Prince Igor Smith has escaped from his field and is on top of the muck heap again, enjoying the fresh air and giving full rein to his thoughts. He is putting a brave face on things, as his best human friend, Susanna, has just gone off to university, and he can't help feeling that, with all his academic prowess, he should have gone too. Just for the moment, however, the best he can do is prepare a present for Susanna, who will be coming home to spend Christmas with him, and what could be better than another of his masterful written works? Of course, no one really knows what goes on in Prince Igor Smith's mind, but the starting point for the tales in this book always has its basis firmly rooted in reality. Moreover, as he himself is quick to mention, he has given endless pleasure to his owners, Jane and Susanna, over the last ten years. So here's wishing everyone a very happy Christmas!