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A temporary delay in production of synthetic rubber was due to a small fire in the feed room. Today, Abner tells Ezra Seastrunk all about it on the telephone. Lum is worried that Abner might have given away too much about their secret rubber company. He also has to do some explaining as to why he’s in Lum’s private, presidential office. He couldn’t help it, since Lum put up the cubical dividers around the telephone.
“Sassafras and prittle prattle!” Grandpap can’t understand why he has to be subject to Lum’s new red tape about getting in to see him. Not to mention keeping the rubber formula a secret. Lum tells about his being in contact with government officials about the rubber.
Taking a phone order, Abner tries to tell Sister Simpson about the shortages, and trouble keeping shelves stocked. Tired of talking to her, he just lets the phone receiver hang off the hook to let her ramble. Lum and Abner talk about their production measures, and how many batches they expect to have ready. How much has Sister Simpson overheard? Is Lum’s advice for grandpap to destroy the formula so only he knows it a wise move?
