Motor Matt's Short Circuit

In Short

Motor Matt's Short Circuit is an action-packed adventure story featuring Matt King, a talented inventor and pilot, who finds himself entangled in a web of intrigue involving a treacherous snake charmer, a rogue elephant, and a circus traitor. The story combines elements of mystery, danger, and aerial thrills as Matt and his friends navigate the challenges of a traveling circus, outsmarting villains and protecting their inventions.

The Story

The novel begins with Matt King, known as Motor Matt, and his friends Joe McGlory, a cowboy, and Ping, a Chinese boy, traveling with Burton's Big Consolidated Shows. Matt has recently built an aeroplane, the Comet, which he uses to perform aerial stunts for the circus. The story opens with a tense scene where a snake charmer, Dhondaram, is plotting something sinister by the river.

During a circus parade, Archie Le Bon, a trapeze artist, is nearly killed by Rajah, a rogue elephant. Matt and his friends intervene, but the incident sets off a chain of events that reveal Dhondaram's treacherous nature. Dhondaram, who has been hired to manage Rajah, is secretly working against the circus and Matt.

Matt's aeroplane becomes a target when Dhondaram ties a bag containing a cobra to the lower wing during a flight. Matt, with Le Bon on the trapeze, must navigate the aeroplane while avoiding the deadly snake. The cobra causes a short circuit in the aeroplane's electrical system, leading to a harrowing flight that tests Matt's piloting skills.

Meanwhile, Andy Carter, the circus ticket man, is revealed to be a traitor working with Dhondaram to steal the circus's money. Matt and his friends uncover the plot and confront Carter, who agrees to help them capture Dhondaram in exchange for leniency.

The story builds to a climax as Matt and his friends track down Dhondaram, leading to a tense confrontation. Dhondaram is captured, and the stolen money is recovered. Matt's quick thinking and bravery save the day, and the circus is grateful for his heroism.

The novel concludes with Matt and his friends reflecting on their adventures, ready to face whatever challenges come next. The story highlights Matt's ingenuity, courage, and loyalty, as well as the strong bonds of friendship between him, McGlory, and Ping.

How It Unfolds

The Serpent Charmer: The story opens with Dhondaram, a snake charmer, plotting something sinister by the river, setting the stage for the conflict to come.

A Bad Elephant: Archie Le Bon is nearly killed by Rajah, the rogue elephant, during a circus parade, introducing the danger that Rajah poses.

Burton's Luck: Matt and his friends intervene to save Le Bon, but the incident reveals Dhondaram's treacherous nature and his connection to Rajah.

Motor Matt's Courage: Matt's aeroplane becomes a target when Dhondaram ties a bag containing a cobra to the lower wing, leading to a harrowing flight.

Dhondaram's Excuse: Dhondaram claims he was hypnotized and couldn't control Rajah, but Matt and his friends suspect he is lying.

Robbery: Andy Carter, the circus ticket man, is revealed to be working with Dhondaram to steal the circus's money.

Between the Wagons: Matt and his friends uncover Carter's plot and confront him, leading to a tense negotiation.

A Peg to Hang Suspicions On: Evidence is found linking Carl, Matt's Dutch friend, to the robbery, but Matt believes he is innocent.

A Waiting Game: Matt and his friends wait for the right moment to confront Dhondaram and recover the stolen money.

A Trick at the Start: Dhondaram attempts to sabotage Matt's aeroplane again, but Matt's quick thinking foils his plan.

In the Air with a Cobra: Matt and Le Bon face the cobra during their flight, leading to a dangerous and thrilling aerial battle.

A Scientific Fact: Matt uses his knowledge of electricity to explain how the cobra caused the short circuit, showcasing his ingenuity.

Ping on the Wrong Track: Ping mistakenly accuses Carl of theft, leading to tension among the friends.

Facing a Traitor: Matt and his friends confront Carter, who agrees to help them capture Dhondaram.

Meeting the Hindoo: Matt and his friends track down Dhondaram, leading to a tense confrontation and the recovery of the stolen money.

A Bit of a Backset: Dhondaram is captured, but Matt and his friends must deal with the aftermath of the events.

The People

Matt King (Motor Matt): Matt is a talented inventor and pilot, known for his bravery and quick thinking. He is the leader of the group and the one who often saves the day with his ingenuity and courage.

Joe McGlory: McGlory is Matt's loyal friend, a cowboy with a strong sense of justice. He provides comic relief and is always ready to support Matt in his adventures.

Ping: Ping is a Chinese boy who works for Matt and is deeply loyal to him. He is resourceful and often helps Matt and McGlory out of difficult situations.

Carl Pretzel: Carl is Matt's Dutch friend, who is often misunderstood and accused of things he didn't do. He is loyal and tries to help Matt, even when things go wrong.

Dhondaram: Dhondaram is the primary antagonist, a snake charmer and elephant trainer who is treacherous and manipulative. He works against Matt and the circus, causing chaos and danger.

Andy Carter: Carter is the circus ticket man who turns out to be a traitor. He works with Dhondaram to steal the circus's money but eventually helps Matt and his friends capture the villain.

Boss Burton: Burton is the manager and proprietor of the circus. He is a fair and just leader who trusts Matt and his friends to handle the situation.

Archie Le Bon: Le Bon is a trapeze artist who becomes involved in Matt's adventures. He is brave and resourceful, helping Matt during the dangerous flight.

In Its Own Voice

"Great spark-plugs!"

Matt's exclamation as he sees Archie Le Bon being attacked by the elephant, showcasing his surprise and concern.

"I'll tell you that, Burton," he answered, "just as soon as you promise to let me off and not make any move against me on account of the robbery."

Andy Carter's negotiation with Burton, revealing his role in the theft and his willingness to help in exchange for leniency.

What It's Really About

Motor Matt's Short Circuit is about bravery, friendship, and the triumph of good over evil. The story explores the challenges of navigating dangerous situations and the importance of trust and loyalty among friends. Matt's ingenuity and courage are tested as he faces both human and animal adversaries, highlighting the value of quick thinking and resourcefulness. The novel also touches on themes of betrayal and redemption, as characters like Carter and Dhondaram are given the chance to make amends for their actions.

Why Read It Today

Motor Matt's Short Circuit is a thrilling adventure that will appeal to readers who enjoy stories of bravery, ingenuity, and friendship. The novel's fast-paced plot and vivid descriptions of aerial stunts and circus life make it an engaging read for fans of action and adventure. Matt's character, with his quick thinking and determination, serves as a relatable and inspiring protagonist.

While the language and attitudes reflect the period in which it was written, the story's themes of courage and loyalty remain timeless. The novel's short chapters and engaging plot make it an accessible read, ideal for those looking for a quick and exciting adventure. The inclusion of diverse characters, such as Ping and Dhondaram, adds depth to the story, showcasing the importance of different perspectives and backgrounds.

Readers who enjoy dime novels or are fans of the Motor Matt series will find this installment particularly engaging. The story's blend of action, mystery, and historical detail creates a vivid and immersive reading experience. Motor Matt's Short Circuit is a testament to the enduring appeal of adventure stories, offering a thrilling journey that leaves readers eager to see what Matt will tackle next.