Ukridge Stories · Chapter
The Level Business Head explained
Ukridge recounts to Corky how he pawned his Aunt Julia's brooch to buy a half-share in a dog that was supposed to win the Waterloo Cup, only for the dog to die.
What happens
Ukridge recounts to Corky how he pawned his Aunt Julia's brooch to buy a half-share in a dog that was supposed to win the Waterloo Cup, only for the dog to die. He then cleverly sells the dead dog back to Joe the Lawyer and later recovers the brooch, leading to a surprising reconciliation with his aunt.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Falling action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
Ukridge’s sudden, uncharacteristic sentimentality and his confession that he might have been a wealthy, respec…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Get-Rich-Quick Schemes
Ukridge's plan to profit from a dog that is supposed to win the Waterloo Cup exemplifies his get-rich-quick mentality.
- Deception and Manipulation
Ukridge manipulates Joe the Lawyer by selling him a dead dog and then charging to remove it from the car.
Characters to notice
- Stanley Featherstonehaugh Ukridge
Narrates the story of pawning his aunt's brooch and his dealings with Joe the Lawyer.
- Corky
The listener to Ukridge's story, dining at Aunt Julia's house.
- Joe the Lawyer
The bookmaker who sells Ukridge a half-share in a dog and later buys it back.
- Julia Ukridge
Ukridge's aunt, whose brooch is pawned and later recovered.
Key passages
“The one thing nobody can say of me, Corky, is that I lack the spacious outlook that wins to wealth.”
Ukridge claims he has a broad vision for making money.
Ukridge's self-assessment of his entrepreneurial spirit.
“I wish I had a shilling for every time I’ve failed to become a millionaire through lack of the necessary capital.”
Ukridge laments how often his schemes fail due to lack of funds.
Recurring theme of Ukridge's financial struggles.
“I could see no flaw in the scheme of things.”
Ukridge believed his plan was perfect.
Ukridge's overconfidence before the dog dies.
