♪ ♪ SIEGFRIED: Tristan's coming home.

♪ ♪ TRISTAN: Really is me.

Older, wiser, more handsome than ever.

(all chuckling) He's only been put in charge of training new veterinary recruits.

JAMES: Carmody.

He's in London, finishing off his final exams.

SIEGFRIED: All fathers share one common desire.

To help those under their care become the best version of themselves.

Job done.

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ (dog barking in distance) TRISTAN: So, I was about 30 miles south of Tobruk.

Dunes as far as the eye could see.

Not the place you want to find yourself in a bind, let me tell you.

And then, all of a sudden, I feel it.

The stab of a pistol in my back.

You're kidding.

Sadly, not.

My blood froze.

What did you do?

(blows out): Nothing else to do.

Turn around and face the enemy.

And there he was.

Tall, mean, slobbering...

It was only the bloody camel with my whip in his mouth, giving me a good prod.

Tristan!

(laughing) Thought we were having a real one for once.

TRISTAN: That was a real one, honest to God!

He wanted to get back to camp for breakfast.

Gobbler, we called him.

Hungriest camel in all of Tobruk.

Look at this.

Quietest baby in all of Darrowby.

Aw.

We should pick you up from the bus stop more often.

(chuckles) Uncle Tristan, happy to be of service.

(chuckles) You stocking up for me, Mrs. H?

You shouldn't have.

Paws off, thank you.

I have to make that stretch for all of us.

And Mr. Carmody.

Carmody's back?

You didn't say anything.

Well, couldn't get a word in around the camels.

(chuckling) Siegfried's gone to fetch him from the station.

Before I forget, Mr. Crabtree were on earlier about a cow off its food.

It wasn't urgent, was it?

He said it could wait till morning.

But he did sound concerned.

Oh-- I can take a look now.

Fancy lending a hand?

'Fraid not-- I'd rather stay here.

Put a face to the bow tie.

♪ ♪ Mr. Herriot.

Thanks for coming.

Mr. Crabtree.

Your herd's looking promising.

Aye, building up again, slowly but surely.

Got some good, healthy calves this year.

That's excellent news.

(growling, barking) Down, boy!

(laughs) Down!

I see you got yourself a dog.

Yeah, don't mind Shep.

He's a softie.

Just has a taste for putting the wind up folk.

Cheeky wee joker, eh?

(chuckling) So, you've got a cow needs seeing.

Rose-- she won't eat.

Can't work out why.

It might be nowt, but...

I didn't want to leave it too long.

Well, don't worry, we'll get to the bottom of it.

(cows lowing in background) Pop them on the pile.

(panting) Oh, and there's your clean shirts from last time... (dog barks) ...up in your room.

Yes, I saw, thank you.

Also couldn't help but notice both beds were made up.

Yes.

Mr. Farnon didn't think you'd mind sharing with Mr. Carmody.

Oh.

(door opens) Speak of the devil.

(dog barking) Oh, here he is.

(door closes) How were your journey?

Long.

I'm very glad to be back, Mrs. Hall.

How's Doncaster treating you?

Yeah, not too shabbily.

Putting the new recruits through their paces.

Tristan Farnon, Richard Carmody.

The famous Tristan Farnon.

How do you do?

Hello.

My replacement-- we meet at last.

Technically, I was James's replacement.

Well, either way, congratulations on sticking it out with my brother.

Many have tried, few survive.

(chuckling) CARMODY: Can't see why that would be the case.

Mr. Farnon's taught me a great deal.

It's been extremely stimulating.

Richard's just finished his finals in London.

Ah, yes.

Heard all about you Royal College chaps.

I trust the celebrations were suitably debauched, eh?

Not for me.

(chuckles): Right, well, um... Well, we can remedy that later, I expect, in the Drovers.

If it's all the same, I have things to attend to here.

Such as?

I managed to get my hands on the bacteria I told you about, from the university lab.

Did you?

CARMODY: Perhaps we could culture them together.

SIEGFRIED: I'd be delighted.

♪ ♪ SIEGFRIED: Omnia probate, quod bonum tenete.

Prove all things, hold fast that which is good.

Hey, you could've warned me.

Siegfried's multiplied, spawned a mini killjoy?

Oh, give over.

(blows through lips) (softly): A reminder to keep the mind open...

He might take a bit of getting used to, but he's not a killjoy.

He chose bacteria over booze.

Honestly, why do I feel like I'm about to spend my precious time off in a library?

It won't be that bad.

No, easy for you to say.

You don't have to share a room with the man.

(Siegfried talking softly) ♪ ♪ (birds chirping, farm animals braying) (Rose groaning) (moos loudly) I can rule out traumatic reticulitis.

She isn't wired.

Any changes to her diet recently?

No, she had the same as always.

She usually eats like a horse.

Well, a cow with an appetite, anyway.

Well, that could be our answer.

If her eyes are bigger than her belly, could be indigestion from overfeeding.

So, not so serious.

Well, nothing a dose of linseed oil won't clear up.

Start her on a couple of ounces.

She should be much brighter by the morning, fingers crossed.

Thank you, Mr. Herriot.

CARMODY: I'm very keen to hear about Egypt.

Did you visit any of the monuments?

You know, I wanted to.

But there was the pesky matter of a war going on.

Of course.

I imagine the action there must've been... Well, that's it, I can't.

Was it very bad?

Mostly just cricket and camel huts for me.

Cricket?

Really?

Mmm, you play?

Can't bear it.

MRS. HALL: You haven't told us how your exams went.

Very enjoyable.

Acetonemia came up, thankfully.

SIEGFRIED: Good.

As did hemorrhagic septicemia.

JAMES: Hello, all.

Hello.

(others greeting) Sorry, delayed by a ravenous cow.

Nothing serious, was it?

Thankfully not.

Mr. Crabtree was being overcautious.

Well, I don't blame him, since the brucellosis.

What, was it his farm where you picked it up?

Very possibly.

Almost lost his whole herd.

Oh.

Terrible shame.

♪ ♪ (Tristan exhales) When did cribbage become all the rage?

I had to find something he couldn't cheat at.

Oh, rot.

You can play next-- I'm about to thrash Richard.

No thanks-- all Greek to me.

MRS. HALL: Why don't you fetch another game?

Perhaps, or, even better, we could venture across the square for a nightcap.

Escape the clutches of the pipe and slippers.

MRS. HALL: Well, I'm due on me rounds, I'm afraid.

Hm.

Early start.

Jimmy'll be wanting his feed.

(moans) Two for the pair, three for the run... Siegfried?

Yes?

Muggins!

What?!

To play Muggins rules, you must declare Muggins rules.

Muggins rules are always in play with experienced opponents.

It's just me, then.

You clearly miscounted your points-- you missed two.

Enjoy yourself.

SIEGFRIED: I was distracted by Tristan!

Which means they're mine.

Oh, you wretch!

I demand a replay.

(door opens, closes) CARMODY: Well, that's against the rules.

SIEGFRIED: I don't care!

CARMODY: Cheat.

♪ ♪ (door closes, keys clatter) Ooh!

(exhales) (dog whimpering) (slurring): It's all right, it's all right.

It's only me-- don't bark!

Don't bark.

Siegfried'll have my guts for garters.

(kisses) Good.

Night-night, sleep well.

(furniture bangs) (groans) (dogs whining) (grunting): Who put that there?

(footsteps thudding) (door creaking) (object, footsteps thud) (Carmody exclaims) Whoa!

Wrong bed!

Shush, shush, shush!

You pssh!

You're in the cupboard!

Does it look like it?

I couldn't see you in the dark.

Why are we shouting in the middle of the night?

Oh...

He has commandeered my bed.

It was mine before.

It's in my room and in my house.

Oh, for God's sake.

Why haven't you sorted this out before?

He vanished off to the pub.

I've been stuck in military bunks for months.

I have earned the sweet embrace of my own bed.

CARMODY: No, it's logical I have it, since I work here, covering the night calls.

How's that logical?

If you'll be out at night, you'll be barely in it.

Says the man rolling in at 1:00 in the morning.

Well...

Enough.

What do you suggest, Mr. Farnon?

You're grown men.

I suggest you resolve it amongst yourselves.

Quietly.

(door closes) (grumbles) (birds chirping) (Tristan snoring) (footsteps padding softly) (snorts) (groans) Tristan was happy enough when he shared with James.

Well, he was still a student then.

And Richard's so amenable.

Well... Once you get to know him.

Might Tristan be feeling a bit left out?

No, no, that's not it.

Right.

Anyway, I told them to sort it out themselves.

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ SIEGFRIED: Do excuse me, Matron.

Could you repeat that?

And you're absolutely sure?

Oh, sorry about the racket last night, Mrs. H. Not to worry.

I got back to sleep soon enough.

CARMODY: I should apologize, too.

Mm.

I'm sorry Tristan almost crushed me to death, thus causing the entire house to wake up.

Richard, you're to go up to the manor, fast as you can.

Oh, is it Tricki?

No, it's a snake.

TRISTAN: That's an exotic addition for Mrs. Pumphrey.

Smuggled in from abroad, apparently, by one of the soldiers.

The house has been requisitioned as an Army convalescent home.

Oh.

CARMODY: What's wrong with the snake?

Nothing.

It's on the loose.

MRS. HALL: Goodness.

SIEGFRIED: Yes, caused quite a stir up there.

MRS. HALL: I can imagine.

The matron didn't know who else to turn to.

CARMODY: Well, I'm delighted she turned to us.

I adore snakes.

Ever seen one in the wild?

Only the odd adder-- you?

Yeah, Cairo's teeming with them.

Let's go and find the rascal, then.

SIEGFRIED: Uh, I'm afraid I have a full list in surgery.

Let me know how you get on.

(chuckles) It's a big house.

Might be something of a snake in a haystack.

Tris'll help.

Will I?

Well, it sounds like you're familiar with snakes.

Only in a very loose, general sense.

Also, he doesn't work here anymore.

Yes, I don't work here anymore.

There is that.

I wouldn't call it work.

More of a favor.

(sighs) Give you two the chance to get to know each other better, won't it?

I think we've got a good grasp of that already, thanks to the close quarters.

I couldn't possibly impose... You wouldn't be.

Would he, Tristan?

(sighs) Not at all, Mrs. H. Happy to help.

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ (phone ringing) Did you manage to get a good look at it?

Thankfully not.

I'm only going off what the lads have told me.

Which is?

That it slithers about the ward, under the beds and such.

By the time anyone's dared to try and catch it, it's made itself scarce.

Mm.

Makes me come over all peculiar even thinking about it.

I don't suppose you gleaned a description of its size or markings.

I'm rushed off me feet, love.

Snake-sized-- it's the best I can do.

Snakes come in a very wide variety of sizes and species.

Uh, leave it with us-- we'll give the place a thorough sweep.

It'll be out of your hair in no time.

If that thing gets anywhere near my hair, you'll know about it.

Right.

I propose we attempt to think like a snake.

(mumbling): Oh, for goodness' sake.

Now, where would we choose to hide?

Somewhere warm and secluded, no doubt.

Best of luck with that-- I'll see you later.

You can't wriggle out of it now.

We promised to find the snake.

There isn't one.

Yeah, she's only got the lads' word for it, which means she's having her leg pulled.

In jest.

How would that be funny?

She doesn't seem amused at all.

Look, we had the same rumor going around the camp in Cairo.

A tall story, to entertain.

Trust me, when you're stuck in a place like this, recovering, you need a joke or two.

I still think we should look for it.

No, look for it you shall.

I won't stop you.

But where are you going?

Find somewhere warm-- and secluded.

(door opens) Have a nap.

Enjoy the wild goose chase.

(door closes) (whistling) Sorry to add to the load.

The schnauzer couldn't hold it in.

Oh, drop it in the bucket.

You know, Mrs. Micklethwaite has a room available.

In case you're interested.

For whom?

For Mr. Carmody.

SIEGFRIED: Well, I can't turf Richard out because Tristan stamped his foot.

MRS. HALL: Well, perhaps Tris would like the bed and breakfast instead.

And I can't ask my brother to vacate his own room.

No, they'll, they'll muck in together and have done.

(sighs) So much for you staying out of it.

(washer churning) I feel for the boys.

They just want their own comforts.

Hm.

Well, perhaps that's it.

What?

Well, I could try making it more comfortable for them.

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ (yawns) (sniffs) (sighing): All right.

♪ ♪ Where are all the beds?

Hello, Mrs. Pumphrey.

Mr. Farnon!

How wonderful to see you!

You're quite well, I hope?

Oh, fighting fit, yeah, thank you.

I'm relieved to hear it.

♪ ♪ Looking for something?

I've lost a painting I'm very fond of.

Hm.

It's a landscape of the moors rendered in oils.

They must've moved it.

Don't they need to ask permission for that?

Unfortunately, not.

Every time my back's turned, something's been moved or rearranged.

Mm-- must be a challenge, sharing your house with strangers.

It's a minor inconvenience in the grand scheme of things.

But I did try to take up the matter with Matron yesterday.

She barely paid me any heed at all.

Preoccupied with the snake, I should imagine.

(chuckles) (voice trembles): The snake?

There's a snake?

♪ ♪ Well, that's debatable.

Um... ♪ ♪ (exhales) ♪ ♪ Hello there.

♪ ♪ (snorting softly) (growls) Hello?

Hello there.

Sorry to disturb.

Are you looking for someone?

Yes-- uh, well, no, not a person, exactly, um... Don't suppose you've seen a snake?

(chuckles): No.

Sure?

I think I'd remember.

It'd definitely liven the place up a bit.

Quite.

I see you've palled up with Tricki.

Ah, he's anyone's for food.

He's good company, though.

Dickens fan, are you?

It's like wading through treacle.

I thought I was the only person who felt that way.

Library's as old as this bleeding house.

What would be more to your taste?

Can't beat a good swashbuckler.

How about you?

Scientific periodicals, mostly.

Hmm, well, each to their own.

Yes.

Anyway, I should go.

Uh, this snake you're after, could it be venomous or whatever?

Depends on the species.

Quite a few types, are there?

Approximately 4,000 worldwide.

And did you know, they're the second-largest group of reptiles, after lizards?

Honestly, I'm, I'm pretty sure it's a joke.

I wouldn't be too concerned about it, really.

Tricki's involved.

I'll decide how concerned to be, thank you.

(phone ringing) Oh, Matron!

Mrs. Pumphrey.

Any luck finding that painting you were after?

Uh, not yet, no.

But more worryingly, Mr. Farnon's just told me about our uninvited guest.

♪ ♪ Nothing to report as yet, but we're leaving no stone unturned.

You didn't think I should know?

I didn't know you were here.

(chuckling): Well, I am, as is Tricki.

Who I imagine looks quite tasty to a reptile on the prowl.

He could be in danger.

We can't just have people coming and going willy-nilly.

This is a hospital.

It's Tricki's home.

Not at the minute it isn't.

Well, perhaps you could check on the men's belongings when they arrive and stop any rogue intruders in their tracks.

Perhaps you could let me know when you're here.

To avoid this sort of thing.

Ah, now, I shouldn't just... And if you wouldn't mind looking for my painting, Matron, I'd be extremely grateful.

Mrs. Pumphrey, I'm trying to make the best of being overworked and understaffed.

The painting'll have to wait.

♪ ♪ We should really fetch Tricki, um, just to be on the safe side.

We could split up, take a ward each.

Uh, yes, good thinking.

Um, you'd better start with the library.

Unless you have any objection, Matron?

Not at all-- be my guest.

♪ ♪ (birds chirping, cow lowing) (barking) Oh!

(gasping): Oh, you wee scamp!

He never got you again?

Oh, ashamed to admit it.

(Rose grumbles) JAMES: Rose has improved, though, I hope?

CRABTREE: Well, I gave her that linseed oil, like you said.

But she not too clever still.

(Rose grumbles) Morning!

JAMES: Hello, Mr. Oakley.

Mr. Herriot.

It's a stoppage.

You can tell a mile off.

Still thanking your lucky stars, I'll bet.

Feeling any better?

I'm grand, thank you.

So that's the trouble, then?

A stoppage?

There could be some kind of obstruction, yes.

With digestive troubles, they're often notoriously difficult to diagnose.

She just needs a right good gallop.

My father swore by it.

Best way with a stoppage.

Well, don't let us hold you up.

Cheerio!

♪ ♪ I'll try a lavage first.

If there's something blocking her up, it'll get things moving along.

So, so no galloping, then?

No galloping.

He means well, but it's an old wives' tale.

It's not veterinary advice.

(Rose grunts softly) HARRY: So my mate Ronald's inside the tank, minding his own business, when he hears this rattling sound.

(fingers drumming) No.

Yeah.

Damn thing's only got inside and made itself at home.

A rattlesnake in a tank?

Their venom's deadly.

You should've seen them come jumping out.

I've never known men move so fast.

(both laugh) Sounds like you've had quite the adventure over there.

I never had a mind to travel before.

But it certainly opened my eyes.

What was the best part?

I couldn't get enough of the heat.

And the food.

Some of the sights were just out of this world, you know.

But the best part is probably this.

♪ ♪ My ticket back here.

To see me girlfriend and me family.

Don't get me wrong, I accepted my lot.

I did my duty-- you have to.

But the truth is, everyone out there's just counting the days till it's time to come home.

If you don't mind me asking, how did you come to be injured?

♪ ♪ (clears throat) Lieutenant Farnon.

Good to meet you.

And you, sir.

Private Harry Tucker.

Sorry if Mr. Carmody has bombarded you with questions.

Weren't you taking it easy?

Yes, I was, but Mrs. Pumphrey wants Tricki back.

CARMODY: He'd clearly rather stay with Harry.

You'll keep an eye on him, won't you?

Course.

Fine.

Good.

Yes.

But you're telling Mrs. Pumphrey.

And believe me, she is not in a pleasant mood.

(barks softly) Tricki?

He went that way.

♪ ♪ Nice to meet you.

♪ ♪ (Tricki barking) Carmody!

♪ ♪ There!

There!

(door closes) Gotcha!

(Tricki growls) Why's he so feisty all of a sudden?

He's bonded with Harry.

Seems to be a great comfort.

That's why I wanted him to stay.

Harry's got him hooked him on tidbits, more like.

Right, have you got a decent hold?

Yes.

He's not a Great Dane.

Oh.

♪ ♪ I were hoping to pick your brains, Mr. Bosworth.

I'm in need of a mattress.

I don't suppose you've got one to spare in donations?

But, but only if you're sure it's spare.

(door opens) I'd hate to take something I shouldn't.

(door closes) Oh!

Thank you very much!

That'll be James.

Now, is there any chance someone could bring it round today?

JAMES: Hello there, wee man!

(Jimmy cooing) Hello!

Look who it is.

(Helen chuckles) Mummy's coming-- yes, she is.

Hello.

Good morning?

Challenging.

Sid Crabtree's got a cow with a blockage, I think.

I'm gonna have to head up after lunch.

Did you flush her out?

Twice-- no change.

Ah, well, there's time yet.

Like watched pots are cows.

I know, but Sid can't afford to lose another animal.

I want to get it right.

What makes you think you won't?

The postman said I should give her a gallop.

Mr. Oakley?

Aye.

Well, he thrives off telling folk what to do.

(Jimmy fussing) I know, but Sid was quite anxious.

I don't want him to think I'm not being thorough.

Well, give the cow a gallop, then.

You'd try it?

If it's what he wants, it puts his mind at rest.

It's his cow.

It could be rather satisfying to prove Oakley wrong.

Especially when it doesn't make any difference.

Oh, two birds, one stone!

Hey?

That's two birds, one stone.

(James and Helen laugh) (groans) (grunts) No, it's no good-- it's stuck fast.

We might have to try and shin out of the window.

Locked, I believe.

No sign of a key.

♪ ♪ (panting) Well, let's hope someone passes by.

Who?

This is hardly a thoroughfare.

Mrs. Pumphrey's already looking for Tricki.

She won't rest till she finds him.

(sighs) ♪ ♪ You know, it was rude of you to interrupt my conversation with Harry.

You asked him outright how he was injured.

What's wrong with that?

Everything.

He might not want to relive what happened.

But I asked, and he was quite happy... Why don't we try just sitting quietly for a moment, hmm?

(sighs) Mr. Farnon.

About that snake.

TRISTAN (chuckling): Oh, for the last time, it doesn't exist.

You might want to reconsider that hypothesis, as he seems rather determined to prove you otherwise.

(yelps) ♪ ♪ Mmm, hmm.

(hissing) ♪ ♪ Good old Mr. Bosworth.

Much more comfy.

Any sign of James?

Not since before, why?

He's been struggling with the Crabtrees' cow.

He seemed a bit out of sorts about it.

I don't mind having Jimmy, if you want to go up?

Oh, I can't give you another job.

Jimmy's not a job.

He's my favorite.

I insist.

HELEN: Well, let me give you a hand shifting this upstairs first.

Oh, don't you worry.

I won't be shifting it.

About time Mr. Farnon made himself useful.

(chuckles) Isn't it?

(Helen playing) What a magnificent specimen!

Mm-hmm, breathtaking.

(hissing) You led us on quite the merry dance, haven't you, Mr. Python?

You'll be safe and warm in here.

That's it.

(stammering): Make sure it can't get out.

(Tricki growling quietly) (stumbles) I'm beginning to understand why you didn't want to look for him.

I put it down to laziness, but it was something else entirely.

Makes perfect sense now.

The last thing I am, Carmody, is lazy.

You're ophidiophobic.

Petrified of snakes.

(laughs): I'm not petrified of anything.

(clicks tongue): I just avoid them at all costs.

How does one manage that in Egypt?

With great difficulty.

Anyway, don't tell me, you're an expert, are you?

Nothing of the kind.

This is the first python I've seen in the flesh.

Read lots about them, though.

Well... (inhales deeply) Catching it, that was, uh, that was brave.

♪ ♪ (Tricki growls) (sheep bleating) JAMES: She's no better, but she's no worse, either, and that's a good sign.

Well, what now, then?

Well, the lavage is still making its way through her system.

Let's wait a little longer before we do anything else.

She'll come right, you'll see.

I'm glad she's in your hands, Mr. Herriot.

I've been wondering, um... Might not be my place to ask, though.

Go on.

Well, I hope it wasn't anything too serious.

Whatever it was that got you sent home.

Oh, um...

It was brucellosis, actually.

Not from here?

Could've been.

Mm, mm, sorry, I, I didn't know.

Oh, it's, it's not your fault.

It was just a fever every now and then.

Nothing of any consequence, really.

Unless you happen to be flying planes, of course.

Anything doing?

Not yet.

Well, I've finished my round.

I'm ready and willing to gallop her for you.

No charge.

It's up to you.

She's your cow, Mr. Crabtree.

All right, yeah, go on, let's give it a go.

Mrs. Pumphrey's taking her time.

(chuckles) She'll find us.

So long as she hasn't been speaking to the matron again, got herself thrown out.

Why would she do that?

She hasn't been making herself very popular.

Not happy sharing the place.

And she might not be the only one who's being territorial.

Am I about to find out I've done something wrong again?

(chuckles) I meant me.

Perhaps I overreacted very slightly.

About the room.

I apologize.

And I apologize for taking your bed without asking.

Harry told me a little about how eager he was to return home.

I must admit, I'd only considered the logic of the matter before, not the feelings you might have about it.

As I said, slight overreaction.

I'm in your way-- I'll find somewhere else.

I did intend to offer, but I confess I've grown rather fond of the place.

(chuckles) Skeldale tends to have that effect on people.

It does.

My parents spend most of the year abroad.

So I grew up in boarding school.

It's been novel to put roots down somewhere.

Then you'll stay.

And we'll share.

Only if you're sure.

I'm sure.

That's if we ever manage to escape, of course.

Yes, I've had an idea about that.

Oh, really?

An ingenious plan?

Come on, then, let's hear it.

(shouting): Help!

(laughing) (shouting): Help!

Help!

(Tricki barking) Help!

CRABTREE: He weren't joking about a gallop.

He's fitter than he looks.

JAMES: Postmen must get a fair bit of practice.

All that running away from dogs.

(laughs) (Oakley panting) That's it.

There we go.

How do?

CRABTREE: Mrs. Herriot.

(Oakley exhales) That'll do it, mark my words.

HELEN: Unusual delivery you got there, Mr. Oakley.

Well, Mr. Herriot was stumped.

I stepped into the breach.

Look at her.

She's a different cow.

Reckon we'll let James be the judge of that.

OAKLEY: Oh, have a look at her.

I'm not wrong.

(panting) (cow lows) Easy.

Easy.

No, it can't be.

Has it made it worse?

No, no, the... She actually sounds surprisingly good.

(laughs): There now.

What did I tell you?

I promise you it was the timing, not Mr. Oakley.

He must've galloped Rose at the precise moment the lavage took effect.

You're all right, Mr. Herriot.

I know you put the effort in.

She's on the mend, anyway, and that's what matters.

Thank you.

I reckon things turned out for the best, don't you?

The galloping?

Brucellosis.

We're both lucky, in a way.

Lucky?

Glad some good came of it.

See you next time, Mr. Crabtree.

See you next time.

♪ ♪ (barking) (screaming): Down!

Get away with you!

Get away!

(Shep whines) God, it frightened the life out of me.

I'm sorry.

You all right?

It's Shep.

Loves to pounce on people.

I should've expected it.

It's silly, really.

I didn't mean to scare him.

Where's Jimmy, anyway?

Is he with his Auntie Jenny?

Mrs. Hall.

So you can take me to the Drovers on the way home, if you like.

Oh, I can, can I?

Mmm.

Reckon you've earned a breather.

I'm fine.

Good for you.

I've had Jimmy, laundry, and Tristan's bed to contend with.

So I'm having a drink.

And I'm not arguing.

TRISTAN: Help!

CARMODY: Help!

Help!

TRISTAN: Help us!

Tricki?

(Tricki barks) Mrs. Pumphrey.

Look who it is!

Oh, Tricki!

(Tricki whining) I could hear you miles away.

Who's being murdered?

No one.

We were trapped.

The handle broke.

Tricki didn't want to leave the ward, so ran in here to hide.

Oh, dear-- he does take his duties very seriously.

Maybe he could smell that dreadful snake and led you as far away from it as possible.

Or the opposite, in fact.

Is it real?

Oh, definitely real.

Oh!

Oh, Tricki.

I'm so sorry.

Would you like to meet him?

(Mrs. Pumphrey chuckles) You see, he might look frightening, but he's harmless.

Just a long way from home, in need of somewhere warm to lurk.

Rather misunderstood, I suppose.

MRS. PUMPHREY: When you put it that way, he doesn't seem so dreadful after all.

Just trying to make sense of where he's ended up, poor thing.

Are you quite all right, Mr. Farnon?

Hmm?

Fine.

Put the lid back on.

(Tricki barking) MRS. PUMPHREY: You must be exhausted after your ordeal in that room.

Leave Matron to me.

I'll give her the good news.

Uh, we don't mind saving you the bother.

Don't look so worried.

I intend to be civil.

(chuckling) Very wise.

You take care of yourself, Tricki.

Be sure to keep the lid on that box, Mr. Carmody.

Goodbye, dear boys.

Come on, then, Mr. Python.

Let's get you back to the surgery.

Wait, what?

He's staying here, isn't he?

We're giving it back, uh, to its owner.

Well, that would be highly irresponsible.

Far too cold and damp for him here.

No, he's coming home with us, of course.

Our room will be the perfect habitat for him.

♪ ♪ (breathes deeply) (people laughing in background) Better?

(exhales) How about you?

Much.

(chuckles) Not still stewing over Mr. Oakley, are you?

He was more clued up than I thought.

I'm taking it on the chin.

I'm sure Shep would say otherwise.

Shep came out of nowhere.

Anyone would lash out.

Not really.

Not you.

Did something else happen?

No.

I wanted to do a good job for Mr. Crabtree.

It was frustrating, but we got there in the end.

We don't shut each other out, James.

I'm not.

All right, there was one thing, but it was barely worth mentioning.

Him and Oakley.

They both said I was lucky.

You know, to have got brucellosis.

Well, you were, I suppose.

Very.

That one visit could've changed everything.

You don't agree.

I, I'm not sure, to be honest.

Well, you were sent home before you finished your training.

That's fortunate in anyone's book.

The training's as dangerous as the real thing.

Certainly felt that way when my crew were shot down.

You never said.

I didn't want to frighten you.

In case I flew again.

Still.

It's all right.

♪ ♪ Would it help if you told me about it now?

(clears throat) I've made my peace with it.

I'm so sorry, James.

We should go.

Home?

Not just yet.

There's something I want to take care of first.

Mrs. Pumphrey.

They'd taken it down to make room for a noticeboard.

Turns out they put it into storage for safekeeping.

Hm.

Now, don't tell me it's the wrong one.

(chuckling): Oh, no, it's perfect.

Thank you.

Caretaker found it, not me.

We've both found ourselves in rather trying circumstances, haven't we?

Not quite what we planned, but we forge ahead as best we can.

You're doing an excellent job for these men.

I'm sorry if I've made things more difficult.

I might've been too brusque before.

But I'm not myself with that snake creeping about.

It puts me right on edge.

Oh, well, you'll be glad to hear that it's been apprehended.

And removed.

Oh.

(chuckles) I might finally sleep tonight, then.

(chuckles) I'll be sure to give you notice in future.

I didn't mean to be a nuisance.

Mrs. Pumphrey.

The lads think the world of Tricki.

And it's obvious that you care about them a great deal.

Yes, I do.

I always wanted this house to be a haven for them.

I just didn't quite realize I'd have to move out as part of the bargain.

This is my father's work.

It's a view from the house where I grew up.

Oh, you didn't grow up here, then?

(laughs): Oh, goodness me, no.

I was such a fish out of water when I first arrived.

But this picture was always a piece of home.

I think I'll take it back to the cottage with me.

I hope it helps you to feel more settled.

Thank you.

I'm sure it will.

(grunting) Come on, darling.

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ There you go.

Sorry I gave you a fright.

Come on, Shep!

(grumbles) Look what James has brought you!

It's juicy and delicious.

I'm sorry, boy!

Do you think I've broken his spirit?

(growls) (barking) (yelps) Oh!

(both laughing) (barks) I think his spirit's doing just fine.

(both laughing) (exhales) (grunts) Oh, back towards you a touch.

Yes, I know.

But, no... Other way.

Yeah.

(grunts) Careful.

There.

(blows out) That wadn't too bad, was it?

No.

No, didn't need full mobility in my spine anyway.

It was perfectly adequate before.

I don't understand what all the fuss is about.

Why do you seem so guilty, then?

Guilty?

Why would I be guilty?

(Jimmy fussing) (dogs barking, door opens and closes) That'll be him now.

(whispering): I wonder what he made of the snake?

(Jimmy babbles) CARMODY: I've named him Schrödinger, after the thought experiment.

Because he was existent and non-existent simultaneously.

(chuckles) I see.

TRISTAN: A private joke.

Although I definitely preferred the non-existent version.

Which is why I'm putting my foot down.

He's not coming anywhere near the bedroom.

I'd be willing to negotiate on that.

♪ ♪ All right.

I suppose you can keep my bed, in exchange for no snake.

Done.

(Schrödinger hisses) (laughing) What's so funny?

I was pulling your leg.

In jest.

For entertainment.

He won't be living in our room.

That would be ridiculous.

Well, then, I take back what I said about the bed.

Have a look at this.

(Tristan gasps) Could that be the beginnings of scale rot?

We'll have to treat it topically.

(knock at door) Keep him clean and dry until he's recovered.

Hmm.

(door opens) Oh, Mrs. Hall, there you are.

You'll be pleased to hear that, uh, peace seems to have broken out.

Unaided.

That's lovely news.

Isn't it?

I only have one question.

How did you end up in the manor together?

Mrs. Hall insisted Tristan helped.

Is that so?

MRS. HALL: All's well that ends well.

I think I'd better move Vonolel upstairs, just in case this one gets peckish.

Would you give us a hand?

Sorry.

Sorry.

(chuckles) I'm sorry I made a fuss.

I'm sorry for not being a better referee.

Still, Mrs. Hall seems to have acquired a mattress.

We'll be queuing up to sleep in the cupboard now.

(both chuckle) She didn't need to go to any trouble.

No, I said that, but, um, she's got this huge soft spot, you see.

I kept it empty for a year.

Your room.

Thought you ought to know.

♪ ♪ TRISTAN: At one point, I thought he was going to throw it round his neck like a scarf.

His face was priceless.

(others chuckling) How did the poor soldiers cope?

Luckily, they didn't see the snake.

But Harry was tickled when Tricki gave us the slip.

Who's Harry?

Served in the 5th Tank Regiment.

Injured in North Africa.

Mm, sorry to hear that.

CARMODY: It was inspiring hearing about his travels and adventures.

Sounds like an interesting chap.

He was.

Even made me wonder if I should follow in his footsteps.

SIEGFRIED: And join a tank regiment?

You couldn't see me driving one?

Richard, it took three people to teach you to drive a car.

I'd play to your strengths, if I were you.

HELEN: Stick with the vetting.

That's how you do your bit.

Probably not the best idea I've ever had.

No, I can confidently say it's the worst, my friend.

(others chuckling) No offense.

None taken.

(all chuckling) Here's to an undisturbed night.

(Mrs. Hall chuckles) Thanks to you.

No, I didn't do much.

No, just smoothed the waters.

Encouraged a friendship.

Pulled my head out of a large pile of sand.

Thank you for your efforts.

I do like it when the house is full.

And happy.

So do I.

Although, where are we keeping the snake?

Carmody will find a zoo to help us with that.

(Tristan sniffs) TRISTAN: Mmm.

Oh, Mrs. Hall's an angel.

This bed is utter bliss.

Nice try, but it won't work.

What?

You're trying to fool me into thinking the grass is greener.

But we shook on our deal, fair and square.

It was completely underhand, and you know it.

If you don't mind, I really do need to get some sleep.

(sighs) In spite of everything, I rather enjoyed our escapade.

(laughs) Yeah, same here.

You could say you've grown on me.

Like bacteria.

Like bacteria!

Exactly.

(chuckling) Good night, Tristan.

Good night, Richard.

I will find a way.

To get my bed back.

I'd expect nothing less.

May the best man win.

(chuckling) (sighs) ♪ ♪ Royal Veterinary College.

SIEGFRIED: That's your exam results-- chop, chop, man, open it.

BOSWORTH: Mrs. Hall, we have a situation.

An unidentified object.

Protocol demands that we wardens make the initial assessment.

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