Motor Boat Boys' River Chase

In Short

First published in 1914, Motor Boat Boys' River Chase is a quintessential early-twentieth-century juvenile adventure story set along the upper Mississippi River. What begins as a leisurely spring cruise for six teenage friends quickly shifts into an energetic pursuit after they encounter two fugitives hiding out on an island with stolen bank loot. Driven by camaraderie, mechanical ingenuity, and clear-cut moral duty, the boys track the robbers across the water. The story endures as a vivid snapshot of early motorboating enthusiasm and classic American youth fiction.

The Story

The story opens in April along the banks of the Mississippi River, where Commodore Jack Storms and his five teenage companions assemble their small fleet of three power-boats—the Tramp, the Wireless, and the Comfort—for a seasonal outing. The boys load their camping supplies, check their engines, and set off downstream, navigating strong river currents and the mild chaos caused by George’s temperamentally fast boat.

The leisurely cruise changes direction when the group settles into their first campsite on a river island. Shortly after pitching their tent and cooking dinner, they discover that part of their food supplies has mysteriously disappeared. Investigating the island, Jack and his chums spot two suspicious men hiding nearby with a white power-boat. Reading news of a recent robbery at a bank in the town of Lawrence, the boys realize these men match the description of the fugitives fleeing with the stolen loot.

Jack, an experienced scout, cautiously creeps near the outlaw camp while the two men play cards. He locates where they have buried a small box, digs it up, and replaces it with stones. However, opening the chest reveals a sudden disappointment: it contains no money, proving to be a false trail or secondary item. The real danger escalates when one of the fugitives slips into the boys' camp and steals a new motorboat, the Saunterer, belonging to a inexperienced visiting cruiser named Algernon, shooting Algernon's man in the process.

Realizing they are dealing with armed, dangerous criminals, Jack organizes a nighttime pursuit down the moonlit river. The boys coordinate their efforts, using the speed of George’s boat and Jack’s steady leadership to keep the fleeing thieves in sight. The chase leads to a dramatic confrontation on a floating log raft equipped with a wooden shanty, where the outlaws have taken refuge with the stolen boat and the actual bag of bank money.

To force the men out without unnecessary bloodshed, the boys work alongside local loggers and set fire to the shanty on the raft. Trapped by the spreading flames, the two robbers attempt to flee across the slippery logs. Jack demands their surrender, and in the ensuing scramble, the thieves are forced to drop the heavy bag containing the bank's stolen funds.

With the loot successfully recovered, Jack and Josh run downstream in the Tramp to a nearby town to wire the bank officers in Lawrence. The stolen funds are safely dispatched by express, relieving the town's depositors. The boys return home as celebrated local heroes, earning a formal resolution of thanks from the bank directors and a monetary reward before quietly planning their next river voyage.

How It Unfolds

The voyage begins Commodore Jack, George, Josh, Buster, Herb, and Jimmie gather their three motorboats along the riverbank on a chilly April day. After checking their gear, securing a home-cured ham, and waiting for George to resolve his usual engine troubles, the fleet heads down the Mississippi.

Unseen visitors on the island After making camp on a forested island, the boys discover that someone has stolen the raw ham, canned beans, and fish laid out by Josh, the camp cook. Investigating the woods, Jack and his companions spot two hidden men with a white launch and realize they fit the description of bank robbers from Lawrence.

The midnight scouting mission Jack sneaks through the underbrush while the two suspects are playing cards, successfully unearthing a small box they had buried in the soil. When the boys pry the lid open back at camp, they face deep disappointment upon finding no stolen bank treasure inside.

A stolen boat and a shot fired One of the fugitives creeps into camp and steals the Saunterer, a fine launch owned by a visiting wealthy novice named Algernon. In the escape, the thief shoots Algernon's attendant, prompting Jack to immediately lead a nighttime chase down the river in pursuit.

Cornered on the log raft The boys track the stolen boat to a large floating timber raft carrying a small shanty, where the desperate thieves have barricaded themselves with the bank plunder. Refusing to surrender, the men threaten the boys with firearms, forcing the chums to figure out a way to dislodge them.

Flushing out the fugitives Working with loggers on the river, the boys ignite the wooden shanty to force the criminals into the open. As the thieves scramble across the burning, slippery logs to escape the heat, Jack confronts them, forcing the men to drop the heavy bag of bank treasure.

Triumphant return Jack and Josh pilot the Tramp to a nearby river town to telegraph the bank officials and ship the recovered funds back under guard. Returning home, the six chums receive a financial reward and formal commendations from the bank's directors.

The People

• Jack Storms ("Commodore Jack"): The natural leader and skipper of the Tramp. Jack wants to keep his companions safe while fulfilling what he sees as a clear civic duty. His calm judgement and field skills allow him to scout the outlaw camp and coordinate the final recovery on the river.

• George Rollins: The impulsive, energetic skipper of the speed-boat Wireless. George craves action, speed, and public recognition, often growing restless under Jack's caution. His main obstacle is his own impatience and hot-headedness, though his daring and fast boat prove essential to overtaking the fugitives.

• Josh Purdue: The group's designated cook and skipper's mate. Josh wants to maintain camp order and guard their provisions, but he is frequently tested by lost supplies and gentle teasing from his friends. He stands firmly by Jack through every phase of the chase.

• Buster (Nick / Bumpus): The heavy-set, easygoing member of the crew. Buster wants comfortable meals, good fishing, and a relaxed pace, often serving as the target of friendly jokes about his slow movement. Despite his physical limitations, he displays steady loyalty and surprising observational instincts during the crisis.

• Algernon: A inexperienced down-river cruiser whose fancy motorboat, the Saunterer, is hijacked by the fleeing bank thief. His panic over losing his vessel provides the catalyst for the boys' nocturnal pursuit.

In Its Own Voice

“An engine’s a delicate thing to handle, and as full of whims as a girl.”

George offers this defense of his erratic motorboat while adjusting the engine on the river shore.

“I’m not greedy about it, and willing enough to let the proper authorities do the fighting, and get what there is in the game.”

Jack expresses his cautious leadership philosophy when discussing whether the boys should confront the armed thieves themselves or wait for town police.

“I c’n just see the good people waitin’ to receive us with the brass band, and all the town run wild over the doings of the wonderful heroes of the old Mississippi!”

Buster excitedly envisions their grand homecoming after learning that Jack intends to send news of the recovered bank money ahead.

What It's Really About

Beneath its surface plot of mechanical tinkering and river chases, Motor Boat Boys' River Chase explores early-twentieth-century American ideals of youth capability and moral responsibility. The narrative contrasts the self-reliance, practical skills, and discipline of the six boys with the shiftlessness and violence of the bank thieves.

It highlights the transition into the modern technical era, where competence with gasoline engines, river navigation, and tactical planning elevates ordinary teenagers into effective custodians of order. The book argues that true courage is governed by cool-headed teamwork rather than reckless bravado, presenting a clean vision of rural boyhood where outdoor recreation naturally strengthens character.

Why Read It Today

Motor Boat Boys' River Chase offers modern readers an entertaining portal into vintage American juvenile fiction. It appeals to enthusiasts of historical adventure, early mechanical technology, and classic river lore. The prose captures the simple, upbeat atmosphere of popular series literature from the early 1910s, rich with period slang, campfire cooking, and the excitement of early power-boating along the Mississippi.

Readers should approach the text with an understanding of its era. The dialogue relies heavily on exaggerated dialect, full of informal phrasing ("fellers," "grub," "c'n") and archetype-driven characterizations typical of turn-of-the-century boys' series. The plot follows a predictable structure where virtue is swiftly rewarded and villainy is uncomplicatingly defeated.

Yet, the book retains a genuine, unpretentious charm. The authentic river setting, combined with the detailed mechanics of early motorboats and campcraft, creates a breezy, nostalgic reading experience that lingers as a lighthearted tribute to American river life.