One more day has rolled around with no more news about Abner's missing wife and daughter. The old fellows have checked the railroad and bus stations at the county seat. They've consulted the police, in fact, they've followed every clue they've been able to dig up - but nowhere have they been able to find any information about Elizabeth and little Pearl. As we look in on the little community today, we find Abner in the store. Lum is just entering.