 James  friend from school, Andrew Bruce, visits Darrowby for a few days. Andrew is a London banker who loves the Dales and is thinking of relocating to Darrowby. He accompanies James on his rounds and their first stop is at the Hugills, a farm run by four eccentric, middle-aged brothers. Sigfried visits Mr. Dumbleby, a demanding farmer who rarely pays his bills. James is still considering buying into a partnership with Granville Bennett and Helen in particular seems to be quite keen.