Counting Sheep

Originally Aired: June 22, 1938 In Lum #50, "Counting Sheep," Lum has sold his interest in the store to Squire Skimp and is preparing for a disastrous European trip - having spent all his money on what turns out to be a bicycle tour of the continent. Meanwhile, back at the Jot 'Em Down Store, Abner is minding the business with his brother-in-law Grandpappy Spears, better known as Jake. When Squire leaves for the county seat, Abner discovers that Jake hasn't been organizing the feed room as instructed but has been spending his time thinking up another one of his infamous inventions. Jake reveals his latest scheme: a device to help insomniacs by using the store's old silent movie camera. Since people have trouble visualizing sheep when trying to fall asleep, Jake believes he can film actual sheep for them to count. Despite Abner's skepticism about Jake's past failed inventions - including a disastrous windmill-powered sorghum press - Jake insists this idea will make them both rich without requiring any investment. As Jake begins to explain his plan in detail, the ever-scheming Lum approaches, forcing the conspirators to keep their conversation secret.