Ozzie and Harriet 46-12-08 (97) Ricky's Third Prize in School

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Ozzie and Harriet 46-12-08 (97) Ricky's Third Prize in School

Main Theme & Purpose

This charming episode brings listeners into the daily life of America’s quintessential 1940s family, the Nelsons. Centering humorously—and tenderly—on young Ricky winning third prize in a school aptitude test, the story evolves to touch on themes of sibling rivalry, parental expectations, and children's self-esteem. Through misunderstandings and heartwarming revelations, the episode playfully exposes how well-meaning parents sometimes overlook the individual feelings of their children, and the importance of support, understanding, and love within the family.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Morning Antics in the Nelson Household

• The day begins with Harriet orchestrating the boys' morning routine, highlighting each child’s quirks and eagerness (00:45–02:15).
• Light banter about personal cleanliness and gentle teasing sets the familial tone.

2. Parental Praise and Sibling Sensitivities

• Ozzie worries that they may have praised Ricky too much for his good appearance, potentially neglecting David’s feelings (02:24–02:54).
• Harriet assures Ozzie, but both agree on the importance of fairness (02:54–03:17).

3. Ricky’s Achievement—And the Family’s Response

• Neighbor Thorny reveals Ricky won third prize in a school aptitude contest for his creative drawing of a bridge—news which surprises Ozzie and Harriet (03:25–04:23).
• Discussion ensues about not taking such tests too seriously and celebrating each child's talents (04:23–05:16).

4. Family Gatherings and The Drawing Reveal

• Over cookies and conversation, the family finally sees Ricky’s bridge drawing. Ricky humorously reveals he wrapped his gumdrops in it and the "perfect circle" is from a gumdrop, not engineering prowess (06:00–08:07).
• Speculation arises: will Ricky be an engineer, or perhaps, an artist? (08:12–08:44).

5. Sibling Rivalry: David’s Unspoken Hurt

• Harriet and Ozzie realize they haven’t inquired about David’s project, worrying they've overlooked him due to Ricky's celebrated achievement (10:20–10:43).
• David is later overheard by his parents, revealing plans to “run away,” feeling neglected and misunderstood (11:20–12:27).

6. Parenting Advice and Child Psychology

• Neighbor Emmy Lou provides astute advice: “To me this looks like an obvious case of a child's ego hurt by neglect and the belief that his parents are disappointed in him. Very typical.” (14:15–14:27).
• The Nelsons resolve to restore David’s self-esteem by giving him special attention (14:43–15:01).

7. Restoring Confidence and Family Bonds

• The parents praise David for his intellect (Tommy Tip Top books), dote on him, and conspire to keep him happily engaged until bedtime (16:03–17:48).
• Ozzie attempts to soothe David by reading a story with an implicit moral about running away (Huckleberry Finn, 18:16–20:29).

8. Resolution—The Prize Swap Reveal

• After confusion and concern, the truth emerges: David actually won first prize with his "abstract" painting, but was reluctant to show it, fearing parental expectations to become an artist (22:06–23:17).
• David’s confession: “I don’t want to be an artist. I want to be an aviator.” (23:17)
• Ozzie reassures: “David, you don’t have to be anything you don’t want to be.” (23:22)

9. A Family Celebration

• The episode ends with a family ice cream party, laughter, and gentle ribbing about accidental prizes and flavor preferences (24:03–25:15).
• Ricky’s comic explanation: “Well, they gave different prizes to the boys and girls. Yes, there's only four boys in my class and one of them was absent.” (25:02–25:15)

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Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• On Parental Balance:

  “We made such a fuss over him, we might have hurt David’s feelings.”
  – Ozzie (02:28)

• Sibling Humor:

  “I even washed my ears.”
  “Oh yeah. He left the soap in them to prove it.”
  – Ricky and Ozzie (02:01–02:09)

• Unexpected Artistic Process:

  “First I drew a fish swimming across a river. But it didn’t look so good, so I made the fish longer so it looked like a bridge.”
  – Ricky (06:57)

• Ricky’s Creative Solution:

  “That’s where the gumdrop was.”
  – Ricky, explaining the circle in his drawing (08:07)

• Gloria the Housekeeper’s Vision:

  “Ricky will probably grow up to be an artist. He’ll live in a studio and smoke a pipe and wear a beret…and have wild parties every night.”
  – Gloria (09:00–09:13)

• Child Psychology Wisdom:

  “To me this looks like an obvious case of a child's ego hurt by neglect and the belief that his parents are disappointed in him. Very typical.”
  – Emmy Lou (14:15–14:27)

• David’s Honest Hesitation:

  “I didn’t try very hard. I just smeared up the paper with watercolors and the teacher said it was abstract and gave me first prize.”
  “I don’t want to be an artist. I want to be an aviator.”
  – David (22:47–23:17)

• Final Family Wisdom:

  “David, you don’t have to be anything you don’t want to be.”
  – Ozzie (23:22)

• Sibling Wit:

  "Nothing to worry about, Ricky. Just the stage they go through."
  – David, gently mocking the perplexed adults (24:27–24:29)

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Important Timestamps

• 00:45–02:15: The Nelsons’ morning routine
• 03:25–04:23: Thorny reveals Ricky’s school win
• 06:00–08:07: Ricky’s drawing is (literally) unwrapped
• 10:20–10:43: Parents realize David was overlooked
• 11:20–12:27: David’s plans to “run away” detected
• 14:15–14:27: Emmy Lou’s child psychology advice
• 18:16–20:29: Ozzie reads Huckleberry Finn to David
• 22:47–23:25: David’s first prize and career wishes revealed
• 24:03–25:15: Post-reconciliation family celebration

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Tone and Style

The dialogue is peppered with wholesome wit, gentle teasing, and moments of heartfelt reassurance. The episode balances nostalgia, sincere family affection, and timeless observations about childhood and parenting, all delivered with the familiar warmth and gentle humor iconic to Ozzie and Harriet.

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Summary:
Episode "Ricky's Third Prize in School" captures the everyday tribulations and triumphs of family life. It reminds listeners that every child is unique, and that love, reassurance, and a little laughter can see families through most challenges—even those involving crumpled drawings and runaway plans.

Transcript

[A]

What do you think makes the perfect snack?

[B]

Hmm, it's gotta be when I'm really craving it and it's convenient.

[A]

Could you be more specific?

[B]

When it's cravenient.

[C]

Okay.

[B]

Like a freshly baked cookie made with real butter, available right down the street at a.m. p.m. Or a savory breakfast sandwich I can grab in just a.

[A]

Second at a.m. p. M. I'm seeing a pattern here.

[B]

Well, yeah, we're talking about what I.

[A]

Crave, which is anything from AM PM.

[B]

What more could you want? Stop by AM PM where the snacks and drinks are perfectly craveable and convenient. That's cravenience. AM PM Too much Good stuff.

[D]

The Adventures of Ozzy and Harriet. Presenting America's favorite young couple, Ozzie Nelson and Harriet Hilliard. And now, let's see what's going on in the Nelson family.

[E]

All right, boys, everybody up. David, Vicki, Ozzy.

[F]

It's no wonder mothers get weary. After getting them up, getting them dressed, Harriet gets her little family started on the daily routine.

[E]

Hurry up, gang. It's time you were leaving. Okay, mom, here I go.

[F]

That was 10 year old David sliding down the banister.

[E]

Ricky, I'll bet you can't do that. Yes, I can.

[F]

Followed by Secure old Ricky.

[E]

I did Pop Tarts.

[F]

Oh no. Well, Harriet.

[E]

By golly, she did it. The side saddle too. You all ready for school, fellas? Yes, Mother. You have your homework, David, and your milk money? Yes, ma'.

[F]

Am.

[E]

I'm all ready too, Mother.

[F]

Let's see.

[E]

Well, surprise, surprise, your face is clean. I tried soap this morning.

[F]

Picked a fine time to start. Now that's getting scared.

[E]

Oh, see how nice he looks, Daddy? Hair combed and everything. I even washed my ears.

[F]

You sure? Let's see. Oh yeah. He left the soap in him to prove it.

[E]

Mother's very proud of you, Ricky. You're getting to be a fine big fella.

[F]

You guys better get started for school, hadn't you?

[E]

Okay, Pop. Come on, my fine big fellow. Bye, Mom. Go on, pumpkin. Oh, there they go.

[F]

Say, Harriet.

[E]

Yes?

[F]

Don't you think maybe we were praising Ricky a little too much about his appearance?

[E]

What makes you say that, dear?

[F]

Well, it just occurred to me. We made such a fuss over him, we might have hurt David's feelings.

[E]

Oh, I don't think so. Although I'll grant you, it is something we should be careful about.

[F]

David's such a good little guy. I'd hate to have him feel neglected.

[E]

Oh, now, Ozzie, I'm sure it wasn't as bad as all that.

[F]

Well, nevertheless, a 10 year old boy can be pretty sensitive, you know. Well, I think I'll be home a little early today, dear.

[E]

Oh, that's good. You better take your coat. It's pretty silly.

[F]

I will.

[E]

And, Ozzy.

[F]

Yeah?

[E]

A.J. your sensor. You look very nice.

[F]

Oh, thank you. Hi. Oh, hello, Thorny. Home a little early today, aren't you?

[E]

Yeah.

[G]

Well, I thought as long as it's out, I'd clean up this lawn a little. Rake up some of these leaves.

[F]

Well, I won't get too mad if you make a little mistake. And clean up my side of the lawn, too.

[G]

Oh, I can't. That's where I'm throwing all the rubbish. Say, you know, that little Ricky of yours is all right.

[F]

What do you mean?

[G]

Don't tell me he hasn't told you. Julie came home yesterday all excited about it.

[F]

What happened?

[G]

Well, you know they had one of those creative aptitude tests at the school yesterday.

[F]

Yeah.

[G]

Ricky drew a bridge for his project and won a Silver Star for third.

[F]

Prize in his class. How about that? He never even told us about it.

[G]

Pretty smart kid, that Ricky.

[F]

You know, he really is Thorny. Of course, I know every parent thinks his children are smart. But did I ever tell you what Ricky once said to the milkman? The milkman was shot.

[G]

Yes, you did.

[F]

Oh, well, there's another story about. Oh, he was about four years old, I think, and he saw David leaving for school.

[G]

He told me that one, too.

[F]

Did I tell you about when he was 2 years old and he saw a dog for the first time? No.

[G]

Oh, well, this dog, Harriet did.

[F]

Well, I'll be seeing you.

[G]

Give Ricky my congratulations.

[F]

I will. Say, you know, I've heard about these aptitude tests before. They're very accurate. Supposed to prove beyond a doubt. How did your little daughter Julie come out?

[G]

Oh, she told me, but I forgot.

[F]

Well, anyway, she's pretty and I wouldn't take these tests too seriously.

[G]

Oh, as a matter of fact, Julie's.

[F]

Pretty good at school.

[G]

She'll manage all right. Anyway, my mother always used to say that a girl should be pretty and a boy should be smart.

[F]

I guess that's right. And Ricky is smart. You see that wagon he built practically by himself? Yeah.

[G]

He pulls Julie around in it every day. Yeah, I guess she'll manage all right.

[F]

As long as he's smart and she's pretty. I guess it comes out even.

[G]

Imagine that, Julie getting Ricky to pull her around all day in his wagon.

[E]

She's only five years old.

[F]

I don't know where she learned such things. Oh, by the way, did your Boy will take the aptitude test? Yes.

[G]

As a matter of fact, that's how I happened to go over to the school today. The. The principal called me up. It seems that Will has developed quite an aptitude for penmanship.

[F]

Oh.

[G]

As they got to checking the handwriting on the tests and discovered who had written the Kilroy was here. Signs on the basement wall. I'll see you later, Og.

[F]

Why are you all in here? Hello, dear.

[E]

Hello, dear. Boys are just gonn you care for Tom.

[F]

As soon as I get my coat off. Well, congratulations, Ricky.

[E]

Congratulations. What'd you do, Harriet?

[F]

I'm proud to announce that our son, Eric Nelson, age 6, won third prize in his class in an aptitude test at school.

[E]

Ricky, why didn't you tell me? That's wonderful.

[F]

It is? Mr. Thornberry says it was for a bridge you drew. Did you bring it home with you?

[E]

Yeah, but I can't show it to you. Why not? I got my gum drops wrapped up in it. Ricky Nelson, I want that drawing. I'm gonna show it to Grandma. The Thornberrys, the Johnsons. And then I'm gonna put it in my scrapbook. Oh, Ma.

[F]

Now, Ricky, your mother's proud of you. Don't be so modest. Take the drawing out of your pocket and show it to us.

[E]

Mother. Ricky, you got it all crumpled.

[F]

Here.

[E]

Let me straighten it out. Mom, you're losing my gum block. Ollie, look at this. Ozzy.

[F]

Hey, that's pretty darn good.

[E]

I can't believe he did this all by himself.

[F]

I never knew you could draw this well, Ricky.

[E]

Mom? Yes, David? Can I have my milk so I can go out and play? Certainly, dear.

[F]

Help yourself. You know, Harriet, this bridge shows a real mechanical aptitude. Ricky, how did you happen to draw a bridge?

[E]

Well, first I drew a fish swimming across a river. But it didn't look so good, so I made the fish longer so it looked like a bridge. Mom. Maybe Ricky will be an engineer when he grows up and build real bridges. Mom? Yes, David? I can't find the cookies. Oh, ask Gloria to give them to you, dear. Ricky, what are these things? That's where the bridge raises up to let the boats go by. And when an airplane wants to get by, it folds down like this.

[F]

Yeah. Hey, that's pretty darn clever. You know, Harriet, we're liable to have an engineer in the family.

[E]

Wouldn't that be wonderful?

[F]

In fact, we're going to start encouraging this talent right away. That's what those tests are for, you know.

[E]

Oh, of course.

[F]

Begin putting the emphasis on mathematics, physics and Science. Remind me tonight to get him a subscription to Popular Mechanics. And I think maybe Santa Claus ought to bring him one of those erector building sets this Christmas.

[E]

Yes, dear, but that's one of the things you wanted this year.

[F]

Oh, well, of course. Ha, ha, to consider. Harriet, look at this design here. Do you realize that's almost a perfect circle?

[E]

Isn't that clever? What is it?

[F]

Well, it's. Idiot. It can't be the support. Ricky, what is this circle here?

[E]

That's where the gum drop was.

[F]

Oh.

[E]

Ozzy, I ought to frame this picture. Then someday when Ricky's a famous engineer will show us. Yes, David, I can't find Gloria. Oh, maybe she's in the living room. Gloria. Oh, Gloria.

[C]

Then you call me Mrs. Nelson.

[E]

Find where you hid the cookies. Oh, I'll get them.

[C]

I know what d. Oh, it's a.

[F]

Drawing ricky made, Gloria. 1 3rd prize in his class at school.

[C]

Really? Oh, it's certainly is a wonderful job.

[E]

Isn't it so?

[C]

Oh, yes, I think the expression around the mouth is perfect.

[F]

Gloria, it's a bridge.

[G]

Turn around.

[F]

See, that's the river running right underneath that.

[E]

Isn't that good?

[F]

Yes, it is.

[C]

Ricky will probably grow up to be an artist. He'll live in a studio and smoke a pipe and wear a beret and run around a lot and have wild parties every night.

[E]

What's the matter, Gloria? I knew him when he was a little boy and he was so sweet. Well, he doesn't have to be that kind of an artist. All artists aren't alike.

[C]

Well, that's right.

[F]

Anyway, it isn't the drawing itself that's important, Gloria, but rather the thought behind it which suggests a talent for engineering.

[E]

Yep. Looks like Ricky's gonna be an engineer when he grows up.

[C]

Oh, that doesn't always follow, Mrs. Nelson. Fifteen years ago, when my little nephew was only four years old, he once took his father's watch apart.

[E]

My goodness.

[C]

He took every single part out and laid it in a neat circle. And when his father came home, he wasn't angry because he felt that this showed his son was going to be a watchmaker. So he promised the boy a dollar if he'd put it together again. Imagine a four year old boy putting a watch together.

[E]

And did he turn out to be a watchmaker?

[C]

We don't know yet. He's still trying to put his father's. Well, I'll go get the cookies.

[E]

Did the whole school take these tests, Ricky? Sure. David's class had watercolor painting. David, how did you. Where is David?

[F]

Oh, he must have left while we were talking.

[E]

Well, Ozzie, he didn't wait for the cookies. That's not like David. Do you think? Oh, goodness. Here we were praising Ricky to the skies and we never even asked David about his drawing.

[F]

The poor kid probably got a low mark and was too embarrassed to show it to us.

[E]

Well, of course, we may be just imagining things.

[F]

As a matter of fact, he's probably out in the kitchen filling up on cookies.

[E]

Take it easy, dear. We both can't get through the door at once. We thought David might be here in the kitchen. Has he been in here, Gloria?

[C]

He just left.

[F]

Oh, that's good.

[C]

Yeah, he just asked me to make him a box lunch for tomorrow and then he left.

[F]

A box lunch?

[E]

That's funny. David always comes home for lunch.

[C]

Well, that's what I said, but he said he wasn't going to go to school tomorrow.

[E]

Ozzy, you don't suppose.

[F]

Well, holy smokes. I don't know. What makes you so sure that David's up here in his room?

[E]

Harriet, I'm not. He's in there talking to Ricky. Let's go in a little closer, Harriet.

[F]

You mean you're going to eavesdrop?

[E]

If anything's wrong with my son, I want to know about it. I certainly don't see any harm.

[C]

And.

[F]

Shh. I can't hear them.

[E]

Why will I have to go by myself? I told you why I won't be going. Did you tell mom and Pop what you're going to do? Of course not. David, don't you donate. I won't. You better not. Hey, David, are you glad you're going? No, I don't want to go. I guess there's nothing else I can do. I just got cat. Can I go with you? Ah, you're too little. Now stop bothering me.

[F]

I'm busy. Come on downstairs, Harry.

[E]

Ozzy, this is terrible. Do you realize what this means? David's planning to run away from.

[F]

He's obviously planning to run away right after his bedtime. That gives us until 9 o' clock tonight to figure something out.

[E]

I wish I knew what to do. Why not lock him in his room? Oh, we can't. Ozzy, that was. Did you say that, Ozzy? No, I did. And here I am up in the trees.

[F]

Oh. Oh. Hello, Emmy Lou.

[E]

Hello. I just happened to be sitting here. I wasn't.

[F]

Perfect.

[A]

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[E]

Was here if I'd known you were going to talk about something personal. I feel terribly embarrassed. But as long as I already heard, why don't you lock him in his.

[F]

Room? No, that wouldn't solve the problem, Emmy Lou. Besides, it's a horrible thing to do to a.

[E]

Child. Oh, yeah, I suppose you're right. Why did he want to run.

[F]

Away? Well, it's quite a long story. You see, Ricky got third prize in the contest at school. We made quite a fuss over him and didn't even ask David how he made.

[E]

Out. Poor David. I know how he hates drawing. He probably got a low mark. That's what we're afraid of. To me this looks like an obvious case of a child's ego hurt by neglect and the belief that his parents are disappointed in him. Very.

[F]

Typical. Where'd you learn all.

[E]

That? From the child psychology book. My mother used to buy them all and I'd read them to see if I was being brought up properly. I remember one.

[F]

Time. Mr. Pardon me, Annie. Louis. You know, Harriet, I think our young friend here has given us a wonderful.

[E]

Idea. I have? I mean I have. Of.

[F]

Course. It's very simple. David thinks we're disappointed in him. Our job now is to build up his self confidence, build up his ego, Make a big fuss over.

[E]

Him. Ozzy, I think that's the.

[F]

Answer. Of course it is. Why, by nine o' clock he'll forget he ever thought about running away from home. Gee, thanks, Emmy.

[E]

Lou. Oh, that's all right, Mr. Nelson. I'm always glad to help you. In fact, that's why I like.

[F]

You. Huh? Why.

[E]

That? You're the only adult I know who has to depend on me for.

[F]

Advice. There he is, sitting in the living room. Harriet, remember what I told you. Just follow my.

[E]

Lead. Yeah, I.

[F]

Will. Well, hello, David. How you.

[E]

Feel?

[F]

Okay. Ah, that's great. What are you.

[E]

Doing? Nothing. Just sitting here.

[F]

Thinking. He's thinking, Harriet. He's.

[E]

Thinking. Isn't that.

[F]

Wonderful? Wonderful. What are you thinking about.

[E]

David? Oh, nothing special. I was just going upstairs to read my.

[F]

Book. Oh, what book are you.

[E]

Reading? The one Grandma gave.

[F]

Me. Oh, yes, it's that new book. What's it called? Tommy Tip Top and His Baseball.

[E]

Team. Oh, that sounds.

[F]

Nice. You know something? I've tried to read those Tommy Tip Top books. It's a series. Did you ever read one.

[E]

Harriet? I can't say I.

[F]

Have. Well, I want to tell you, they're pretty hard books to.

[E]

Understand. I've heard that from several people.

[F]

Sir. It takes a very smart fellow to understand those books. I don't suppose you really understand them, do you.

[E]

David? Sure I do. I guess. Well, how do you like.

[F]

That? A.

[E]

Harriet.

[F]

Yes? I shouldn't say this in front of David, but he's a pretty smart boy to understand those.

[E]

Books. Oh, Papa Baby can understand those books. You don't have to be smart to understand.

[F]

Them. I beg to differ. You are too modest. What would you say if I were to tell you that I don't understand.

[E]

Them? I'd say you would. I wouldn't say.

[C]

Anything.

[E]

Pop, can I go up and read my book now? Well, David, go upstairs and read your book. Thanks.

[F]

Mom. Boy, these cookies are great. They're your favorite kind, aren't they.

[E]

David? Yes.

[F]

Sir. Mother baked them especially for you. Go ahead. There's one left on the plate. You take.

[E]

It. No, you take it.

[F]

Pa. Okay. Harriet.

[E]

Harriet. Yes.

[F]

Azzie? Those cookies of yours were delicious. Look, the whole heaping plate is all.

[E]

Gone. Oh, wonderful. I've got more in the kitchen. I'll bring them.

[F]

Out. Isn't that great, David? Your mother's going to bring out some more cookies. And this time you try one, huh? Say, David, you know what I did while I was out in the yard? I noticed your coaster wagon was broken, so I fixed.

[E]

It. But my wagon isn't broken. That wagon in the yard belongs to Will.

[F]

Thornberry. In here.

[E]

Harriet. Where's.

[F]

David? He's up in his.

[E]

Room. Ozzie, we've got to do something. It's only a few hours till 9.

[F]

O'.

[E]

Clock. I know. If we could just keep him interested and Occupied until he goes to sleep. He'll have forgotten all about it by.

[F]

Tomorrow. I have an idea. Just before his bedtime, I'll start reading to him. And I'll read to him till he falls.

[E]

Asleep. That might be an idea.

[F]

Sir. I'll read him one of those Billie Bushytail stories. He used to be crazy about.

[E]

Those. Oh, that was a year ago.

[F]

Dear. He's outgrown them, Harriet. He's just 10 years old. 10 year old boys eat up those little animal stories. Where is the.

[E]

Book? On the night table, next to your.

[F]

Bed. Hope you didn't lose my.

[E]

Place. Finish reading something more adult, dear. Maybe something with a moral to it, showing how foolish it would be to run away from.

[F]

Home. Yeah, I know just the book, too. I think you like this, David. It's Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain. One of the finest books ever.

[E]

Written. Oh, yes, I've heard of.

[F]

That. There's a certain chapter I want to read to you. Where Huck Finn runs away from his.

[E]

Father. Yes. Well, Pop, that sounds.

[F]

Neat. Yeah, I'll find it in just a minute. You'll see that Huck had real reasons for running away. His father was a mean, cruel man. He used to beat Huck all the time with hickory switches. Didn't feed or clothe the boy properly. Wouldn't even let him go to.

[E]

School. Was that being.

[F]

Bad? Of course. Anyway, finally Huck decided to run away. So he sawed his way out of the cabin, made it look like he'd been kidnapped. See if I can find it here in the book. No, here's the place. It was dark now, so I dropped the canoe down the river under some willows, waited for the moon. I made fast to a willow, then I took a bite to eat and lay down in the canoe to figure out a plan. I had some blankets and a pillow, so it was very restful. Getting tired.

[E]

David? Oh, no.

[F]

Pop. You don't mind if I stretch out on the sofa, do you? It's a little more.

[E]

Comfortable. Right ahead.

[F]

Pop. Speak some more, I says to myself. They'll soon get tired looking and won't bother about me anymore. I can stop off anywhere I want to. Jackson's Island's good enough for me. I know that island pretty well and nobody ever comes there. And I can paddle over to town nights and slink around and pick up things I want. Yes, sir, Jackson's Island's the place. I was pretty tired. As I lay stretched out by the canoe, I could hear the gentle lapping of the soft river water. Against the bank. My eyes grew heavy. I yawned a few times and the first thing I know, I was fast.

[E]

Asleep. Huh.

[F]

Ozzy?

[E]

Huh? Ozzy, wake up. Ozzy. Where's.

[F]

David? He's on Jackson's Island. Don't worry.

[E]

Dear. Ozzy, wake up.

[F]

Dear. I must have fallen asleep for a.

[E]

Minute. A minute? It's almost 10 o' clock and David's.

[F]

Gone. You must have left while I was.

[E]

Asleep. Oh, call the police. I'll call Mother. We'll get out for searching.

[F]

Party. Wait a minute, Harriet. Let's look in his room. He probably left a note telling us where he.

[E]

Went. All right, but let's hurry. You look for a note, Ozzy. I'll see what clothes he.

[F]

Took. Let's see. He didn't leave it on his.

[E]

Dresser. He didn't take his coat and his clothes out. What's the matter.

[F]

Pa? Don't bother us, David, with.

[E]

It. What happened? He's all right, Ozzy. He's safe and dead. What's the matter, Mom? Well.

[F]

We. Harriet, let me handle this. David. Something's been bothering you today, hasn't.

[E]

It? Yes.

[F]

Pop. Was it about the drawing you had to do for the project at.

[E]

School? Yes.

[F]

Pop. David. David, each of us is good at some things and poor at other things. Nobody should be conceited about being especially good at something. And it's just as foolish to feel bad about being poor at something else. You're our son and we love you, whether you get the best mark in the class or the poorest. You know that wouldn't make any difference in the way we feel about you. Don't you.

[E]

David? Yes.

[F]

Pop. Now, does this straighten everything out.

[E]

Son? Yes, Pop. Oh.

[F]

David. Now, David, you don't have to if you don't want to. But I think you'd feel better if you let us see the drawing. But I. Harriet, I just want to show him that no matter how bad the drawing is, it doesn't make the slightest difference to.

[E]

Her. It's on the chair there.

[F]

Pop. Okay, take a look. Well, it isn't so bad, is it, Harriet? No. What mark did you get on it.

[E]

David? First.

[F]

Prize. Well, that doesn't make. David, I know we woke you out of a deep sleep. Listen carefully, son. What bark did you get on it.

[E]

First? Cry. First prize. But I thought you didn't like drawing. I don't. I didn't try very hard. I just smeared up the paper with watercolors and the teacher said it was abstract and gave me first prize. David, tell me, dear, if you won first prize? Why were you ashamed to show it to us? Well, Ricky got third prize for that bridge. And you said you wanted to be an engineer. Well, and if I got first prize for this, you'd want me to be an artist. I don't want to be an artist. I want to be an.

[F]

Aviator. Is that all that's bothering you? David, you don't have to be.

[E]

Anything you don't want to be. I don't? Of course not.

[F]

David. Now, is everything.

[E]

Okay? Uh.

[F]

Huh. And you're going to go to school.

[E]

Tomorrow. Can.

[F]

I? Can you? Well, of course you.

[E]

Can. Then you'll have to talk to the drawing teacher. She's making everybody who won first prize go to the Art.

[F]

Institute. Then you.

[E]

Can. Then you weren't going to run away from home. Ain't it great, Mom? I don't have to be an.

[F]

Artist. What's all the fuss about.

[E]

Here? Hey, what's going on in here? Oh, we woke up.

[F]

Ricky. That's all right. Let him get up. We're gonna celebrate. Harriet, I'll run to the corner and get ice cream. You get the cookies and the.

[E]

Dishes. That's a good.

[F]

Idea. We'll be right back. Boys. Don't go to sleep. We're gonna have a.

[E]

Party. Hey, David. What, Ricky? What's going on around here? I don't know. I'm all mixed up myself. Gee whiz. Pop's so excited and Mom's crying. Nothing to worry about, Ricky. Just the stage they go through. I'm not worried. I just hope Pop's not so excited he forgets I like.

[F]

Strawberries. Boy, that ice cream was great, wasn't.

[E]

It? Sure.

[C]

Was. Sure.

[E]

Was. You forgot to give.

[F]

Strawberries. I'm sorry, Ricky, but I was so excited I got just.

[E]

Chocolate. I like chocolate. David won first prize and I only won.

[F]

Thirds. Oh, Ricky, that makes no difference. After all, David won first prize.

[E]

Accidentally. Well, I sort of one third prize accident accidentally too. What do you mean? Well, they gave different prizes to the boys and girls. Yes, there's only four boys in my class and one of them was.

[D]

Absent. You've been listening to the Adventures of Ozzy and Harriet. This is the United States Armed Forces Radio Service, the voice of information and education.