it's a make or break year for me this year, Mr Herriot.
-I have to buy a new tup. -Oh!
So who are you buying from?
Ben Lupton. If I can afford it.
Oh, you'll be all right there. His stock's sound.
Aye. You can never be sure, can ya?
I mean, the tup's only ever good as its performance.
That's something you find out after you've parted with brass.
Well, it wouldn't do Ben's reputation much good if he sold you a dud one.
Aye. No, man. If I bought one I'd be a ruddy laughing stock.
-Ha! -Listen,
while we're on the subject, can you check him over for me,
before I decide, like?
Yes. Yes, all right, Mr Peart.
See, I can check a ram's physical condition,
but his ability to sire, well, you'll have to judge that for yourself.
Aye. Fair enough, Mr Herriot.
(MOTOR RUMBLING)
(SIGHING)
Brown boots (SINGSONG) I ask you!
-What about the hat? -Lovely.
Felbridge sale's today.
Someone will buy you.
Come on in.
Thank you. I thought I'd make a small detour and look in on you.
Actually, I did telephone to warn you, I was going to stop by...
Oh, I'm sorry I wasn't here.
I've been seeing Silas Wenlow's mare through a bad foaling,
and a problem or two that followed.
Up all night were you?
Yeah, I haven't slept since Monday.
How long is that? I've lost touch.
Oh, Ewan, that's too many hours.
Mmm. Care to sample my fee?
It's not exactly VSOP,
but Silas does have a way of combining sloes and whisky.
Oh! Why not?
Sloe whisky, baskets of vegetables on the doorstep, a brace of rabbits on a hook.
You still barter your services, do you, Ewan?
I like to keep things simple, Siegfried.
Oh, Ewan, Ewan, Ewan.
Those that can, pay in cash. Those that can't, pay in kind.
You don't approve, I know, but it suits me.
It's not that I disapprove exactly. To each his own.
Amen to that. Here's to a contented life, Siegfried,
and here's to the just reward for hard labour.
(RETCHING)
(GASPS)
Goes down well, doesn't it?
Ah! If you like fruit flavoured aviation spirit!
Aye! Silas swears it's the best thing he knows for shifting worms in pigs.
-I don't doubt it. -Another one?
No, thank you. Ewan, unlike you, my day is just beginning.
I think, perhaps, a cup of tea.
-Ah! -No, no, no, I'll do it.
(SIGHING)
EWAN: So, Siegfried,
how goes it in Darrowby?
Well, do you know, Ewan, we've never been busier,
and with the latest scientific advances
working their way gradually through the system,
the practice has never been more exciting.
Do you know, I don't think a day goes by
without a new footstep being taken
over the threshold of knowledge.
That's it!
The days when vets like you and me pounded exotic remedies
in pestle and mortar
are fast vanishing over the professional horizon.
Do you know, Ewan?
Ewan?
Hello! Hi, is your father up and running?
-He's fine. He's much better. -Good.
-I'll tell him I saw you. -Please do.
See you later.
Lead him round again, Jack.
Excuse me, sir, are you the owner of this animal?
What the... Siegfried!
Henry Clintock. By all that's holy, when did they let you out?
You haven't changed a bit, and after all these years. What's your secret?
A good appetite and a clear conscience. You ought to try it, Henry.
Too late, old boy. I should've started 20 years ago.
Yeah, it's never too late to mend.
SIEGFRIED: No need to ask you what brings you to this corner of the world.
HENRY: Meet Gravy Train, Siegfried.
SIEGFRIED: Handsome. Very handsome indeed. Who is the lucky owner?
After all those years training horses for other people,
I decided to take the plunge on my own account.
Well, that's good to hear. High time too. I wish you every sort of success.
HENRY: Well that rather depends on how he turns out.
We've gone for broke on each other.
Bring him over here, Jack.
He's the white hope of the Clintocks.
What about you? Still at Darrowby, I suppose?
I certainly am.
Just as well you found me, then, because if you hadn't,
I would most certainly have found you.
I've taken over a place up here.
Oh, that's just wonderful. Where?
Barely an hour's drive from Darrowby. Nedderburn.
Nedderburn. I don't believe it!
Try and get him into the box again, Jack.
If we don't get him in soon, we'll have to ride him home.
Henry Clintock. Old university chum, eh?
Large as life. Wasn't it a bit of luck running into him like that, James?
-Memories of a misspent youth. -(CHUCKLING)
Dear, dead days, James. But not entirely beyond recall, you see?
Well, his stable should be good for business.
Oh, I rather think Nedderburn's a touch beyond our patch.
JAMES: Mmm.
No, what worries me, it really is a worry,
is that he'll get taken over by one of those damn Bentley vets.
But you know, he is just down the road from you-know-who.
Who?
Ewan Ross, James.
Best horseman north of the Humber.
North of anywhere, James.
JAMES: Present company excepted, of course.
Nobody excepted.
Well, yes, but er, Ewan?
Well, I know he's impossible.
And since Ginny's death he's let himself go.
Well, it just means that the approach will have to be...
Subtle.
Hmm.
-Boy, look at that. -Big 'un, isn't it?
GIRL: Maybe it's the Queen. Let's have a look inside.
Hey, go on off, then!
(CHILDREN LAUGHING)
Oh, that dreadful Hodgekin.
He bumps and dents my beautiful car.
The garage has supplied a ghastly hearse while they repair it.
And now this!
I repeatedly asked him to mow the rough grass in the orchard.
But no! And Tricki is paying for his incompetence.
Well, it's nearly finished, Mrs Pumphrey.
Whatever would he do without his Uncle Herriot?
But there is the problem, Mr Farnon.
Problem, Mrs Pumphrey?
If I go to Le Touquet, it'll mean leaving Tricki.
(SNARLING)
Tricki, I'm sorry.
Don't worry, darling. Mummy won't desert you.
He's convinced I'm going to abandon him, Mr Farnon.
I'm sure that he'd enjoy a few days in a boarding kennel.
Boarding kennel?
Well, yeah. James and I come across some quite
excellent ones nowadays. Don't we, James?
Mr Farnon, the very name conjures up
Dickensian pictures of squalor and cruelty.
The idea of Tricki imprisoned in such a place!
Well, of course, I realise that Tricki's needs are unique.
He would require a good deal in the way of special care and understanding.
Precisely, but where to find it? Who to trust?
So few live up to Tricki's demanding standards.
Don't you agree, Mr Farnon?
Oh, absolutely, Mrs Pumphrey.
Here we are, Tricki. It's all done. Friends again, I hope.
-(BARKS) -MRS PUMPHREY: Do look, Mr Farnon.
A picture of devotion don't you think?
Yes, quite charming.
I know who Tricki would wish to stay with, given the choice.
SIEGFRIED: Ah, well, yes, of course...
-Then you agree? -Well...
I mean, you would wish to have Tricki staying here with you?
Well...
I must confess the thought had occurred,
but Tricki would be the very last to impose himself.
Well, the only trouble is...
Then you're quite sure it is what you both want to do?
-JAMES: Well, Mrs Pumphrey, we... -Absolutely, Mrs Pumphrey.
It would be an honour and a privilege, wouldn't it, James?
Hey-up, Harold. What's this then? Deputation?
Just me and Mr Herriot, Ben.
Hi, Mr Lupton.
Mr Peart asked me to have a look at this tup of yours.
Oh, aye?
I know you won't mind me bringing a veterinary, Ben.
Mind? Nay, bring vicar and his wife to look at him, if you've a mind.
I want to know what I'm getting for me brass.
If I decide to buy him, that is.
Please descend, lad.
Aye, I will. On you go, Mr Herriot.
Right.
What's that then? For counting his legs or something?
Thank you very much. Go on. Go on. Come in.
Come on.
Siegfried!
Hello, Henry!
What on earth kept you?
A thousand apologies.
Where's Ross? That vet chum of yours?
Oh! I'm afraid he was called out this morning.
I see.
He's so fearfully in demand these days, you see, Henry,
that as much as he wanted to come, it was quite impossible today.
Oh, well. Perhaps another time. I'll just get the gate.
I'm sorry you were delayed too, Siegfried.
Apart from anything else, I wanted your opinion of Stackpoole.
Stackpoole?
He's the horse specialist used by most of the stables around here.
You must've seen him leave just now.
Oh, yes. I certainly did.
If his bills measure up to his wardrobe
and that car of his, I'm in the wrong job.
Well, you mustn't think of him as representative of the profession, Henry.
He can certainly knock it back too.
Never saw anything walloped so fast as those
'37 Margaux I'd opened for our lunch.
You've had lunch?
Had to, Siegfried, or see it spoiled and chucked out.
Stackpoole was here. Well...
Of course.
Not to worry, I'm sure we've got some cold cuts knocking about.
Look, you go on in. I'll just round up those damned peafowl.
Can't tell you how marvellous it is to have you here, Siegfried.
Well, Veterinary? Satisfied?
-Well, Mr Lupton... -Mr Herriot. Mr Herriot.
-This is between you and me, Mr Herriot. -Uh-huh.
Aye.
So, er, what's the verdict?
He's magnificent.
I know that. What I want to know, is he sound?
No abnormalities.
-Teeth? -Fine.
-Feet? -No problems.
How about his tackle?
His what?
Can he do his job, like?
He is a perfectly endowed specimen, Mr Peart.
Nowt wrong with him at all?
Not that I can see.
What a facer!
How do you mean?
I need something to beat Ben Lupton down on the price.
Oh, well. That's between you and him, I'm afraid.
In my opinion that tup is in first-class condition.
-Yeah, well, if you're sure. -I am.
(BRAYING)
And what's your problem then?
(BRAYING LOUDLY)
(CHEERING)
(STRAINING)
(LAUGHING)
Two pints for my table, Albert.
Hey, Siegfried, I'm glad you came back. Over here.
You're a fearfully elusive man, Ewan.
And you've been more than persistent.
You got my messages?
Yes, all of them.
Then why the devil didn't you show up at Clintock's?
Oh, I was busy. You know how it is.
You managed to find him then, sir?
Ah, eventually, yes.
Not an easy chap to find, is our Mr Ross.
Not unless you need him, and then he'll find you.
Oh, my goodness me, you've really got these people
eating out of your hand, haven't you, Ewan?
Oh, well, people and animals, there's only the one rule. "Firm, but gentle."
You don't think you're forgetting just one thing?
What?
That there's a world outside that's waiting for you.
Siegfried, I know what you had in mind today.
It's not up to me to run your professional life.
No.
But this is a challenge that is worth your abilities.
It'll get your foot in the door. You know that all the stables around here
rely on that damn Bentley brigade.
They can afford each other.
Can you afford not to take advantage of this opportunity?
Taking advantage, eh?
Ah, well. That's a meaningless notion in this neck of the woods, I'm afraid, Siegfried.
Have you ever played poker?
I'm serious, Ewan.
Now, the skill lies in recognising when you hold a winning hand.
(SIGHING)
(TOY SQUEAKING)
He's absolutely heartbroken.
Come on, Tricki.
Don't worry, darling. It's only Uncle Herriot.
You promise not to let him out of your sight?
-Of course. -Not for a single instant.
-Mrs Pumphrey... -I know, I shouldn't even need to ask.
But rest assured, my faith in you is as bounteous as Tricki's own.
I promise I will look after him with the greatest of care.
Come on.
You're very kind.
-Hmm. -Goodbye, my darling.
Mummy will be back before you know it.
And she'll bring you something special from France.
-Bye, Mrs Pumphrey. -Bye-bye.
(SNIFFLING)
Yes, right, Henry, well, of course I will.
I've just got to clear it with James, that's all.
I don't anticipate any trouble in that direction.
All right, Henry, until then. Bye.
-Siegfried. -Hello, James. Let me do that for you.
Come on, Tricki. Come, come on.
James, I do realise it is the most frightful imposition,
but I've got to get back to Henry Clintock's.
Oh, really? Come on, Tricki.
When?
Well, it really ought to be today.
What's so urgent?
Oh, that damn Bentley vet, Stackpoole, Pole, whatever his name is,
has diagnosed a hernia in that new young horse of Henry's.
He's recommended immediate surgery.
So, of course Henry is very anxious for a second opinion.
What am I supposed to do, Siegfried?
Two lots of surgery, and Tricki?
Thank you, James.
Rest assured, dear sir, of my warmest welcome.
SIEGFRIED: Thank you, James.
(SIGHING)
(TOY SQUEAKING)
Pick up a foreleg for me, Alan, would you?
SIEGFRIED: Okay, thank you.
Well?
Inguinal hernia, no doubt about that.
Surgery is the only option?
Well, it might not bother him as he goes on. What is he, a 3-year-old?
I think, all things considered, I'd be inclined to geld him.
Thank you, Alan.
I see. Surgery be wouldn't be especially difficult or dangerous, would it?
Well, you know as well as I do,
there's an element of danger in any surgical procedure,
but no, it should be well within the competence of any experienced practitioner.
Whilst it wouldn't be true to say that money is no object,
at least, it's not the issue here.
-I want the best for Gravy Train. -Quite.
Is there any chance that you could...
Oh, Henry, the operation is not what presents any difficulty
it's what happens afterwards. And time is not mine to pledge.
Not as this remove from Darrowby.
Of course.
Stackpoole said he'd have to go to a veterinary hospital.
Well, we all have our own ways of doing things.
Perhaps Mr Stackpoole wouldn't be able to devote
the time to postoperative care.
Siegfried, that chum of yours, Ross. Could he be our man, do you think?
I don't doubt it.
Could we see him now?
I rather think we could.
-Well, let's go then. -Right. Thank you.
He's an enormously keen mechanic.
So I can see.
Ewan!
(KNOCKING)
Ewan!
Ewan?
Ewan.
Uh...
Henry, do you think you can give me a hand to get him upstairs?
Of course, old boy.
(EWAN MUMBLING)
-Now then, Mr Herriot. -Mr Peart.
Tricki. Tricki, come here!
(TRICKI YAPPING)
That's a good boy.
Brought the hearth rug with you, I see.
In you go, Tricki, go on.
Any change in the ram?
See for yourself.
I'll have that Ben Lupton for this on the nose.
He sold you this beast in good faith.
Oh, aye! With a bit of help from the expert.
Look, when I examined him there was no indication
that this sort of thing might happen.
Try telling that to them keen young ewes of mine,
like a chorus of ruddy virgins singing Why Are We Waiting?
Yes, well don't write him off yet.
He's a dead loss, Mr Herriot.
I'll give him a shot of vitamin E.
It might help.
Aye, well, if it doesn't, he's for the chop.
Ruddy experts!
I'm sorry for the wasted journey.
It was worth a try.
-Henry... -I'm sure Ewan Ross is everything you say, Siegfried.
It's just that I need a chap I can rely on, you see.
I'll speak to Stackpoole again.
Of course.
Come on, lad. Come on.
There we are then. There we are.
Little bit creaky in the joints.
Nah! That's nowt but old age, Mr Farnon.
Just push him on the offside.
Steady now.
-Steady. -He could do with his nails trimming.
Aye.
All right, level.
(HUMMING TUNE)
Apart from the loss of appetite,
doesn't seem to me to be much wrong with him.
Aye! It's a puzzle right enough, Mr Farnon.
How long did you say he's been like this?
A week. Maybe more. Gone right down, he has.
Well, really,
the only thing that I can do
is to, uh,
give him some vitamins and iron.
It's old age, as you say.
Aye. Well, we bought him for our Lizzie
when she was nowt but a nipper.
She's at college now, studying.
But she likes to see him about the place when she comes home, like.
Of course she does.
Do you know when I was a lad, we had a donkey over 40 years old?
Oh, aye?
-You know, you never see a donkey die? -No?
That's what they say. Like a swan.
Don't you worry, Mr Lupton, I think this'll do a bit of something for him.
Not on my account, mind. For our Lizzie.
Of course.
Yes, Henry, I understand. Well, the best thing you can do is try to keep him quiet.
Oh, he should be back any minute.
Yes, I know, I know. It is rotten luck.
Yes, all right. Yes, bye.
(SIGHING)
Tricki, come on. It's crisis time.
The best place for you is out of the way. Come on, that's it.
There you go. Good boy.
-Hello, James... -Siegfried, I'm sorry.
That was Henry Clintock on the telephone.
Apparently, Gravy Train was playing up in his stall
and seems to have brought on a strangulation.
-What's his condition? -Well, very distressed.
-Feverish, breathing fast. -How long?
Well, anything up to four hours, Henry said.
That gives me six hours to nip gangrene in the bud.
James, can you cope with my afternoon calls?
Well, yes, yes. I'll be able to fit those in. You'll need help, won't you?
Yeah, but it will have to be Ewan Ross.
Ah, yes.
-Uh, James would you mind telephoning him for me? -All right.
Try all the numbers we've got for him,
and if you don't get him... Including the pub.
And if you don't get him, leave messages.
Right. Are you sure he'll respond?
Ah! I've never known him not to, James. Not when it counts.
All right.
Mr Ewan Ross. Message from Mr Siegfried Farnon.
That's right. Young colt with strangulated hernia.
Clintock's stables. Mmm-hmm. Condition serious.
Surgical treatment imperative.
Assistance greatly appreciated.
Leaving Darrowby now. Message timed at 1:30 today.
Well, yes, I know, but if you do see him...
Right, yes, thank you very much. Right. Bye.
-Any luck, James? -Not yet, no, Siegfried.
Plenty more numbers to try, though.
Thank you so much.
-Good luck. -Thank you.
(NEIGHING)
(MOTOR APPROACHING)
Henry Clintock?
Yes, Mr Ross.
We have met. Siegfried and I visited your cottage,
when he was over here last week.
Ah! That visit, huh? Well, mystery solved.
I knew Siegfried couldn't have got me up those stairs on his own.
It's good to meet you at last.
Siegfried's been trying to get us together for some time now.
Yes, so I gather.
Is that the patient?
Yes, I'm waiting for Siegfried.
Hmm. Well, I best have a look at him.
Without Siegfried?
He did leave a message asking me to come here, you know.
And by the looks of that animal, the sooner we get started, the better.
Oh, I see.
(INAUDIBLE WHISPERING)
I were expecting Mr Farnon and alls.
Been called away, Mr Lupton. Asked me to call in.
-Loss of appetite, you say? -Aye.
Not eating anything at all?
Oh, a mouthful here and there, but not like his usual.
Rare one for his trough, for old Jack.
Weren't you, eh, lad? Eh?
Him and Barty both.
Barty?
You know that tup I sold young Harold.
Oh, yes, of course.
Always together, them two. Real mates, like.
-A tup and a donkey, eh? -Aye.
Something that started up after our Lizzie left home, last back end, that were.
My missus called them Laurel and Hardy.
Mr Lupton, when did this loss of appetite start exactly?
Er, let's see now, about same time that... No, no, no...
It were right after our Barty went.
You ever boxed him?
Ruddy 'eck, Mr Herriot, what are you playing at?
Surprise visit, Mr Peart.
And as for you, Ben Lupton...
Hold your horses, lad. We brought something for you.
-Oh, aye, aye. Don't think you can soft soap me, not after... -There we are.
HAROLD: Ruddy 'eck!
This your idea of a joke, is it?
JAMES: No.
(BRAYING)
It just might make your tup do his duty, you see.
Ben Lupton's mangy old donkey?
What kind of medicine is that?
Oh, it's psychological medicine, Mr Peart.
See? They've been pining for each other.
Simple as that.
Ah, Ewan, you got my message?
Bush telegraph, Siegfried.
Did you bring a chloroform mask? Mine's seen better days.
-Yes, I did. -Good.
And if you could rustle up a clean sheet or two. Oh, and remind Clintock
that I'll be dossing down in the stall.
Easier to keep an eye on the patient.
You know, Ewan, I am most awfully grateful.
-Siegfried! -Henry!
You've seen Ewan Ross?
Yes, of course, he's down there.
Things are going to be much easier now he's here.
I'll take your word for it.
He put the fear of God into me when he examined Gravy Train.
Muttered words like gangrene and peritonitis.
Did he...did he? Did he? Well, let's take things step by step.
Would you mind giving me a hand with my equipment?
Of course.
Good gracious me!
(SNARLING)
You're at the station now?
Oh, I see. You're getting a taxi straight here?
I see, no, I quite understand.
I'm sure he's very anxious to see you too, Mrs Pumphrey.
No, no, no. He's fine. No, no trouble at all.
He and James have been inseparable.
Isn't it about time you put that thing on, Ewan?
No rush, Siegfried. No rush.
(SNEEZING)
(HUMMING)
Yeah, yeah. That's a good boy.
(WHISPERING) There you are. Who's a good boy, yeah?
That's it. That's it. There, there.
Okay, Alan, take him around.
Nice and steady.
Bring him in. Bring him in.
Eh? That's it. There's a good boy.
Steady, steady... Steady, steady, steady.
There, there. That's it.
Tricki? Come on, Tricki. (TOY SQUEAKING)
Tricki?
Tricki, come on.
Tricki, come on! Joke over.
Tricki?
-Tricki? -He's not here, James.
-Where the hell is he? -Well, maybe he's got out.
Well who would have...
-Mrs Alton? -It's her afternoon off.
-What? -Perhaps he's bedded down somewhere in the house.
-I'll try the garden. -Tricki?
-Tricki. -Tricki.
Tricki!
Damn it, Ewan, I don't know how you stay so calm.
This coming round period has me nervous as a kitten.
Well, fretting about it won't help, old chap.
We've done our best. The next few minutes are in the lap of the Gods.
Easy, Henry. Easy.
Now, let him do this his own way.
Come on, old fellow.
Come on, Gravy.
(WHISPERS) Come on, boy.
Up! Up, we come. (LAUGHING)
Brilliant!
Absolutely brilliant, both of you.
SIEGFRIED: He's not out of the wood yet, Henry.
HENRY: You're the experts, I know, but I know a thing or two myself
and he's going to be all right. You'll see.
Ah! (LAUGHING)
-HELEN: Any luck? -He isn't in the garden.
-Looked in the sheds? -Darling, I have looked everywhere!
-Who are you ringing? -Mrs Alton's sister. But there's no answer.
-I've looked up there. -Well, I'm going to look up there again!
(RATTLING CRADLE)
Yes, hello, it's Mrs Herriot again.
Could you get me Darrowby police station, please?
Thank you.
-(DOORBELL RINGING) -James?
-What? -It's the door!
Yes, hello. Sergeant Harris?
Mrs Herriot here, Skeldale House.
Well we wondered if you'd found a stray dog?
Yes, a stray dog.
Yes.
She sent me to come here, and wait.
-HELEN: It's a small, white fluffy... -Eh, wait. Yes.
Um, er, darling...
Yes, small, white, fluff...
Hello, Mr Hodgekin.
Darling, why don't you take Hodgekin into the sitting room and give him a drink?
He must be thirsty, after his journey.
What a splendid idea! Mr Hodgekin, come on.
(TOY SQUEAKING)
Yes, I'm sorry about all that, Sergeant.
Well we thought he was in the house.
Right then, Ewan, I'll be on my way.
EWAN: Right.
That was a very instructive experience.
Yes, we learned from each other, Siegfried.
Indeed so.
What's this?
It's a little present from Skeldale.
25-year-old malt whisky!
(EXHALES)
Very decent of you.
Hang on.
Good Lord alive!
Krug '49!
Mmm. Henry gave it to me. I can't understand why he should.
Oh, it's... It's yours, Ewan.
And jolly well-earned it was too.
Yeah. It seems we still have something to learn about each other, Siegfried.
I'm not a champagne person.
-Aren't you joining me then? -Oh, no, thanks, a bit early for me.
Oh, well. Good luck then.
Yes. Yes, good luck to you, Mr Hodgekin.
Aye, it's a grand dob of whisky, is young.
-Yes, it is a nice one, isn't it? -Yeah.
Mr Hodgekin, what time did Mrs Pumphrey say she'd meet you here?
-Any time now. -Aha!
Reminds me. Better get the old dog sorted out.
(STAMMERING) You've got time for some more scotch. Haven't you? Surely?
-If you insist, Veterinary. -I do, Mr Hodgekin.
-All right, is he? -Sorry?
The old dog. Doing him proud are you?
Tricki! Tricki's fine. Fine, couldn't be better.
Aye.
-Where is he then? -Sorry?
You heard me, Veterinary. What have you done with him?
I... What do you mean?
I mean, I haven't done anything with him.
He's um... He's gone for a walk actually,
and he should be back any minute.
(LAUGHING)
I'll believe you.
Thousands wouldn't.
(SCOFFS) What do you mean?
You know well what I mean, Veterinary.
Wife on phone, telling police about a missing white dog,
you doing your best to keep me in here.
Well, you've lost him, haven't you, Veterinary?
-No, no. -Of course, it's as plain as daylight.
Of course I haven't, Mr Hodgekin.
What an idea.
I don't mind. It's time that Tricki-Woo had his come-uppance.
Mind you one thing, what are you going to tell her when she comes to take him home, eh?
What are you gonna tell her? That'll be something to hear, Veterinary! (LAUGHING)
That'll be something to hear.
-(DOOR OPENING) -HELEN: Yes, thank you very much, Sergeant.
Bye-bye.
Darling, he knows about Tricki.
-How? -He heard you on the telephone.
-Any luck? -No. No strays at all.
-Did you try Mrs Alton's sister again? -Yes. Still, no answer.
Where the hell she could be? WI?
Uh, no. Saturdays.
She wouldn't have gone shopping in Madderton, would she?
Well, no. Not on a Tuesday.
Of course! She and her sister polish the brass Tuesday afternoon.
-She's got to be in the church. -(DOORBELL RINGING)
-It's Mrs Pumphrey! -You'll have to speak to her.
-No, darling, you speak to her. -Me?
Yes, tell her I... Tell her I've taken him for a walk. Tell her anything.
-If you think I was... -I have to go to the church
-All right, but hurry back, James Herriot! -(DOORBELL RINGING)
Go on!
-Mrs Pumphrey. -Mrs Herriot.
How lovely to see you.
(SPEAKING FRENCH)
Oh, what a tedious journey. Endless!
HELEN: No, no, he's in the sitting room.
But my goodness, how wonderful it is to be back.
HODGEKIN: # There's a long, long trail a-winding
# Into the land of my dreams
# Where the nightingale is sing... #
Hodgekin!
Ma'am. (HICCUPS)
Oh!
(LAUGHING)
MRS PUMPHREY: Stop waving that bottle.
(HODGEKIN LAUGHING)
MRS PUMPHREY: Yes, it's empty, Mr Hodgekin. Shall I take it?
(DOOR CREAKING)
MRS PUMPHREY: My man, you are totally drunk.
MRS PUMPHREY: Tricki, my darling, oh, how wonderful. I've missed you.
Hi, James.
Where did you find him?
-Who? -Tricki.
Oh, he's been with me.
I thought it was time I acted as kennel-maid for the afternoon.
-(HUMMING) -Sorry.
(GLASS SMASHING) HELEN: It's really not valuable.
# There's a long long trail a'winding
# Into the land of my dreams...
-Easy! Careful! -(LAUGHING)
(SLURRING) # Where the nightingales are...
(JAMES AND SIEGFRIED LAUGHING)
-Put the sot into the car. -# There's a long long trail a'winding
-Right, Mrs Pumphrey. -Yes.
# Into the land of my dreams
# Where the nightingale... #
Come on, Mr Hodgekin. Come on.
(LAUGHING)
-Come on. -It's not very far.
(HODGEKIN MUMBLING)
SIEGFRIED: I'll get the door.
JAMES: Well done. Siegfried? SIEGFRIED: All right.
# There's a long long trail a'winding #
SIEGFRIED: Here we go.
There's a basket for you.
Are you sure you wouldn't like me to drive, Mrs Pumphrey?
Thank you, Mr Herriot. I'm perfectly capable of driving.
Yes, of course.
-My coat. -You in?
Well, then. Au revoir.
(ENGINE STARTING)
Bye, Mrs Pumphrey.
(HONKING HORN)
I think it's time we opened our presents, James, don't you?
I need a drink.
Unfortunately, Hodgekin has demolished our whisky.
Oh, don't worry about that, James. What do you say to a Krug '49?
For that, I will stretch a point.
(CHUCKLES)