 Helen is away caring for a sick aunt. Sigfried is on the warpath because of the number of unpaid farmers  bills. He is particularly annoyed with Dennis Pratt who has not settled his account for some time. James and Tristan have to treat a rather large and very difficult stallion. James meets Granville Bennett, a vet who specializes in small animal care, when Mrs. Barker s dog requires surgery. While the dog is recovering from the anesthetic, Granville suggests that he and James have a drink (or two or three, as it turns out) and then over to his house for a bite to eat (and a drink or two or three). By the time his visit is over, James is very much the worse for wear. James rescues a kitten by the side of the road.