Motor Matt's Engagement; or, On the Road with a Show

by Stanley R. Matthews

"Motor Matt's Engagement; or, On the Road with a Show" by Stanley R. Matthews is a work of fiction, likely written in the early 20th century. This adventure story revolves around the protagonist, Motor Matt King, who is a skilled aviator teamed up with his cowboy friend, Joe McGlory. Together, they navigate the challenges of performing with the Big Consolidated Shows while confronting various dangers involving an intriguing cast of characters, including Haidee, a trapeze artist with a mysterious uncle, and a threat posed by Ben Ali, an elephant driver with ulterior motives. At the start of the story, the reader is introduced to a humorous and chaotic scene involving an energetic elephant and a comical feud between a Dutch boy and a Chinese boy. Amidst this backdrop, we meet Motor Matt and his companions, who are preparing for a performance featuring an aëroplane with a trapeze act. The opening establishes a lively atmosphere filled with anticipation, introducing themes of adventure, danger, and the complexities of the show business world. As preparations unfold, an underlying tension emerges regarding the safety of Haidee, the trapeze artist, linked to mysterious occurrences surrounding her and her uncle, setting the stage for a series of thrilling events.