Motor Matt

In Short

This quintessential American dime novel follows Matt King, a talented and upright orphan, as he navigates the social and physical challenges of the town of Phoenix. Combining the fascination with early twentieth-century motorized technology with the classic "triumph of the underdog" narrative, the book captures a specific moment in juvenile literature. It is an episodic, fast-paced adventure that celebrates clean living, mechanical aptitude, and unwavering moral integrity, offering a window into the values and enthusiasms of young readers at the turn of the century.

The Story

Matt King—known as "Motor Matt"—is a drifter who settles in Phoenix, where he quickly finds friendship with a local inventor named Chub McReady and a devoted, if eccentric, veteran named Welcome. Despite his humble status as a "maverick" without a family, Matt’s natural athletic ability and gentlemanly demeanor make him an instant success in local sports. This success earns him the immediate, bitter jealousy of Dace Perry, the local high school’s arrogant captain of the cross-country team. Perry, aided by a volatile and easily manipulated youth named Tom Clipperton, attempts to systematically undermine Matt.

As Matt prepares for a crucial bicycle race—the prize for which is a powerful, state-of-the-art motorcycle called the "Comet"—the conflict intensifies. A local gambler named Hawley, who has bet heavily against Matt, joins forces with Perry to ensure that Matt is barred from the track. Through a series of schemes, they attempt to intimidate Matt, orchestrate accidents, and eventually kidnap him to prevent his participation.

Matt, however, proves as clever as he is athletic. After being held captive in a remote cabin by one of Hawley’s hired men, Matt uses his wits to secure his escape. He manages to communicate his plight via a makeshift wireless transmitter to Chub, and then, through a desperate, high-speed flight across the desert on the very machine he intends to win, he makes it to the track just in time. The climax of the book is the race itself. Matt easily outclasses his rival, O’Day, proving his superior skill and endurance. Following his victory, the community embraces him, and the narrative concludes with the established hierarchy of the town corrected: the bullies are disgraced, the gambler’s scheme is thwarted, and the hero is rightfully celebrated. The final pages shift to an unrelated adventure involving two men, Paul and Jack, in a jungle setting, highlighting the episodic nature of the dime novel format, which often bundled disparate stories or serialized adventures together.

How It Unfolds

The arrival Matt enters Phoenix and immediately establishes himself as a person of interest, gaining allies in the inventive Chub and the protective Welcome. He quickly draws the ire of Dace Perry, who resents Matt’s immediate popularity among the townspeople.

The rising tension A series of confrontations occurs, including a physical fight where Matt demonstrates his superior composure. Perry manipulates Clipperton into sabotaging Matt’s equipment, but Matt chooses to handle the situation with restraint rather than petty retaliation.

The abduction Hawley, the gambler, intervenes to protect his interests, leading to Matt’s capture and detention in a distant cabin. Matt spends his captivity planning his escape and analyzing his enemies' weaknesses, demonstrating the patience he applies to all his struggles.

The final race Matt executes a daring escape and arrives at the race just as the tension reaches its breaking point. He dominates the track, securing the victory and the "Comet" motorcycle, which serves as both a trophy and a symbol of his newfound stability.

The People

Matt King A self-reliant, "straight-shooting" wanderer, Matt is the archetypal hero who succeeds through a combination of physical prowess, technical intelligence, and a rigid, almost stoic moral code. He wants a place to belong, but he is constantly tested by those who resent his effortless talent.

Chub McReady An eccentric, aspiring inventor, Chub provides the technical and emotional support Matt lacks. He is loyal and endlessly creative, serving as the bridge between Matt and the local community.

Dace Perry The primary antagonist, Perry represents the "bad blood" of the town. Driven by envy and a desire for social dominance, he acts behind the scenes, using his influence over others to do his dirty work. He fails because he lacks the "cool-headed calculation" that defines Matt.

Tom Clipperton A "quarter-blood" youth with immense physical power but little emotional control, Clipperton is a pawn in Perry’s games. He eventually realizes he has been manipulated and experiences genuine remorse, distinguishing him from the truly malicious Perry.

Welcome An elderly man with a wooden leg and a penchant for tall tales, Welcome is a fiercely loyal protector. Though he often struggles to distinguish between real threats and his own dramatic imagination, his dedication to Matt is unwavering.

In Its Own Voice

"I've been rubbing the lamp too long for my own good."

Matt reflects on his past habit of drifting and waiting for opportunities, signaling his decision to finally settle down and work for a living.

"A chap that don't make enemies is a dub."

Chub attempts to reassure Matt that his popularity and success naturally invite jealousy, framing it as a necessary byproduct of being a person of action.

"Let me win if I may when the game's afoot; Let me master my Fate when I choose her: Playing square with myself in the fight, my boy, If I fail let me be a good loser."

These lines, printed on a card in Matt's room, encapsulate the moral philosophy that guides his actions throughout the story.

What It's Really About

At its core, this story is a manual for the "self-made" individual. It argues that character is defined not by birthright or social standing, but by one’s ability to remain calm and ethical under pressure. The book treats the burgeoning world of motorized technology—represented by the motorcycle—as an extension of the human spirit; mastering the machine is a metaphor for mastering one's own destiny. It asks: can an outsider, defined by his own actions rather than a family name, carve out a position of respect? The answer is a resounding "yes," provided that the individual plays by the rules of "clean sport" and remains unimpeachable in the face of corruption.

Why Read It Today

Readers who enjoy historical artifacts or the foundational myths of American adolescence will find this a fascinating read. It serves as a time capsule, capturing the turn-of-the-century obsession with "wireless" telegraphy, early gasoline engines, and the rigid, often binary, morality of the era. To read it is to experience the frenetic, slightly melodramatic pacing of the dime novel, where every chapter ends in a cliffhanger and the protagonist is always the smartest person in the room.

However, modern readers should be prepared for the period-specific attitudes contained in the text. The book reflects the racial and social prejudices of 1909, particularly in its casual descriptions of characters and its reliance on stereotypes. The prose is functional and high-energy, though the dialogue can feel stagey to a contemporary ear. Its value lies not in literary complexity, but in its earnest portrayal of a world where technology was still a magical frontier and where a young man’s worth was measured by his grit, his word, and his ability to win a race against the odds. It is a brisk, lighthearted, and deeply nostalgic experience for anyone interested in the history of juvenile fiction.