Action Comics#65(1943)

Millionaire Truman Treadwell lies on his deathbed. His two nephews are with him to learn who will inherit his millions when he's gone. Roger is a doctor at a children's hospital, he says he'd donate every cent to their charity where it would do the most good. Brandon had a roguish reputation, where he'd be likely to spend all the money on wine, women, and song. Truman liked Roger's philanthropic character, but he was also fond of Brandon, who reminded him of himself at that age. Rather than split the estate between them, the senior Treadwell had a far more interesting idea. He agreed to give two million to the children's hospital, but then he gave another million to Roger under the guideline that he must spend it all within twenty four hours. He must not spend over a thousand dollars at a time, or give any money away. If he has even a cent left at the end of the day, the inheritance goes to Brandon. Two days later, Truman Treadwell passes away, and every newspaper headline reports the odd conditions written in the will. Lois Lane is sent to interview Roger Treadwell, while Clark Kent meets with Brandon. Roger is at a loss on how to spend a million dollars in just one day, especially with the specific rule that he's not allowed to go over a thousand with any purchase. Lois knows just the person to help. Meanwhile over at Brandon's apartment building, Clark looks through the walls with his x-ray vision to see Brandon chatting with Tug Moxton, a notorious gangster. He wanted to ensure that Roger didn't get their uncle's millions. An airplane flies overhead, making a trail of smoke spelling the words "Superman Needed at 24 Marr Ave". Lois explains her idea to Superman when he arrives. With the man of steel's help, Roger will be able to find all sorts of noble causes to spend the money on. They start right away by first buying a load of expensive lab equipment for the hospital. Superman then flies Roger to an old couple who are about to be made homeless because they can't pay their mortgage. With exactly one thousand dollars, combined with the elders savings and change borrowed from a shoeshine boy, Roger pays the mortgage in full, allowing the couple to continue living there. Later, Lois takes Roger for a walk in the city to show him other ways to spend the money. One of Tug Moxton's men suddenly grabs the case of money out of Roger's hand and flees. Luckily, only a hundred and a half grand was inside. Superman would get it back, but first there was more spending to be done! Roger mentions he had always wanted to buy a ship and mount an expedition to the Mediterranean, where rare plants exist that can cure many childhood diseases. But a ship would cost way more than the thousand dollar spending limit. Superman says they can bypass that problem by making many small payments for parts to build a ship. After a quarter of a million spent on the parts, supplies, and labor, the ship is completed thanks to Superman's help. Then, sneaking under the hull, another of Moxton's men attaches a bomb to the vessel. By the time Superman notices, it's too late! The ship explodes, destroying all that effort. But then again, it presents an opportunity to spend more on the rebuild! The day grows shorter, and Roger still had a few hundred-thousand left to spend. An auction was starting, Superman told him to bid exactly one thousand on every item. Tug Moxton was also at the auction, however. He and his boys planned to outbid Roger by a dollar each time. Of course, Superman puts a wrench in their plan when he swoops them out of the room one-by-one every time they make their bid. When they don't show up to pay for the items they bought, it goes to the next highest bidder, which is Roger. Superman takes the money stolen from before, which the gang didn't have time to spend yet, and the drops them off in a dumpster where the police can pick them up. When Roger steps outside, he has a worried expression. Not all of the money has been spent, and time was almost up! Superman flies him to the Treadwell's lawyer. Brandon was already there when they entered the office. With the lawyer present, the man of steel handed Roger his bill of service. It came out to the exact amount left over. Which meant that the children's hospital would be granted it's charity check, and Brandon would just have to get a job to support his lifestyle. Lois and Clark wave Roger off as he leaves on his expedition. Clark offers to buy some cheap hot-dogs for lunch. Lois complains that she wishes he were more like Superman, who would think nothing of spending a million dollars.