Lum Decides to Admit the Whole Thing

Originally Aired: September 10, 1935 In Lum & Abner #192, "Lum Decides to Admit the Whole Thing," Lum's elaborate scheme to become a hero has completely backfired. What began as a plan to stage Abner's kidnapping and then "rescue" him has spiraled into a dangerous situation. The citizens of Pine Ridge are so enraged about the supposed crime that they've pooled together a hundred dollar reward and are threatening to hang the kidnappers when caught. A detective hired by Lum's wife Elizabeth claims to have enough evidence to name the culprit by nightfall, and Lum is terrified the investigation will lead straight to him. As a nervous wreck, Lum returns home to find Abner, his willing "captive," growing tired of hiding out. Lum describes the angry mob of fifty men at the barber shop planning the kidnappers' fate, and the very real possibility of bloodhounds being brought in to track them down. Caught between facing the wrath of the entire town or being exposed by the detective's investigation, Lum considers the unthinkable: calling everyone on the party line and confessing the whole embarrassing truth.