Short Fiction · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for Short Fiction by P. G. Wodehouse.
Chapter 1
When Papa Swore in Hindustani
Colonel Reynolds threatens to shoot his daughter Sylvia's pug, Tommy, for destroying his carnations. Sylvia loves the dog because it was a gift from Reginald Dallas, whom the colonel refused to let her marry after Dallas outshot him during a hunt. When the colonel eventually shoots Tommy, nineteen young neighbors each send a replacement pug, hoping to win Sylvia's favor. The colonel, furious, forces the removal of the dogs and, impressed by Dallas's absence from the scheme, finally consents to Sylvia marrying him.
Chapter 2
Tom, Dick, and Harry
Tom Ellison and Dick Henley, both in love with Dolly Burn, agree to let a village cricket match decide who gets to propose to her first. They persuade the curate, Rev. Henry Drew, to let them bat together. Both score exactly 54 runs, leaving the contest unresolved. After the innings, the curate reveals that Dolly is already engaged to Harry.
Chapter 3
In Alcala
The chapter follows the intertwined lives of several characters in the Alcala district, exploring themes of love, ambition, and social maneuvering. Key events include George Balmer's romantic encounter on the promenade and the arrival of George Barnert Callender at Marvis Bay, setting the stage for comedic misunderstandings and romantic entanglements.
Chapter 4
I
Captain John Gunner is found dead in his room at the Excelsior Boardinghouse. Mrs. Pickett and Constable Grogan discover the body, and a young doctor suspects poisoning, though the cause remains uncertain. Mrs. Pickett is more concerned about the stain on her boardinghouse's reputation than the death itself.
Chapter 5
II
Mr. Paul Snyder assigns the mysterious case of a man found dead from cobra bite in a locked room at a Southampton boardinghouse to his ambitious but inexperienced assistant, Elliot Oakes, who is eager to prove his detective skills.
Chapter 6
III
Mr. Snyder reads a humorous report from Elliott Oakes detailing his investigation into Captain Gunner's death at the Excelsior boardinghouse. Oakes shares his frustrations and theories, including the possibility of an Indian snake poison and Mrs. Pickett's involvement. Snyder writes back, advising patience and cautioning against over-reliance on motives.
Chapter 7
IV
Young Mr. Oakes, a detective, struggles with a baffling case at the Excelsior Boardinghouse. His usual self-confidence wanes as he fails to find any clues in the locked room where a tragedy occurred, and he feels the quiet scorn of Mrs. Pickett. He examines the room meticulously but discovers nothing, leading him to write a report to headquarters.
Chapter 8
V
Mr. Snyder receives a telegram from Oakes announcing he has solved the Gunner mystery. Oakes returns triumphant and explains his logical deduction: the death was caused by a cobra from Java that entered via a crate of bananas, killed Captain Gunner, escaped through the window, and later killed a dog in the yard. Mr. Snyder, though annoyed at Oakes's smugness, concedes the solution is sound.
Chapter 9
VI
Mr. Snyder is visited by Mrs. Pickett, who challenges the solution proposed by young Oakes regarding the death of Captain Gunner. She insists that Oakes' explanation is impossible and claims to have the true solution. She astonishes Snyder by asking him to swear out a warrant for a man's arrest on a charge of murder, asserting she has evidence. Despite his doubts, Snyder is persuaded and agrees to dine at her house to hear her proof.
Chapter 10
Out of School
James Datchett, an assistant-master at Harrow House, receives an acceptance for a short story and, in a moment of elation, kisses housemaid Violet. The act is witnessed by Adolf, a Swiss servant who blackmails James into teaching him English and running errands. Meanwhile, Mr. Blatherwick, the school's proprietor, broods over his brother-in-law Bertie Baxter's borrowing habits, only to receive a letter containing a cheque and a recommendation that sends three new pupils his way. In his gratitude, Mr. Blatherwick kisses Violet over the coffee tray, just as James walks in, creating an awkward silence.
Chapter 11
Ahead of Schedule
Rollo Finch, having abandoned his careful schedule, sends gifts and a supper invitation to a girl, but she fails to appear. Returning home, he discovers his valet Wilson has married the girl, who turns out to be Wilson's old flame from Market Bumpstead. Rollo's initial anger dissolves into acceptance and even amusement, especially as he realizes this development may help him avoid his uncle's impending marriage to Miss Parker.
Chapter 12
By Advice of Counsel
A waiter recounts to a silent traveller the story of his time living with a charismatic drifter called Gentleman Bailey and a simple, wealthy man named Jerry Moore. The two drifters enjoy a life of ease at Jerry's home until Jerry falls in love with the spirited Jane Tuxton. Despite Gentleman's attempts to dissuade him by disparaging women, Jerry's affections persist, and the trio's comfortable arrangement is threatened.
Chapter 13
Deep Waters
George Barnert Callender, a playwright, arrives at Marvis Bay ahead of his play's production. While walking on the pier, he becomes distracted by a beautiful girl and falls into the water. She rescues him, and he pretends not to be able to swim to prolong their acquaintance. They meet at the hotel, and she agrees to teach him to swim. Later, his friend Arthur Mifflin reveals the truth to her, but she appreciates George's chivalry, leading to a romantic reconciliation.
Chapter 14
Misunderstood
Mr. James 'Spider' Buffin, a pickpocket with a hobby of revenge, is arrested by Constable Keating after assaulting a man with a sandbag. After serving sixty days in prison, Buffin obsesses over revenge against Keating. He befriends the policeman to learn his off-duty schedule, planning an ambush. However, when he attempts to attack Keating, a group of strangers intervene and assault the policeman first. Buffin, enraged by the infringement on his revenge, joins the fray and is knocked unconscious. He later wakes to find the attackers arrested, but in court he denies seeing them, leading to their release. The magistrate praises Buffin as a hero, but Buffin, fearing retaliation from the Frith Street gang, pawns his belongings and flees London.
Chapter 15
Rough-Hew Them How We Will
Paul Boielle, a waiter at Bredin's Parisian Café, lives a double life as a struggling artist. He dreams of selling his painting 'The Awakening' to a wealthy connoisseur, which would allow him to marry his co-worker Jeanne Le Brocq and buy a cigar shop. After defending Jeanne from the proprietor's insults, he declares his love and reveals his artistic ambitions, winning her cautious interest.
Chapter 16
The Goalkeeper and the Plutocrat
Isabel Rackstraw and Clarence Tresillian meet at a charity bazaar and fall in love. Clarence, son of Lord Runnymede, learns his family is ruined after his grandfather's failed wheat corner. He decides to become a professional footballer under the name Jones. Meanwhile, Isabel's father, Radical millionaire Mr. Rackstraw, opposes the match. A football match is arranged between Houndsditch Wednesday and a Manchester team, with a side bet of a Bloomer boot against a Meredith ball. Clarence, as goalkeeper, is urged by Mr. Rackstraw to win, and in return asks for consent to marry Isabel.
Chapter 17
The Good Angel
Martin Rossiter, a guest at the Keiths' country home, is tormented by his rival Aubrey Barstowe, who reads poetry to Elsa Keith. The butler, Keggs, reveals a servants' hall betting pool on Elsa's marriage and advises Martin to let Barstowe monopolize her to make her tired of him. Later, Keggs informs Mr. Keith that Barstowe and Elsa are stranded on an island, having taken a boat that came untied. Martin helps Mr. Keith back to the house but avoids the rescue. After the incident, Elsa, furious at Barstowe for enjoying the ordeal, refuses to see him again.
Chapter 18
The Man Upstairs
Annette Brougham confronts her neighbor, who she discovers is actually a wealthy Glasgow millionaire named Bill Bates, not the artist Alan Beverley he pretended to be. He reveals he orchestrated their meeting and has been secretly buying her waltz and Sellers' paintings to support them. Annette feels humiliated by his deception, but later defends him against Sellers' patronizing criticism, leading to a complex emotional exchange. The chapter explores themes of deception, identity, and the struggle for artistic and financial success.
Chapter 19
The Man, the Maid, and the Miasma
Mr. Robert Ferguson is trapped in his office overnight with his former office-boy, Master Roland Bean, whom he had fired for being too saintly and reproachful. Ferguson flees to the roof to avoid Bean and encounters his former fiancée, Alice Weston, who is also trapped. Their conversation reveals the reasons for their broken engagement: Ferguson's excessive disapproval and perfectionism. After a tense exchange, Alice fetches Bean, and Ferguson retreats to his office, reflecting on his situation.
Chapter 20
When Doctors Disagree
Arthur Welsh, a jealous barber, struggles with his fiancée Maud Peters' friendly interactions with male customers. After a brief reconciliation, his jealousy returns, prompting Maud to seek advice from a newspaper column. She follows the advice to test his feelings by inventing a rival, but Arthur's calm reaction only deepens her distress. The chapter ends with the arrival of a real rival, boxer 'Skipper' Shute.
Chapter 21
Pots O'Money
Owen Bentley, a bank clerk with a modest income, asks Mr. Sheppherd for permission to marry his daughter Audrey, but is refused due to his lack of prospects. Despite the setback, Audrey vows to stay in touch via letters and daily phone calls. Owen recalls once dramatizing Edith Butler's novel 'White Roses' without success. Later, he learns the novel has been adapted for the stage by Butler herself, and upon attending the play, he realizes she has plagiarized his dramatization. Distraught, he meets Mr. Prosser for supper, still pondering how to prove his authorship.
Chapter 22
Absent Treatment
The narrator, Reggie Pepper, recounts the story of his friend Bobbie Cardew, a charming but forgetful man whose marriage to Mary Anthony, a determined hospital nurse, leads to conflict. Bobbie's chronic forgetfulness strains the relationship, and when Reggie conspires with Mary to teach Bobbie a lesson by pretending he has forgotten their wedding anniversary, the plan backfires. Mary blames Reggie for Bobbie's distress, leaving Reggie as the scapegoat.
Chapter 23
The Best Sauce
Eve Hendrie, a paid companion to the irritable Mrs. Rastall-Retford, lies awake hungry and disturbed by the unexpected arrival of Peter Rayner, a man who had previously fallen in love with her while she was a governess. Peter, having tracked her down, stays as a guest and attempts to win her over, but Eve resists. She retaliates by falsely telling Mrs. Rastall-Retford that Peter is a vegetarian and teetotaller, hoping to drive him away. Despite the hardships, Peter persists, and a tense standoff ensues as Eve struggles with her difficult situation.
Chapter 24
Disentangling Old Duggie
Reggie Pepper recounts how he advised his friend Duggie Craye to consult a palmist, Mrs. Darrell, leading to Duggie's engagement to her. Duggie's sister Florence opposes the match and invites the couple to the family home to expose Mrs. Darrell's unsuitability. Despite Reggie's efforts to help, Florence's influence causes Duggie to waver, and Mrs. Darrell ultimately decides to break off the engagement.
Chapter 25
Three from Dunsterville
Mary Hill, a young woman from Dunsterville, Canada, moves to New York seeking work as a stenographer. Initially overwhelmed by the city's harsh, competitive nature, she reluctantly accepts a secretarial position from Joe Rendal, a former shy admirer who has been transformed by New York into a confident, forceful man. Her friend Eddy Moore, also changed by the city, fails to help her directly. Over lunch, Joe confesses his unchanged feelings for Mary, and she admits that New York has changed her too, hinting at a new openness toward him.
Chapter 26
Ruth in Exile
Ruth Warden works as a secretary-clerk at a pawnshop in Roville-sur-Mer, supporting her father Eugene Warden, who gambles and dreams of her marrying a rich man. A persistent and confident young man, Mr. Vince, courts her, proposing marriage and claiming she is his 'affinity,' despite her initial coldness. Ruth is torn between irritation and a growing attraction to him, as her father encourages the match.
Chapter 27
Sir Agravaine
Sir Agravaine the Dolorous, an ugly and weak knight of King Arthur's Round Table, falls in love with the damsel Yvonne, who has come to Camelot seeking a champion to fight a dragon. Despite his physical shortcomings, he is the only knight to volunteer. On the journey to her father's castle, he learns that Yvonne's father, Earl Dorm of the Hills, has been using false dragon stories to lure knights to marry his daughters. Agravaine confesses his love, Yvonne reciprocates, and they marry. Later, Agravaine consults a Wise Man about his wife's insistence that he is handsome, revealing the depth of their bond.
Chapter 28
The Man Who Disliked Cats
A man dining at the Café Britannique meets a melancholy Frenchman who recounts his tragic life story. The Frenchman, an aspiring artist forced to work as a hotel cashier, develops a hatred for animals—especially cats—after being surrounded by guests' exotic pets. He falls in love with an American heiress, Miss Henderson, but his rival Captain Bassett gives her a cat named Alexander. In a desperate scheme to win her affection, he tries to frame the cat by releasing a parrot, but the plan backfires. He then attempts to steal the cat and have it destroyed, but his plot is uncovered when the cat is identified by its hat-box label. The heiress marries Captain Bassett, and the Frenchman is forced into a dreary job as a secretary assisting in writing a history of the cat in ancient Egypt.
Chapter 29
The Tuppenny Millionaire
George Albert Balmer, a modest insurance clerk, inherits a thousand pounds and travels to Roville. There, he encounters Lady Julia Waveney, falls in love, but is crushed to learn she is a titled aristocrat. He seeks solace at the boule tables, where she asks him to place a bet for her, but his distraction leads to a misunderstanding with the croupier.
Chapter 30
Something to Worry About
Sally Preston, a London girl who loves cinemas, is sent by her strict father to the sleepy village of Millbourne to reform. She finds the place deadly dull and immediately clashes with the quiet, hardworking second gardener Tom Kitchener, who falls in love with her at first sight. Tom's shyness and habit of asking about rheumatism prevent him from joining the nightly gatherings of other young men at Sally's aunt's cottage, so he woos her with vegetables. Old Mr. Williams warns Tom to drop his passion.
Chapter 31
Crowned Heads
Katie, a modest secondhand bookshop owner, is whisked away from her friend Genevieve at Palisades Park by a serious young man named Ted Brady. Despite her self-doubt, Ted pursues her with direct sincerity, visiting her shop, giving her a ring, and proposing. However, her grandfather opposes the engagement, revealing that Ted is a celebrated athlete, which complicates Katie's happiness.
Chapter 32
Death at the Excelsior
A mysterious death occurs at the Excelsior Hotel, drawing in various characters and setting off a chain of events involving suspicion, investigation, and hidden motives.
Chapter 33
I
Captain John Gunner is found dead in his room at the Excelsior Boardinghouse. Mrs. Pickett and Constable Grogan discover the body, and a young doctor suspects poisoning, though the cause remains uncertain. Mrs. Pickett is more concerned about the stain on her boardinghouse's reputation than the death itself.
Chapter 34
II
Mr. Paul Snyder assigns the mysterious case of a man found dead from cobra bite in a locked room at a Southampton boardinghouse to his ambitious but inexperienced assistant, Elliot Oakes, who is eager to prove his detective skills.
Chapter 35
III
Mr. Snyder reads a humorous report from Elliott Oakes detailing his investigation into Captain Gunner's death at the Excelsior boardinghouse. Oakes shares his frustrations and theories, including the possibility of an Indian snake poison and Mrs. Pickett's involvement. Snyder writes back, advising patience and cautioning against over-reliance on motives.
Chapter 36
IV
Young Mr. Oakes, a detective, struggles with a baffling case at the Excelsior Boardinghouse. His usual self-confidence wanes as he fails to find any clues in the locked room where a tragedy occurred, and he feels the quiet scorn of Mrs. Pickett. He examines the room meticulously but discovers nothing, leading him to write a report to headquarters.
Chapter 37
V
Mr. Snyder receives a telegram from Oakes announcing he has solved the Gunner mystery. Oakes returns triumphant and explains his logical deduction: the death was caused by a cobra from Java that entered via a crate of bananas, killed Captain Gunner, escaped through the window, and later killed a dog in the yard. Mr. Snyder, though annoyed at Oakes's smugness, concedes the solution is sound.
Chapter 38
VI
Mr. Snyder is visited by Mrs. Pickett, who challenges the solution proposed by young Oakes regarding the death of Captain Gunner. She insists that Oakes' explanation is impossible and claims to have the true solution. She astonishes Snyder by asking him to swear out a warrant for a man's arrest on a charge of murder, asserting she has evidence. Despite his doubts, Snyder is persuaded and agrees to dine at her house to hear her proof.
Chapter 39
VII
At a dinner party hosted by Mrs. Pickett, detective Mr. Snyder, young Mr. Oakes, and Captain Muller are present. Mrs. Pickett transforms from a brooding woman into a gracious hostess, giving each guest a souvenir. Captain Muller receives a harmonica that once belonged to the deceased Captain Gunner, causing him visible panic. Mrs. Pickett reveals her belief that Captain Gunner was murdered, not by a snake as previously thought, but by a cat whose claws were poisoned. She produces the cat, and Captain Muller confesses to the murder.
Chapter 40
One Touch of Nature
Mr. J. Wilmot Birdsey, an American baseball fan exiled in England after his daughter married an earl, attends a baseball game between the White Sox and Giants in London. He invites two fellow fans to dinner at the Savoy: a young journalist named Waterall and a bearded man who calls himself Johnson. During dinner, Waterall recognizes Johnson as Benyon, a bank robber wanted by the American police. Despite Birdsey's pleas for mercy based on their shared love of baseball, Waterall calls Scotland Yard. Benyon pulls a pistol but cannot use it, breaking down in tears. Birdsey, enraged by Waterall's smugness, attacks him physically.
Chapter 41
At Geisenheimer's
The narrator, a professional dancer at Geisenheimer's, feels homesick and restless in New York. She meets a countryman named Charlie Ferris, who is visiting the city with his wife. The narrator helps Mrs. Ferris win a dancing contest by swapping tickets, which leads to the couple deciding to return home to the country, reconciled and happy. The narrator then faces the consequences with Izzy Baermann, the manager.
Chapter 42
Bill the Bloodhound
Henry Pifield Rice, a low-level detective at Stafford's International Investigation Bureau, falls in love with Alice Weston, a chorus girl who disapproves of his 'sneaky' profession. She refuses his marriage proposal because she insists on marrying someone in the theatre. Henry is later assigned to shadow an actor in 'The Girl from Brighton' company—the very show Alice is in. Disguised as a Scotch business man, he follows the tour, eventually befriending star Walter Jelliffe and gaining backstage access, where he finally reunites with Alice.
Chapter 43
Black for Luck
Elizabeth, a struggling writer in New York, adopts a stray black cat named Joseph, hoping for good luck after her favorite magazine folds. She forms a friendship with James Boyd, a playwright whose play means everything to him. After a misunderstanding causes a rift, Elizabeth isolates herself until she learns of the play's disastrous reviews, which rekindles her love for him.
Chapter 44
Concealed Art
Reggie Pepper recounts how his friend Archie, a struggling futurist artist who secretly draws the popular 'Doughnut family' comic strip, concocts a scheme with Reggie to pretend that a wealthy American, J. Bellingwood Brackett, has bought one of his paintings for £2,000. The deception is meant to reassure Archie's wife about their finances, but the plan backfires when the story is published in the newspapers and Brackett's representative arrives to demand a denial, threatening legal action. Reggie tries to support Archie through the ensuing crisis.
Chapter 45
The Making of Mac's
Henry, the old waiter at Mac's Restaurant, recounts the history of the establishment, from its humble beginnings under old Mr. MacFarland to its rise in popularity. He describes the key figures: Andy, the stubborn son; Katie, the adopted daughter and cashier; and Jules, the talented chef. A turning point occurs when Andy, after returning from Oxford, clashes with Katie over her dancing with customers, leading to a confrontation and the ejection of a rowdy patron. This incident unexpectedly boosts the restaurant's reputation as a bohemian hotspot, attracting a lively supper crowd. Katie later returns with friends, and despite lingering tension with Andy, the restaurant thrives.
Chapter 46
The Mixer
A dog narrates his life as a mixed-breed who moves between different owners and households, observing the foibles and secrets of the humans around him. Through his adventures, he becomes a silent witness to romantic entanglements, deceptions, and the contrasts between city and country life.
Chapter 47
I: He Meets a Shy Gentleman
The narrator, a dog, recounts his early life in an East End public house and his purchase for half a crown by a shy, quiet man. After being sold to a caretaker in Kent, the dog is overjoyed to reunite with his old friend Fred. That night, the shy man breaks into the cottage, and the dog, recognizing him, remains silent out of respect for his shyness. The man steals items and flees, taking the dog with him to London and then to the country, where they meet an accomplice named Bill. The dog struggles to understand the man's antisocial behavior but remains loyal.
Chapter 48
II: He Moves in Society
After being hit by a car, the narrator dog is taken home by a small boy named Peter, who insists on keeping him despite his nurse's objections. The dog enjoys a life of luxury in a grand house, but is puzzled by the special treatment he receives. He eventually learns that Peter's family believes he saved the boy from a kidnapping attempt by brigands, a story Peter invented to comfort himself during a frightening night in the woods. The dog, though honest, decides not to correct the misunderstanding when rewarded with liver.
Chapter 49
The Romance of an Ugly Policeman
Constable Edward Plimmer, a homely policeman, is assigned to a quiet beat in Battersea Park Road, a neighborhood of artists and intellectuals. He falls in love with Ellen Brown, a girl who lives in one of the flats, but she is already involved with Alf Brooks, a charming milkman. When Ellen is arrested for a minor offense, Alf abandons her in public shame, and Plimmer, moved by her misery, shares a moment of connection with her.
Chapter 50
The Test Case
Reggie Pepper recounts his near-marriage to Ann Selby, who doubts his worth due to his idle wealth. To prove himself, he visits his friend Harold Bodkin, whose sentimental devotion to his first wife Amelia is ruining his marriage to Hilda. Reggie's plan to cure Harold backfires when he accidentally locks the butler Ponsonby in the meditation room, causing Ponsonby to quit and Ann to dismiss Reggie as a practical joker, ending their relationship.
Chapter 51
Wilton's Holiday
Jack Wilton arrives at Marois Bay, appearing as a strong, cheerful man. However, a rumor spreads that he is secretly heartbroken because his fiancée died in his arms on their wedding morning. The community treats him with sympathy. Later, Wilton confides in the narrator that he invented the tragic story to deter people from burdening him with their problems. He has fallen in love with Mary Campbell, but she refuses his proposal because she believes he still loves the deceased Amy. Wilton later encounters Mary by chance in a secluded cove, but she remains cold and distant.
Chapter 52
The Man with Two Left Feet
Henry Wallace Mills, a studious bank cashier, learns to dance to surprise his wife Minnie, who has grown bored with their quiet life. After secretly taking lessons from Mme. Gavarni, he plans a dramatic reveal at Geisenheimer's restaurant on her birthday, but his scheme backfires when his dancing fails to impress.
Chapter 53
A Sea of Troubles
Mr. Meggs, a chronic dyspeptic and retired clerk, decides to commit suicide due to his unbearable indigestion. He methodically prepares six letters with banknotes for old friends, then attempts to retrieve them from his secretary Miss Pillenger after she takes them to post. A chaotic chase ensues, but the exertion inadvertently cures his indigestion, leading him to embrace exercise and a new lease on life.
Chapter 54
Mister Potter Takes a Rest Cure
Mr. John Hamilton Potter, a publisher recovering from a nervous breakdown, is staying at Skeldings Hall. He bonds with Bobbie Wickham over their mutual dislike of Clifford Gandle, a pompous politician whom Lady Wickham wants Bobbie to marry. After Gandle ducks Mr. Potter in the moat and later enters his room at night, Mr. Potter decides to leave. At breakfast, Mr. Potter discusses suicide and takes a white pellet, horrifying Gandle.
Chapter 55
Lord Emsworth Acts for the Best
Lord Emsworth faces a domestic crisis at Blandings Castle as his butler, Beach, threatens to resign over the earl's new beard. Meanwhile, in London, Lord Emsworth meets his son Freddie, who reveals that his wife Aggie has left him due to a misunderstanding involving a movie scenario. The situation escalates when Lord Emsworth visits Aggie's apartment, is mistaken for a crook, and is confronted by her friend Jane Yorke, who pulls his beard to test its authenticity. The chapter ends with the arrival of another man claiming to be Lord Emsworth.
