Palmer waits for Nipper to return in Chapter 22 and by nightfall Nipper has not done so. How does Palmer react to the pigeon's disappearance? How does his mood change when Nipper returns? What important decision does Palmer make when Nipper returns?

Palmer is at first worried and becomes increasingly emotional about the bird's disappearance. He falls asleep despondent and asking where his pigeon could be. In the morning, Palmer wakes to Nipper's tapping on the window and is relieved and happy. Palmer decides to take Dorothy into his confidence and tells her he has a pigeon. The two renew their friendship.