Motor Matt's Mariner; or, Filling the Bill for Bunce

On a restless evening in Catskill-on-the-Hudson, the charismatic tinkerer known as Motor Matt lounges on a hotel porch with his outspoken cowboy friend, Joe McGlory. Their eyes scan the glittering river traffic, and a craving for excitement pushes them toward the town’s nickel‑price moving‑picture show, where a mysterious serial called “Buddha’s Eye” flickers to life. The pair’s banter about steamers, motor boats, and daring escapades sets a tone of restless adventure that hints at larger machinations beyond the screen.

The story quickly steers from the flickering lantern to the real world, introducing a colorful cast: the crafty mariner Bunce, a scheming Mandarin named Tsan Ti, and the enigmatic Philo Grattan, whose dark tricks promise danger and intrigue. As Matt’s knack for engineering and Joe’s quick wit begin to intersect with these shadowy figures, the duo finds themselves drawn into a plot that could turn the Hudson’s calm waters into a high‑speed chase. Listeners can expect a blend of early‑20th‑century motor lore, witty dialogue, and a dash of international mystery that keeps the action humming.