Owen Clancy's Happy Trail; Or, The Motor Wizard in California

"Owen Clancy's Happy Trail; Or, The Motor Wizard in California" by Burt L. Standish is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story follows Hiram Hill, a spirited youth on a quest to find his long-lost father, who inadvertently causes chaos in a bustling Los Angeles as he mistakes another man for his dad. The narrative blends adventure and comedy with colorful characters while exploring themes of family and friendship, all while Hill is assisted by the capable Motor Wizard, Owen Clancy. The opening of the book introduces a chaotic scene in Los Angeles during a festive celebration featuring a Chinese dragon parade. This lively backdrop sets the stage for Hiram Hill’s wild encounter as he spots a man he believes to be his father in an automobile. In his excitement, Hiram causes a riot by jumping into the dragon procession, leading to a series of comedic mishaps. After being removed to a drugstore during the melee, Hiram sends a telegram to Clancy, asking for help in locating his father. The first chapter effectively establishes Hiram's earnest yet comical demeanor, hinting at the adventures that await him and Clancy as they embark on a journey to uncover familial ties amidst a series of mischief and misunderstandings. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

William George "Gilbert" Patten was a writer of dime novels and is best known as author of the Frank Merriwell stories, with the pen name Burt L. Standish.