Deception and Manipulation

Where it surfaces

• Ukridge's Dog College

  Ukridge has stolen his aunt's Pekingese dogs and is training them without her knowledge, leading to a confrontation when Tupper inadvertently reveals the scheme.

• Ukridge's Accident Syndicate

  Ukridge attempts to manipulate Teddy Weeks into having an accident, using guilt and pressure to achieve his ends.

• The Début of Battling Billson

  Ukridge manipulates Billson by faking a letter from his fiancée to provoke jealousy and motivation for the fight.

• The Return of Battling Billson

  Ukridge manipulates the narrator into a difficult task by claiming a sprained ankle and downplaying the ordeal, revealing his scheming nature.

• Ukridge Sees Her Through

  Ukridge borrows money from the narrator while claiming to have access to large sums.

• No Wedding Bells for Him

  Ukridge plans to deceive Mabel Price by pretending to have a fatal illness, inspired by a novelette plot, to avoid marriage.

• The Long Arm of Looney Coote

  Ukridge's involvement with Isaac O'Brien's bookmaking business is kept secret to preserve his social standing, and the misunderstanding about the car nearly leads to a police investigation.

• The Exit of Battling Billson

  Ukridge plans to fight under Billson's name with a fixed outcome, deceiving the audience and manipulating the fight's result.

• Ukridge Rounds a Nasty Corner

  Ukridge's scheme to prevent Lady Lakenheath from attending the dinner by causing the parrot's illness, as well as the earlier theft of the parrot, highlight the theme of deception.

• A Bit of Luck for Mabel

  Ukridge attempts to negotiate with Mrs. Beale using financial rhetoric and promises of future payment, revealing his manipulative approach to debt.

• Buttercup Day

  The fraudulent Buttercup Day scheme, where a girl collects money under false pretenses, and Ukridge's attempts to evade creditors and his aunt.

• The Level Business Head

  Ukridge manipulates Joe the Lawyer by selling him a dead dog and then charging to remove it from the car.

• Ukridge and the Old Stepper

  Ukridge's elaborate scheme to impress Sir Edward involves stealing and lying about an uncle, showcasing his manipulative tactics.