Motor Matt's "Century" Run

In Short

This is a quintessential American dime novel from 1909, blending the era’s fascination with mechanical innovation and the rugged adventure of the Western frontier. The story follows a teenage prodigy on a motorcycle as he delivers a crucial message to a sheriff, navigating danger, deception, and the harsh desert landscape. It remains a fascinating artifact of its time, capturing the transition from the horse-and-buggy age to the high-speed thrill of the motor era, while showcasing the earnest, fast-paced storytelling that defined juvenile fiction a century ago.

The Story

Matt King, known to his peers as "Mile-a-minute Matt," is an athletic, resourceful teenager living in Phoenix, Arizona. His life revolves around his motorcycle, the "Comet," and his passion for mechanics. His quiet life is interrupted when he intervenes in a runaway wagon accident, saving a young, mysterious girl named Rags. This act of heroism leads to a deeper involvement with the local authorities, specifically the Governor and Sheriff McKibben, who recognize Matt’s skill and nerve.

The Governor faces a crisis: a group of smugglers led by the villainous Joe Dangerfield is operating along the border, using clandestine routes to evade the law. With the sheriff’s posse stationed at the distant Potter’s Gap, the Governor needs a courier to deliver a warning that will allow the lawmen to intercept the criminals before they escape into Mexico. He entrusts this mission to Matt, setting a grueling deadline: a "century" run—one hundred miles of rough, desert terrain—to be completed in five hours.

Matt sets off, accompanied by his friend Clip, who proves invaluable for his knowledge of the treacherous trails. They soon encounter hostility, as Dangerfield’s cohorts, traveling in a red roadster, track their movements and attempt to sabotage their progress. The journey is a gauntlet of mechanical failures, physical altercations, and dangerous encounters in the canyons. Through a series of ruses and displays of raw speed, Matt manages to navigate the divide and deliver the Governor’s letter just in time.

The arrival of the message allows Sheriff Burke to launch a surprise attack at Tinaja Wells. While the smugglers are largely scattered, the confrontation marks the end of their unchecked operations. Following the success of his mission, Matt finds himself entangled in a final mystery: the true identity of a man named Bascomb, who has been lurking in the background. It is revealed that Bascomb is Rags’ father and a peripheral figure in the smuggling trade, though he ultimately seeks to reunite with his injured daughter.

In the aftermath, the Governor rewards Matt for his courage and service, offering him a position as a secretary, which Matt accepts with the hope that it might involve more opportunities for his mechanical pursuits. The story concludes with a sense of closure, as Matt solidifies his reputation in the territory and proves that even without a known family history, he can stand on his own merits.

How It Unfolds

The call to adventure Matt is approached by the Governor and Sheriff McKibben to act as a courier for a vital dispatch. The mission requires traveling through rugged, uncharted wilderness to reach a remote pass in under five hours.

The race against the roadster Matt and his friend Clip set out on their motorcycles, constantly shadowed by the smugglers’ red car. They overcome mechanical obstacles and physical threats, using the speed of the Comet to maintain their lead.

Smoke-signals in the canyon The protagonists navigate the intricate, dangerous trails of Castle Creek Cañon. They encounter signals used by the smugglers to track their movements, forcing Matt to rely on his wits to avoid an ambush.

The confrontation at the pass Matt reaches Potter’s Gap, narrowly avoiding a physical struggle with an accomplice of the gang. He successfully delivers the letter to the sheriff, turning the tide against the smuggling operation.

The resolution of the mystery Back in Phoenix, Matt learns the truth about Rags’ parentage and the connection to the criminal element. The story wraps up with the reward, a new job prospect, and Matt’s reflection on his future.

The People

Matt King, or "Motor Matt," serves as the anchor of the story. He is defined by his mechanical aptitude, physical courage, and a calm, analytical approach to danger. His primary goal is to prove himself through honorable action, despite the mystery surrounding his own origins.

Chub McReady is Matt’s loyal, inventive friend. He provides comic relief and technical support, though his tendency to experiment often leads to trouble. He remains steadfast in his support of Matt throughout the journey.

Clip (Tom Clipperton) is a complex secondary character. Sensitive about his Indian heritage, he serves as a scout for Matt. He struggles with the weight of his criminal relatives, eventually choosing to stand by Matt’s side rather than follow a path of lawlessness.

Rags is the young girl whose plight motivates Matt’s compassion. Her recovery and the discovery of her family provide the emotional stakes that ground the broader action of the book.

Joe Dangerfield is the shadowy antagonist. He represents the lawless, opportunistic element of the borderlands. His failure to outrun the sheriff’s justice provides the external tension that drives the plot forward.

In Its Own Voice

"Without a word, he picked up the rope with which he had dragged Welcome out of the canal and darted for the gate in front of the house."

When the runaway team endangers the child, Matt immediately initiates his rescue plan.

"If you can get started by twelve o'clock, you will have just five hours to make a 'century' run--and a rough run it will be for a part of the way."

The Governor issues the high-stakes challenge that serves as the story's catalyst.

"The thing to do is to stand on your own feet, and that's the only thing!"

Matt offers this encouraging advice to his friend Clip when they discuss their uncertain futures.

What It's Really About

At its core, this book is an exploration of self-reliance and the meritocratic spirit of the early 20th century. Matt King represents the ideal of the "self-made" individual; he possesses no pedigree, yet he commands respect through his skill, integrity, and refusal to be intimidated by circumstances. The story argues that one’s character is not dictated by family or station, but by the choices made under pressure. It also reflects the period's obsession with the "machine age," portraying the motorcycle as an instrument of liberty and personal agency that allows a young man to conquer the vast, unforgiving American landscape.

Why Read It Today

Reading this book is akin to stepping into a time capsule. It offers a clear, unfiltered glimpse into the values and literary tastes of 1909. Readers who enjoy historical curiosities, tales of early mechanical marvels, or fast-moving adventure will find it an entertaining experience. The prose is brisk and utilitarian, mirroring the "get-to-it" attitude of the protagonist.

However, modern readers should be prepared for the specific constraints of the dime novel format. The narrative is relentlessly focused on action, sometimes at the expense of character depth or complex plotting. There are period-typical attitudes and a simplified view of the "Wild West" that may feel jarring today, particularly in the depiction of the smugglers and their associates. The dialogue occasionally relies on the era’s slang, which can feel dated or repetitive.

Despite these elements, the book is genuinely charming in its earnestness. The sense of wonder Matt feels toward his motorcycle is infectious, and the high-speed chases across the desert are written with a genuine kinetic energy. It is not a lengthy or taxing read, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a quick, nostalgic dive into the roots of American juvenile fiction. What stays with you is the image of the lone rider against the vast, empty horizon, moving at the speed of progress.