Tom Swift and His House on Wheels

"Tom Swift and His House on Wheels" by Victor Appleton follows the young inventor Tom Swift as he embarks on a new adventure with his latest invention, a mobile home he calls the "House on Wheels." The story begins with Tom refusing a lucrative contract from Basil Cunningham, a suspicious Englishman, due to ethical concerns about patent infringement. Tom's decision sets off a chain of events involving intrigue and danger. Tom's invention, the House on Wheels, is a marvel of engineering, equipped with all the comforts of home and powered by a gas-electric motor. As Tom and his friend Ned Newton prepare for a journey to test the vehicle, they encounter various challenges, including an attempted sabotage by mysterious men linked to Cunningham. The plot thickens as Tom and Ned decide to visit Dismal Mountain, a place shrouded in mystery and rumored to be a hideout for criminals. Along the way, they face natural obstacles and human threats, including a group of bandits who temporarily steal the House on Wheels. Tom and Ned's determination to uncover the secrets of Dismal Mountain leads them to a confrontation with Cunningham's gang, who are involved in illegal activities, including the theft and distribution of scientific instruments. Throughout the story, Tom's relationship with Mary Nestor is highlighted, with hints of jealousy and misunderstandings due to the presence of another suitor, Floyd Barton. However, Tom's loyalty and integrity ultimately win Mary's heart, culminating in their marriage. The novel combines elements of adventure, mystery, and romance, showcasing Tom Swift's ingenuity and moral compass as he navigates challenges both mechanical and personal. The resolution sees the downfall of Cunningham's criminal enterprise and the triumph of Tom's inventive spirit, as he and Mary embark on their honeymoon in the House on Wheels.

By Victor Appleton · First published 1929 · Genre: Science Fiction, Adventure, Juvenile Fiction · 25 chapters · 51,969 words

First lines

Tom Swift, with a negative shake of his head, shoved several papers across the table that separated him from a burly, red-faced man whose eyes narrowly observed the young inventor.

"Then you refuse this contract, Mr. Swift -- a contract for constructing over one hundred thousand dollars' worth of machinery on which you can make a handsome profit? You absolutely refuse it?"

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What this Textopian page supports

Tom Swift and His House on Wheels is listed on Textopian as a novel by Victor Appleton, dated 1929 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

• Work type: Novel
• Author: Victor Appleton
• Date: 1929 CE
• Language: English
• Genres: Science Fiction, Adventure, Juvenile Fiction
• Length: 51,969 words
• Structure: 25 chapters, 1,549 paragraphs
• Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

Good citation fit

• Work identity for Tom Swift and His House on Wheels by Victor Appleton
• Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
• Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
• Readability and classroom-planning context
• Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph

Similar titles

• An Express Of The Future by Jules Verne
• Tom Swift And His Great Oil Gusher by Victor Appleton
• Tom Swift And His Chest Of Secrets by Victor Appleton
• The Great Brown Pericord Motor by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
• The Scientific Pioneer Returns by Nelson S. Bond
• The Fixer by George O. Smith

Genres

• Science Fiction — Features futuristic technology and inventive devices central to the narrative.
• Adventure — Emphasizes daring journeys and exploration through imaginative settings.
• Juvenile Fiction — Written in a style appealing to young readers with accessible language and themes.

Tags

adventure · invention · technology · innovation · engineering · mobility · transportation · juvenile fiction · science fiction · mechanical · exploration · automotive

Contents

• Strong Words
• The New Invention
• Ned's Suspicions
• Surprising News
• Work and Worry
• The Tryout
• The Race
• Cunningham on the Wire
• Dismal Mountain
• Jealousy
• Trailing the Mystery
• The Warning
• The Deserted House
• A Strange Disappearance
• On the Trail
• Two Strange Men
• The Captive Escapes
• Shots from Ambush
• Prisoners
• In the Castle
• Plots and Plans
• The Escape
• Setting the Trap
• Just in Time
• Wedding Bells

More by Victor Appleton

• Tom Swift and His Talking Pictures (1931)
• Tom Swift and His Chest of Secrets (1925)
• Tom Swift and His Airline Express (1915)
• Tom Swift and His Great Oil Gusher (1924)
• The Motion Picture Chums' New Idea (1914)
• All works by Victor Appleton