Bertie recounts how this happened. Though he normally drinks in moderation, Bertie lets himself go on Boat Race night; while celebrating, he saw his friend Oliver "Sippy" Sipperley. Sippy is an author, but relies on an allowance from his Aunt Vera. He was dejected because he has to spend three weeks with his aunt's unpleasant friends, the Pringle family. To improve his morale, Bertie suggested Sippy steal a policeman's helmet. Sippy took this advice, and consequently, both Sippy and Bertie were arrested. Guilt-ridden, Bertie visits Sippy in prison. Sippy is worried because he will not be able to visit the Pringles. Bertie returns home and poses this problem to Jeeves. Later, Jeeves suggests that Bertie visit the Pringles, pretending to be Sippy. Bertie is reluctant, but goes after Jeeves tells him that his Aunt Agatha wants to confront Bertie about his arrest.
