- A new-fangled talking machine that has the ability to record voices is just what treacherous Nellie Oleson needs to embarrass rival Laura Ingalls when both girls vie for the same boy's affections.
- A traveling salesman trying to pawn off the newly-invented talking machine can't sell the Olesons at first. Later, Harriet sees a way to help Nellie, who expresses interest in a science-wiz classmate: buying the machine is a surfire way to get Jason interested in Nellie. However, Laura is also fascinated with the modern-day Ben Franklin, helping him wih his experiments and providing her own insight to the future of technology. Jealous that Jason appears just as interested in Laura, Nellie records her voice extolling the scientific wonders of her new toy and plays it one afternoon just as Jason and Laura are within earshot. Jason is understandably drawn to the recording device and leaves Laura to learn more. Not to be outdone, Laura invites him to dinner, where she demonstrates her knowledge of scientific facts in hopes of impressing Jason. Brooding over her loss, Nellie, with the help of Willie and the talking machine, visciously schemes to embarass Laura and get Jason back.
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