Rodney is initially reluctant to exercise his influence in fear of appearing to exploit his position so soon for self-interest. That night, Grandad gives Rodney a dented silver cigarette case and tells him and Del that it was carried by his (Grandad's) grandfather in the Boer War, and explains he carried it in his breast pocket, which prevented him from being shot in the heart by a rifle-wielding Zulu. Unfortunately it did not save his life, instead causing the bullet to ricochet up his nose and blow his brains out. Following a brief conversation, an emotional Rodney decides to phone the council and arrange the move.