An old friend's offer of a resident magistrate position in a more civilized location tempts Yeates.

The Major's sister, Babs, looks after him in Philippa's absence. Cousin Andrew also arrives to help and begins to fix everything in sight, including a crumbling chimney and a mysterious well. Cold water and strange spirits are unleashed as Andrew's enthusiasm goes a bit too far.

A stern official from Dublin Castle observes Yeates' court conduct; Yeates finds Sally's horse hidden in the loft.

Trouble threatens when Flurry and Sally find out that Mrs. Knox wants to rent out their current home, Aussolas Castle, receiving a telegram from her informing them of the imminent arrival of a potential tenant from England.

Christmas Eve ends with the Yeates having an unfortunate carriage accident. An injured victim turns out to be Oweneen the Sprat, one of the villainous mountainy men who live in the hills. The Major's household is stricken with fear.

Major Sinclair Yeates, an Englishman, arrives in a rural area of Victorian Ireland. He has married his colonel's daughter and has decided to take up a new career as a Resident Magistrate. Major Yeates quickly meets the hard-riding Knox clan, including Great Uncle McCarthy and young Flurry Knox, his landlord.

Continuing the story of Major Sinclair Yeates's experiences in Ireland. He has to deal with a remarkable dispute about a young horse. Meanwhile, the Major's wife, Phillipa, arrives from England.

Yeates and his cousin Basil fear their careers are ruined when they are caught in a police raid at the Brickleys.

A local publican neatly sidesteps Yeates' objections to beer sales at the annual St Peter and St Paul's Day Games.

On the eve of the annual local regatta, family rivalries are aggravated when the Callaghans inform the police that the Foleys are planning a salmon poaching trip.