Examining The Bones

Originally Aired: March 25, 1938

Lum #12, "Examining The Bones,"

Lum and Abner's excitement reaches new heights when a university professor arrives in Pine Ridge to examine the fossil they discovered in Abner's yard. While the partners have been charging admission for locals to view what they believed was a dinosaur at Lum's house, the professor delivers surprising news: this isn't a dinosaur at all, but something entirely unknown to science. As Abner discusses the discovery with Cedric Weehunt at the Jot 'Em Down store, explaining how the creatures lived millions of years ago and laid enormous eggs, Lum returns with electrifying information. The professor believes this could be the greatest discovery ever made on the continent, possibly even the missing link itself.

The partners are thrilled at the prospect of going down in history as famous archaeologists, with their pictures in books and statues erected in their honor. As the professor studies the mysterious bones with his reference materials, Lum and Abner dream of being called Professor Edwards and Professor Peabody, though Abner modestly notes he only made it through third grade.