Et Tu, Brute?: James, laughing along with his classmates at Gideon's stuttering ... unknowing that Gideon is listening in. Gideon thought that James was his friend and sole protector, and when he sees James' betrayal (by going along with the teasing) he runs off.
Evil-Detecting Dog: The dog that follows Charles and James on their trip is quick to notice a pair of bandits trying to sneak into their bedroom and scare them off.
Peer-Pressured Bully: Downplayed. James states that Gideon's stutter isn't funny, but after Willie and Nancy insist that it is over and over, he finally admits it's kid of funny, unaware that Gideon (whom he'd just made efforts to befriend moments earlier) is right behind him and runs away.
"Shaggy Dog" Story: Happens off-screen. The tornado that devastates Walnut Grove later on in this season is said to claim the life of poor Gideon. For the effort James went through to show this child some compassion, he got none from Mother Nature herself. A sad end to a pitiable little boy's life.
