The Story of Doctor Dolittle

Behind the door, Doctor Dolittle discovers a young boy, about eight years old, crying. The boy is initially afraid, thinking Doctor Dolittle might be one of the pirates. The doctor reassures the boy (whose name is Tommy Stubbins) that he is a friend, and Tommy explains that he and his uncle were out fishing when pirates captured them. His uncle was drowned, and the pirates locked Tommy in the ship’s small hold.

Doctor Dolittle comforts Tommy and takes him to meet the animals on the ship. The boy asks about the strange noises and the peculiar animals he sees, feeling safe enough with Doctor Dolittle and his unusual companions to express his curiosity.

Doctor Dolittle learns more about the boy’s uncle from the porpoises who inform him that the man’s boat, “The Saucy Sally,” has sunk, but Tommy’s uncle is likely still alive. Doctor Dolittle tells Tommy the hopeful news and the whole crew celebrates.

Doctor Dolittle and his animal companions attempt to locate Tommy’s missing uncle, utilizing the keen senses of various birds and animals to aid in the search. The birds, particularly the eagles, are sent out in different directions to scout for the man. Despite their efforts, they initially fail to find him, which leads to some frustration, but Jip the dog believes he can locate the man by his sense of smell. He explains how different smells lead to specific identifications and tries to demonstrate his ability by describing the unique scents he detects in the environment. However, Gub-Gub the pig doubts Jip’s abilities and expresses skepticism about finding a man just by the smell of Black Rappee snuff, which Tommy’s uncle favors.

Doctor Dolittle and his crew wake up to find the wind blowing from the south. Jip the dog tries unsuccessfully to sniff out Black Rappee snuff to locate Tommy’s uncle. The wind changes to the east, and still Jip cannot catch the scent. Jip reassures Tommy that they need to wait for the wind to change to the west.

Three days later, the wind changes to the west, and Jip finally catches the scent of snuff. Excitedly, he leads Doctor Dolittle and the crew to ready the ship and follow the smell. The ship sails quickly, aided by the swallows, but they find no land in sight. The crew grows anxious and miserable as hours pass without finding Tommy’s uncle.

Eventually, Jip spots a large rock ahead. Doctor Dolittle sails the ship near the rock, and Jip jumps out to search for the uncle. After sniffing around and running back and forth, Jip discovers a deep hole in the rock. Doctor Dolittle enters the tunnel, lights a match, and begins to explore the dark passage with Jip following closely.

Doctor Dolittle finds and rescues Tommy’s uncle trapped in the rock. The fisherman explains that the Barbary Dragon left him there because he refused to become a pirate. He feels overjoyed at being rescued and reunited with his nephew. The boy and the animals cheer and celebrate as they head back to the ship.

The fisherman directs the group to his home, where his sister—Tommy’s mother—rushes to meet them, overjoyed at their return. The family reunion is heartwarming, and the villagers celebrate their return with great excitement. The villagers, curious about the pirate ship and impressed by Doctor Dolittle’s bravery, host him and his animals for a few days. The Mayor of the town presents Doctor Dolittle with a diamond-studded watch, honoring him for ridding the seas of the Dragon of Barbary. Additionally, Jip the dog is honored with a collar that reads, “JIP—The Cleverest Dog in the World.”

Doctor Dolittle and his animals return to their homeland, but instead of going directly to Puddleby, they travel through the countryside, visiting fairs and displaying the pushmi-pullyu. The Doctor sits outside their wagon, greeting visitors and letting children in for free, much to Dab-Dab’s chagrin. Circus men and managers offer to buy the pushmi-pullyu, but Doctor Dolittle refuses, insisting the animal should never be caged.

Eventually, the Doctor tires of the entertainer's life, and they return to Puddleby, where they find everything in need of care and repair. The Doctor, with his newfound wealth from the pushmi-pullyu’s tour, addresses all the neglected tasks. Dab-Dab resumes her housekeeping, Jip shows off his golden collar to a collie, and Gub-Gub digs up horseradish in the garden. Doctor Dolittle buys new ships for the sailor, pays off his debt to the grocer, and purchases items to replace those lent for the journey to Africa. He reflects on the nuisance of money but appreciates the comfort it brings. The doctor and his animals enjoy the winter at home, while the monkeys in Africa wonder when he will return.