Today is the big day when Lum and Abner plan to take off in their rocket ship on their fabulous trip to Mars. They have given up hope of receiving financial aid from Professor Sloane's wealthy friend in Little Rock and are depending on the money they expect to make as a result of the expedition to pay all of the bills. Meanwhile, Squire Skimp is speeding toward Pine Ridge with a certain Mr Cory who he met in the depot at Little Rock. As we look in on the little community today, we find the crowd gathering around the rocket ship, and Lum looking for Abner.