Raising Money for Trip

Originally Aired: June 10, 1938

Lum #45, "Raising Money for Trip,"

Lum faces a tantalizing opportunity but a significant obstacle. After receiving letters from New York attorneys claiming he may be heir to a fortune left by Samuel Edwards in England, Lum needs to raise five hundred dollars for a retainer fee to pursue his inheritance. Convinced he's a "full-blooded Englishman" and rightful heir, Lum desperately searches for ways to raise the money. He proposes selling the Jot 'em Down Store to his partner Abner, arguing they can rely on their matrimonial bureau business instead. Abner firmly resists, pointing out the store is his only guaranteed way of making a living and reminding Lum that their third partner, Squire Skimp, hasn't done any work yet takes a third of the profits.

When Squire Skimp arrives at the store, Lum sees a potential solution and eagerly greets him with talk of a business proposition that could double his money. Despite Abner's warnings about getting entangled in financial dealings with the shrewd Squire, Lum begins explaining his inheritance situation, setting up what promises to be a risky negotiation.