CHAPTER V. The Stowaway

The Place, home to three collies—Lad, Lady, and their son, Wolf—faces a tumultuous period when Lady is taken to a veterinary hospital due to distemper. In her absence, Lad dedicates himself to disciplining their unruly son, Wolf, an endeavor that sees success by the time Lady returns home. However, Lady’s illness causes a shift in relationships, with Lady and Wolf forming a close bond, excluding Lad. Seeking to regain affection, Lad attempts to engage with them, but finds himself sidelined, leading him to seek solace with the Master and Mistress but still feeling out of place.

When the Master and Mistress plan a trip to the Catskills, Lad, feeling neglected, stows away in their car, unbeknownst to them. His presence is only discovered after he thwarts a theft attempt, causing a scene that eventually leads to him being accepted on the trip. However, upon reaching their destination, Lad’s unauthorized presence prompts a stay at a local kennel, from which he escapes to rejoin his family.

Lad’s explorations in the new environment get him mistakenly accused of destroying a study room belonging to Rutherford Garretse, a noted author and collector. The truth unfolds when a monkey, the actual perpetrator and a hidden pet of Mrs. McMurdle violating a no-pets ordinance, re-enters the scene. Misunderstandings clear, Lad is exonerated, and the episode ends with his joyful return to The Place, reaffirming his valued place in the family despite the upheavals.

This chapter, blending mischief with moments of tension, showcases Lad’s loyalty and intelligence, juxtaposed against human and animal dynamics within a community. The narrative, rich with emotional undertones and humorous incidents, highlights the challenges and bonds within the family of collies and their interaction with the wider world.