Motor Matt's Submarine

In Short

This brisk adventure novel follows a resourceful young mechanic and his companions as they are lured into a trap involving a mysterious submarine and a duplicitous sea captain. Part of a prolific early 20th-century series, the book serves as a snapshot of juvenile fiction from the era, emphasizing technical ingenuity, unwavering friendship, and moral fortitude. By balancing mechanical fascination with the perils of the high seas, it provides a straightforward, action-oriented narrative that captures the adventurous spirit of its time for readers of all ages.

The Story

The narrative begins in New Orleans, where "Motor Matt" and his close friends, Dick Ferral and Carl Pretzel, await word from their associate, Archibald Townsend—the skipper of the submarine Grampus. Their patience is tested until they are approached by a young woman claiming to be Townsend’s niece, who delivers urgent instructions for them to sail to British Honduras aboard the steamer Santa Maria. Suspicions arise immediately when the boys encounter Captain Jim Sixty, a known adventurer and filibuster, aboard the same ship. The situation turns dire when Matt is suddenly thrown overboard by Sixty, an act intended to silence the youth for knowing too much about a secret telegram.

While Matt is miraculously rescued by the Grampus—which has been trailing the steamer—Dick and Carl find themselves separated from their friend during a fierce storm. Their whaleboat capsizes, and they narrowly manage to board a derelict brig, which they soon identify as the Dolphin, a vessel formerly commanded by Sixty. While adrift on the wreck, the two friends discover the ship’s log and manifest, revealing that Sixty is involved in a nefarious scheme to transport arms and ammunition to Honduras.

Sixty, pursuing the derelict in a schooner, eventually locates the boys and attempts to board the brig to reclaim his cargo. A tense standoff ensues, with Dick and Carl using rifles to hold off the pirate and his crew. Just as their situation seems hopeless, the Grampus emerges from the depths, its crew prepared to intervene. Following a sharp ultimatum issued by Captain Nemo, Jr. (Townsend’s alias), and the timely arrival of the naval cruiser Seminole, the standoff ends abruptly. The Seminole takes the crew of the schooner into custody, while the derelict is destroyed as a maritime hazard. The story concludes with the three friends reunited, their trust in each other reinforced, and the villainous Sixty finally facing the justice he has long evaded. The book closes with a separate, unrelated short story regarding a "chicken-hearted tenderfoot" in the American West, highlighting the diverse, episodic nature of the series.

How It Unfolds

A suspicious invitation Matt and his friends receive a sudden, cryptic set of orders to travel to British Honduras under a veil of secrecy. They find themselves aboard the Santa Maria in the company of the treacherous Captain Sixty.

The overboard attempt Sixty targets Matt in a cold-blooded effort to protect his hidden interests and keep his plans concealed from the law. Matt is cast into the sea, only to be saved by the sudden arrival of the submarine Grampus.

Adrift at sea Separated from their leader, Dick and Carl survive the storm by securing themselves onto a derelict vessel. They soon learn the true, illicit nature of the cargo hidden within the wreck.

The pirate’s return Sixty tracks the derelict and attempts to seize the ship and the boys by force. A desperate defense ensures, with the boys refusing to surrender to the overwhelming number of attackers.

The final confrontation The Grampus surfaces, forcing a showdown that brings both the pirate and the boys to the attention of naval authorities. The conflict concludes with the restoration of order and the apprehension of the criminals.

The People

Motor Matt is the quintessential "can-do" hero. Possessing a natural aptitude for anything mechanical, he remains calm under pressure and serves as the moral compass for his friends. His primary obstacle is the constant interference of those who fear his keen intellect and bravery.

Dick Ferral is a sturdy, loyal companion with a seafaring background. He is driven by a deep sense of justice and is willing to stand his ground against any odds to protect his chums. He grows from a passive observer of the unfolding mystery into a resolute fighter during the climax on the derelict.

Carl Pretzel provides both levity and heart. Though sometimes impatient or prone to panic, he is a dedicated friend whose stout spirit carries him through the most harrowing physical trials of the journey.

Captain Jim Sixty acts as the primary antagonist. A man of greed and violence, he attempts to manipulate everyone around him to secure his own fortune. His failure stems from his inability to account for the resourcefulness of the boys and the intervention of the Grampus.

Captain Nemo, Jr. is the authoritative figure who coordinates the rescue. While he operates with necessary secrecy, his ultimate loyalty to his friends and his adherence to the law provide the counterbalance to Sixty’s criminality.

In Its Own Voice

"There is a speed limit for automobiles in the City of New Orleans, but a certain red touring car on this Wednesday morning gave little heed to the regulation."

This line introduces the fast-paced, high-energy environment that characterizes Matt’s world.

"The Grampus was hustling down the river, her screw racing under the terrific impulse of the gasolene motor, and a white line of foam surging across her low deck and breaking against the base of the conning tower."

This vivid description captures the technical focus and maritime excitement central to the narrative.

What It's Really About

At its core, the book explores the tension between individual ingenuity and the lawless chaos of the frontier. The "motor" of the title serves as more than a mechanical device; it symbolizes the modern age's push toward efficiency, control, and progress. The story asks whether personal grit can navigate a world where traditional rules—like those governing maritime safety or honest trade—are ignored by the unscrupulous. It posits that while the world is full of "derelicts" and "pirates," those who remain loyal to their friends and act with integrity will ultimately prevail over the chaotic, greedy schemes of the dishonest.

Why Read It Today

Readers looking for a window into the early 20th-century fascination with nascent technology and adventure will find much to admire here. The pacing is swift, reflecting the "dime novel" tradition where every chapter is engineered to sustain interest. However, modern readers should be prepared for the narrative style of its time, including phonetic dialect for certain characters and a brisk, sometimes utilitarian prose style that prioritizes plot over psychological depth.

The book captures a specific, idealized version of the "American boy" adventurer, whose skills and morality are always put to the test. While the inclusion of a secondary, unrelated story at the end might feel disjointed to contemporary readers, it serves as a reminder of how these serial stories were packaged and sold. Those who enjoy tales of mechanical wonder, submarines, and classic "good vs. evil" dynamics will find it a compelling, if brief, curiosity. It stays with you not for its complexity, but for its earnest, straightforward depiction of friendship and the satisfaction of seeing a villain receive his just deserts on the open sea. It is a light, nostalgic read that demands little but offers a genuine sense of old-fashioned exploration.