Sam Bagshott had been at Blandings Castle only a short while, but long enough to know that anyone enjoying its hospitality must get the occasional shock. He was prepared for bad news in any form, but not the one in which it actually came. Sam Bagshott has been at Blandings Castle only a short while, but long enough to know that anyone enjoying its hospitality must get the occasional shock. Sam braces himself as the possibilities flit through his mind. The house is on fire? Empress of Blandings has taken to the bottle again? Constable Evans has arrived with a search warrant? He is prepared for bad news in any form. In any form, that is to say, except the one in which it comes. And as always, it's up to the intrepid Galahad Threepwood to make sure all comes right in the end.