Adventures in Odyssey

Focus on the Family: Hi, this is Chris! Welcome to Adventures in Odyssey.

John Avery Whittaker: Oh, hi there. Welcome to Odyssey. I'm John Avery Whittaker, but most folks around here call me Whit. Why don't you get the whole family together and join us for another exciting adventure in Odyssey?

Henry: Are we almost there, Sam?

Sam Johnson: Just up ahead, Henry.

Henry: You're sure this place is secret?

Sam Johnson: I'm sure. Did you wrap them in a plastic bag like I told you?

Henry: Yes. Good grief, you'd think it was gold I hid instead of some comic books.

Sam Johnson: That's because these aren't just any comic books. I bought the exact same two at the store last week. Not the exact same two.

Henry: And just what makes your two so special?

Sam Johnson: Not what, who. As in who gave them to me. Maddie Stanson.

Henry: Maddie Stanson? The Maddie Stanson? Who's Maddie Stanson?

Sam Johnson: Left fielder for the Hawks. My dad and I went to a Hawks game last Saturday when we were in Chicago. And Maddie Stanson just walked up and handed you two comics?

Henry: Well, not exactly. I saw him reading them in the dugout during the game. After the janitor was just going to throw them out, I asked if I could have them.

Sam Johnson: Then these are actually comics the janitor gave you.

Henry: But Maddie Stanson read them. That's why they're valuable. Now where is this secret hiding place?

Sam Johnson: Right here. Stand right where I am standing. Okay, now look straight ahead.

Henry: Oh, cool. A cave.

Sam Johnson: Yep. Come on. I didn't see it until you were right on top of it. That's what makes it such a great hiding place. The comic books are over here behind this rock. Sam, they're not there.

Henry: But I put them right here yesterday afternoon.

Sam Johnson: Then where are they?

Henry: I don't know. Unless the secret hiding place isn't as secret as I thought it was. I knew it. I knew it. Somebody followed you up here and stole my comic books.

Sam Johnson: But only you knew that.

Rodney Rathbone: Don't confuse the issue. One of you is a thief. One of us? That's right. And when I find out which one, he's going to be breathing through his ears.

John Avery Whittaker: Now calm down, Rodney, and tell me what this is all about.

Rodney Rathbone: Around 20 minutes ago, I was taking some stuff to my dad's store. I stopped at the Wonder World treehouse and left my favorite pocketknife there. And when I went back to get it just now, it was gone.

John Avery Whittaker: Well, what were you doing with a pocketknife at Wonder World? Are you the ones that have been carving up the walls?

Rodney Rathbone: That's not important. The point is, somebody around here is a thief.

Henry: Well, it couldn't have been us because we've been here with Mr. Whittaker for the past hour. Yeah, but where were you yesterday afternoon, Rodney?

Rodney Rathbone: In Connelsville with my dad.

Henry: When did you get back?

Rodney Rathbone: Around midnight. Why?

Henry: Because two of my comics were stolen yesterday.

John Avery Whittaker: You don't know that.

Rodney Rathbone: And you thought I took them?

Henry: Well, you are Rodney.

John Avery Whittaker: All right, that's enough. Neither one of you has proof that anybody took anything.

Rodney Rathbone: Well, the stuff just didn't sprout legs and walk off.

John Avery Whittaker: If you really feel that way, then you know what to do. Report the losses to the police and let them handle it.

Rodney Rathbone: You think the police are going to take the time to look for someone who swiped a pocketknife and some comic books?

John Avery Whittaker: When their schedule permits.

Rodney Rathbone: When will that be? When we're in college? You really don't have all that many options, fellas. You guys can rely on the police if you want, but I think something drastic needs to be done.

Henry: Like what?

Rodney Rathbone: Meet me behind the bandshell in McAlister Park in 10 minutes and you'll find out.

Sam Johnson: That means trouble. Well, we should do something.

Henry: Yeah, but it's Rodney we're talking about. If he didn't have an alibi, he'd still be our number one suspect. Don't you at least want to hear what he has in mind?

Sam Johnson: Whatever it is, it can't be good. Like Mr. Whittaker says, hanging around with the bad crowd means trouble.

Henry: Yeah, well, he also said we don't have many options. Now are you coming? No. Suit yourself, then. See you around, detective Johnson.

Sam Johnson: Very funny. Detective? Hey, maybe there is another option.

Rodney Rathbone: Hey, Rodney, here he comes. Glad you made it, Henry. You know Rusty, don't you?

Henry: How you doing, Henry? Fine. Rodney, why are the Bones of Rath here?

Rodney Rathbone: To help us out.

Henry: With what?

Rodney Rathbone: With getting your comic books back. You want that, don't you?

Henry: Of course I do.

Rodney Rathbone: And you want to make sure they don't get stolen again?

Henry: Sure.

Rodney Rathbone: So do they. See, we've all had something swiped from us at one time or another. We felt just like you did when you found out your stuff was gone. The cops can't stop it, so we're taking matters into our own hands.

Henry: What are you going to do?

Rodney Rathbone: We're going to hunt down this thief and take care of him ourselves. What do you say, Henry? You in?

Henry: I don't know. I mean, no offense, but you guys are usually the first ones everybody suspects when something bad happens.

Rodney Rathbone: I knew it. See, Rodney? I told you all he would want to do is accuse us.

Henry: I'm not accusing you.

Rodney Rathbone: Then why did you say that? Look, we've done some bad things in the past, but now we're trying to do something right. We're trying to see that justice is served. I thought that's what you wanted, too.

Rodney Rathbone: I thought you wanted to really do something about this thief and not just talk about it. But I guess you like laying down and letting criminals take everything you have.

Henry: No, I don't.

Rodney Rathbone: Then stop accusing and help.

Henry: Okay, I'm in. What do we do?

Rodney Rathbone: Good man. Okay, first we look for clues at Wonder World. Then we fan out and start looking for anything suspicious. And we keep looking until we find it. Let's go!

Sam Johnson: Mr. Doyle? Hello? Anyone here? Mr. Doyle? Mr.

Harlo Doyle: Oh!

Sam Johnson: Mr. Doyle, are you all right?

Harlo Doyle: Yes, of course. That's a breakaway chair. It's supposed to do that.

Sam Johnson: Sorry if I woke you.

Harlo Doyle: Woke me? What made you think I was asleep?

Sam Johnson: That loud snoring sound?

Harlo Doyle: That wasn't snoring. It was an ancient meditation technique. Clears the mind. Helps me think better. Now then, I'm Harlo Doyle, private eye. Who are you?

Sam Johnson: You know me. I'm Sam Johnson.

Harlo Doyle: Wait, I better take this down. It might be pertinent information. Where's my pen?

Sam Johnson: Behind your ear.

Harlo Doyle: Ridiculous. What would my pen be doing right here? Now, let's start all over, shall we? I'm Harlo Doyle, private eye. Who are you and what do you do?

Sam Johnson: I'm Sam Johnson and I don't do anything. I'm a kid.

Harlo Doyle: Is that with an I or a Y?

Sam Johnson: Kid is spelled with an I.

Harlo Doyle: Oh, well, I was talking about Johnson. But since you brought it up. Now then, how long have you been a kid?

Sam Johnson: Almost 10 years.

Harlo Doyle: Ten years. You've been a kid longer than I've been a detective. Now, let's get down to it. What's your name?

Sam Johnson: Sam Johnson, and I'm here because.

Harlo Doyle: No, no, no. Don't tell me. Don't tell me. We private eyes have highly trained powers of deduction. I'll tell you why you're here. You want to talk to me.

Sam Johnson: Yeah, but what about?

Harlo Doyle: Well, how would I know that? I'm a detective, not a mind reader.

Sam Johnson: I'm here because some items are missing.

Harlo Doyle: Missing. Wow. Sounds like you need a detective. Want me to help you find one?

Sam Johnson: What about you?

Harlo Doyle: Well, okay, but I wouldn't advise it. Now, just what were these items?

Sam Johnson: Two comic books and a pocketknife. Yesterday afternoon, I put Henry's comic books in a secret hiding place, a cave. When we came back for them this morning, they were gone.

Harlo Doyle: And the pocketknife?

Sam Johnson: It's Rodney Rathbone's. He left it at Wonder World this morning, and when he came back to get it a little while later, it was gone, too. And from these alleged facts, I take it you believe the items were stolen?

Sam Johnson: That's what Rodney and Henry think, but that's not what Mr. Whittaker thinks. I don't know what to think. What do you think?

Harlo Doyle: Hold on. Let me think. A brilliant idea!

Sam Johnson: What?

Harlo Doyle: That's what we need. A brilliant idea. Maybe I should take you back to the secret hiding place so you can look around.

Harlo Doyle: I can't. If I did that, I'd know where it was and it wouldn't be a secret anymore.

Sam Johnson: But if someone took the comic books, then they already know where it is and it's not a secret anymore anyway.

Harlo Doyle: Good point. But just to be on the safe side, I'll close my eyes. You better lead.

Sam Johnson: Okay, this way.

Harlo Doyle: Ten years, huh? Tell me, what does a good kid make these days? Remember, I'm taller than you.

Rodney Rathbone: Hey, Rodney, look. Footprints. And they're leading away from the treehouse. Yeah! Everybody fan out and head off this way and keep it quiet. We want to take this guy by surprise.

Guest (Male): Okay. By the way, Butch is getting the stuff.

Rodney Rathbone: Good job, Rusty. Thanks.

Henry: Rodney? What now? What are we going to do with this guy once we find him?

Rodney Rathbone: Believe me, when we get through with him, he'll think hard and long before he ever takes anything else again.

Henry: Don't you think we should turn him over to the police?

Rodney Rathbone: Are you going to start on that again? All they'll do is give him a slap on the wrist. This guy has to be taught a lesson.

Henry: I know, but I'm just not sure we're the ones who should teach him. That's all. Rodney, look what I found. A comic book cover. Yeah, part of one. You recognize it?

Henry: I'm not sure. I think so, though. Why would he tear it up?

Rodney Rathbone: Because he's a jerk, Henry. Keep going, Rusty. Still worried about us teaching this guy a lesson?

Henry: No, not at all.

Focus on the Family: Focus on the Family and Adventures in Odyssey present the Imagination Station books, an exciting series for readers ages six and up. Through Whit's greatest invention, young readers will travel to the Colosseum in ancient Rome and a longboat in Greenland.

Guest (Male): I am Eric the Red, the Viking!

Focus on the Family: And there is so much more. When you visit theimaginationstation.com, you can find study guides and devotionals plus fun family activities. More information at theimaginationstation.com or 1-800-A-FAMILY.

Harlo Doyle: Okay, Mr. Doyle, we're here. This cave is really dark.

Sam Johnson: We're still outside. Your hat slipped down over your eyes.

Harlo Doyle: I was wondering why I couldn't blink.

Sam Johnson: I put the books behind this rock. Do you have a flashlight? Right here. Hey, there's something here I didn't notice before. Look.

Harlo Doyle: By George, you're right. It's dirt.

Sam Johnson: Not the dirt, this. It's part of the plastic sack I put around the comics.

Harlo Doyle: That can only mean one thing.

Sam Johnson: Someone definitely stole them?

Harlo Doyle: No, someone is definitely a litterbug. Say, how far back does this cave go anyway?

Sam Johnson: I don't know.

Harlo Doyle: Let's find out. You know, when I was a boy, my older brother used to tell me silly scary stories about being trapped in a cave, inching your way forward on your hands and knees through the damp, dark darkness, the walls full of slippery, slimy things, never sure if you'll come face to face with the creepy, crawly bug monster.

Sam Johnson: Sounds pretty silly, all right.

Harlo Doyle: Yeah. Here, you go first.

Sam Johnson: Why?

Harlo Doyle: Does a man have to have a reason for letting someone else go first? Okay, okay. Wait. I thought I heard something. You wouldn't be messing with old Harlo's head, would you?

Sam Johnson: I guess it was nothing. Hey! What? There's another piece of the plastic bag! And another one! Are you sure we should be going back this far?

Harlo Doyle: It might lead us to the books. Might also lead to something else.

Sam Johnson: Don't tell me you believe all that nonsense about a creepy, crawly. Bug monster! Let me out of here!

Rodney Rathbone: We got him! We got him!

Henry: You did? Did he see you?

Guest (Male): No, we jumped him from behind and blindfolded him. He's just over the ridge. Come on!

Rodney Rathbone: He was sitting in a clearing, big as you please, reading these comic books. Are they yours, Henry?

Henry: Not all of them, but a couple are the same editions.

Rodney Rathbone: Any sign of my knife?

Guest (Male): No, he must have hid it somewhere already.

Rodney Rathbone: We'll see about that. Who is it, Rusty?

Guest (Male): You'll never guess. Look.

Rodney Rathbone: Well, well, well. It's Charles Thompson. The little chunky's the culprit.

Charles Thompson: I know your voice, Rodney. You better let me go.

Rodney Rathbone: What'd you do with the knife, punk?

Charles Thompson: What knife?

Rodney Rathbone: You know what knife. The one you stole from Wonder World this morning.

Charles Thompson: I didn't steal any knife. I haven't been to Wonder World all week.

Rodney Rathbone: We followed your footprints. They led us right to you.

Charles Thompson: I tell you, I wasn't there.

Rodney Rathbone: Where were you yesterday afternoon?

Charles Thompson: I don't know. Lots of places.

Rodney Rathbone: Where'd you get these comic books?

Charles Thompson: I bought them at Finnerman's Grocery Store.

Rodney Rathbone: Forget the comic books. I'm going to give you one more chance. Tell me where my knife is and I'll let you go.

Charles Thompson: I don't know anything about a knife. You've got to believe me.

Rodney Rathbone: You all heard. I gave him a chance. I guess some people have to learn the hard way.

Henry: What are you going to do?

Rodney Rathbone: Well, in the old days, whenever someone was caught committing a crime, he'd be branded so everyone would know he was a criminal. We don't have a brand, so we're going to update things a little bit. Here you go.

Charles Thompson: What is it? What are you going to do to me?

Rodney Rathbone: We're going to do a nice little dye job on your hair. You're going to go from being blond to being a nice shade of blue.

Charles Thompson: Blue? What?

Rodney Rathbone: And whenever anyone asks you why you have blue hair, you can tell them it's because you're a thief.

Henry: No! Wait a minute. Maybe we shouldn't do this. I mean, we've got him. Let's take him to the police.

Rodney Rathbone: Are you still carping on that? I told you, they won't do nothing.

Henry: But this isn't right.

Rodney Rathbone: Look, I've had it with your bellyaching. Now, you've got three choices here. Either you stand back, help us, or join him. What's it going to be? Oh, stand back. That's better. Hold him down, boys!

Charles Thompson: No! No! Stop it!

Sam Johnson: There he is. Oh, hi, everybody. Henry, guess what? We know what happened to the comic books. Yep, we found them.

Henry: Found them?

Sam Johnson: Uh-huh, along with Rodney's pocketknife and a whole bunch of other stuff, too.

Henry: What? Where?

Harlo Doyle: Mr. Doyle and I went back to the secret cave. Now don't worry, I kept my eyes closed all the way up there. The secret is still safe. Anyway, we came across pieces of the plastic bag I wrapped the comics in. And when we looked a little further, we came across a creepy, crawly bug monster. Which in reality turned out to be a raccoon. It sure seemed like a creepy, crawly bug monster.

Harlo Doyle: A raccoon. They're notorious scavengers. It must have seen Rodney's pocketknife in Wonder World and thought it was a shiny new prize for its collection.

Henry: But why would it take the comic books?

Sam Johnson: Well, before I hid them, I read them. And while I did, I ate one of those big chocolate chip cookies. The crumbs got inside the books. That's why the raccoon dragged them off. He was after the crumbs. Sort of a comic book sandwich. I'm sorry, Henry. It was all my fault. Henry? Excuse me.

Sam Johnson: I didn't think he'd take it that hard.

John Avery Whittaker: Something tells me it's more than your story, Sam. He looked sick. I'd better see if he's all right.

Harlo Doyle: Well, I guess some people just can't take the gruesome details of crime investigation. Excuse me.

John Avery Whittaker: Henry, you okay?

Henry: I threw up.

John Avery Whittaker: Do you need to go home?

Henry: No. Mr. Whittaker, there's something I have to tell you. Something really, really bad.

John Avery Whittaker: I see. Then we'd better go up to my office. Oh, Henry.

Henry: Now you know why I threw up.

John Avery Whittaker: But how could you just have stood by and let it happen?

Henry: I don't know. I guess because Rodney threatened me and I was still angry about two comic books. Yeah, and deep down, I guess I thought he deserved it. I've got to make it up to him. How can I make this right, Mr. Whittaker?

John Avery Whittaker: Well, I don't know if there is a way, Henry, except by asking Charles to forgive you.

Henry: He'll never do that. I should have joined him.

John Avery Whittaker: Maybe you still can.

Henry: Huh?

John Avery Whittaker: Come on down to my workshop. How do I look?

Henry: Pull down your hat a little more. Good. Now, get behind me.

Henry: I'm scared.

John Avery Whittaker: You should be. Hi, Charles.

Charles Thompson: Hi, Mr. Whittaker.

John Avery Whittaker: I've brought someone to see you.

Henry: Hi, Charles.

Charles Thompson: You! I know your voice. You were at the clearing. Get away from me!

John Avery Whittaker: Now, hear him out, Charles.

Charles Thompson: I don't want to hear him out. I want him gone.

Henry: I just wanted to do two things. First, I know this doesn't make up for anything, but here are all the new comic books I could find. I'll get you some more as soon as they come in.

Charles Thompson: Oh, great. It'll give me something to do while my hair grows back to normal.

Henry: Charles, I'm really, really sorry. Please forgive me.

Charles Thompson: Well, what's the second thing you wanted to do? This. You painted your hair blue? But why?

Henry: Because I should have stood up for you. Look, I know this doesn't make up for anything either, but now when people ask you why your hair is blue, just tell them to find the other kid with blue hair and ask him, okay?

Charles Thompson: It's not the same shade.

Henry: It was all Mr. Whittaker had in his workshop. Can you forgive me?

Charles Thompson: Yeah, I guess so.

John Avery Whittaker: You know, you two might just start a trend.

Henry: You mean of people painting their hair blue?

John Avery Whittaker: Actually, I was thinking more of responsibility and forgiveness.

Focus on the Family: Proverbs 22:24-25 say, keep away from angry, short-tempered men, lest you learn to be like them and endanger your soul. I'm pretty sure Henry will think twice before he ever tries to take the law into his own hands again. That's why we should always go to the proper authorities when it comes to accusing or punishing anyone.

Focus on the Family: Well, that's all for this time. If you ever want to write to me here in Odyssey, our address is Odyssey, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80995. Or in Canada, write to Box 9800, Vancouver, BC, V6B 4G3. And when you do, don't forget to ask how you can get a copy of today's broadcast called The Bad Hair Day.

Focus on the Family: That address once again is Odyssey, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80995. Adventures in Odyssey is a presentation of Focus on the Family. The Bad Hair Day was written and directed by Phil Lollar. Our production engineer was Bob Luttrell and our executive producer, Chuck Bolte. And I'm Chris, hoping you'll join us again next time for more adventures in Odyssey.