Aunt Jane's Nieces and Uncle John

In Short

This novel follows a wealthy, eccentric gentleman and his two nieces as they traverse the American West by automobile. Seeking adventure, the trio ends up rescuing an orphaned, injured girl named Myrtle Dean, who is searching for a long-lost uncle. As they navigate the rugged terrain and unpredictable dangers of the road, they encounter "remittance men" and various Western characters. Ultimately, the story is a gentle, optimistic tale of family loyalty and the healing power of travel, capturing the early fascination with the open road and the promise of the Pacific coast.

The Story

The narrative begins in a cozy New York home, where the well-meaning but impulsive John Merrick announces his plan to take his nieces, Patsy Doyle and Beth De Graf, on a grand motor tour to California. Despite the skepticism of Patsy’s father, Major Gregory Doyle, the group acquires a sturdy, seven-passenger "Autocrat" touring car and hires a quiet, skilled Canadian chauffeur named Wampus.

While traveling by train to New Mexico to begin their motorized journey, the group encounters Myrtle Dean, a frail, impoverished girl hobbling on crutches. Orphaned and desperate, Myrtle is on a quest to find an uncle who has been lost in the Western mining camps for years. Moved by her plight and the cruelty of the aunt who sent her away, the group decides to take her along on their journey, hoping the fresh air and sunshine will restore her health.

As they drive through the Rocky Mountains and across the Arizona mesa, the party faces various trials. They witness the unsettling snake dances of the Moki Indians and are eventually captured by a group of dissipated, aristocratic expatriates known as "remittance men" who hold the travelers captive at their ranch. Through the cleverness of the nieces and the help of a disgruntled local fiddler named Dan’l, the group stages a daring escape, reclaiming their freedom and continuing their journey toward the California coast.

Upon reaching the luxurious Hotel del Coronado in San Diego, the group encounters a melancholy, reclusive miner who has occupied the very rooms they intended to stay in. This man is a bitter, isolated figure who seems incapable of joy. Myrtle, ever hopeful, takes it upon herself to soften his heart. Through her gentle wisdom and persistent kindness, she begins to break through his hardened exterior. In a final, climactic discovery, the group learns that this man—who had been using a middle name—is none other than Myrtle’s missing uncle. His life is transformed by the reunion, and Myrtle finds her health restored by the journey’s end. The story concludes with the group returning to New York, where they establish a happy, close-knit life together, with Myrtle finally free of her crutches and her lonely past.

How It Unfolds

The voyage begins Uncle John brushes off the Major’s worries by unveiling a meticulously planned automotive adventure. The nieces are thrilled, and the party prepares to cross the country in a custom-fitted "movable hotel" on wheels.

A girl in need While traveling by train, the group meets the injured and destitute Myrtle, who is searching for a lost relative. Compassion overrides their original itinerary, and they resolve to bring her along to California.

The journey west The group navigates the challenges of the open road, experiencing the vastness of the desert and the unique culture of the Moki Indians. Wampus, the quiet chauffeur, proves his worth as they traverse the harsh, uncharted landscape.

Captured at Hades Ranch A group of arrogant remittance men forces the travelers to stop at their ranch, holding them hostage for an unwanted dance. The nieces display remarkable courage, orchestrating a clever ruse to outwit their captors and escape.

The silent man After arriving in California, the group meets a bitter miner whose name happens to be the same as Myrtle’s lost relative. Myrtle’s persistent optimism begins to thaw the man’s cynical heart.

The final reunion The true identity of the miner is revealed, uniting Myrtle with her uncle. The journey concludes with the restoration of both the man’s spirit and the young girl’s health.

The People

Uncle John Merrick is the benevolent, wealthy dreamer who finances the trip and treats life as a series of problems to be solved with ingenuity. His nieces, Patsy Doyle and Beth De Graf, provide the energy and moral compass of the party; Patsy is spirited and assertive, while Beth is the practical, clear-thinking strategist. Major Gregory Doyle serves as the grumpy, skeptical foil to John’s optimism, though his heart is always in the right place regarding his daughter and her cousins. Myrtle Dean is the emotional center of the story—a girl whose helplessness masks a resilient spirit that eventually acts as a catalyst for redemption. Finally, the mysterious miner, whose name is eventually revealed as Collanson, represents the bitterness of a life lived without love, until Myrtle’s influence helps him embrace a second chance at happiness.

In Its Own Voice

"The trouble with you, Major, is that dinner is half an hour late."

Uncle John dismisses the Major’s overactive imagination with a calm reminder of their domestic reality.

"Those who turn sad faces toward the world find only sadness reflected."

Myrtle offers this reflection to the bitter miner, attempting to teach him that his own outlook dictates the joy he experiences.

"If you will permit me, my dear niece, I will hereafter devote my whole life to you, and earnestly try to promote your happiness."

The transformed miner pledges his future to the girl who helped him rediscover his humanity.

What It's Really About

At its heart, this book is an argument for the restorative power of kindness and travel. It explores the idea that the "deserts" of life—whether physical, like the arid West, or emotional, like the bitterness of the recluse—are merely obstacles on the road to a more fulfilling life. The story posits that character is revealed through adversity, and that by opening oneself to the needs of others, one can find a sense of belonging that supersedes blood ties. It is a testament to the belief that with patience and a positive outlook, even the most broken circumstances can be mended.

Why Read It Today

Readers who enjoy a gentle, unhurried narrative will find much to admire in this travelogue-style adventure. It feels like a time capsule of the early twentieth century, capturing the thrill of the "Autocrat" automobile and the vast, romanticized landscape of a pre-highway American West. The writing is warm and character-driven, focusing on the interactions between a charming, eccentric family and the people they meet along the way.

However, modern readers should be prepared for the period-typical attitudes presented in the text. The depiction of the Moki Indians and the casual references to "remittance men" reflect the colonial and class-conscious perspectives of the early 1900s. The dialogue is sometimes formal or laden with the era’s colloquialisms, which may feel dated to some. Despite these elements, the core of the book—the selfless rescue of a vulnerable girl and the transformation of a cynical man—remains universally affecting. If you appreciate stories that prioritize emotional growth and family loyalty over complex plotting, this book offers a nostalgic, optimistic journey that lingers in the memory like a sunset over the Pacific.