The Submarine Boys' Trial Trip: "Making Good" as Young Experts

In Short

This brisk maritime adventure follows three young sailors—Jack, Hal, and Eph—who pilot a prototype submarine, the Pollard, in a high-stakes effort to secure a government contract. As they demonstrate the vessel’s capabilities to skeptical officials, they must also contend with a vindictive capitalist and his arrogant son, who are desperate to seize control of the boat-building firm. A foundational entry in an early 20th-century juvenile series, it remains a testament to the era’s fascination with rapid technological progress and the idealized virtue of "making good" through grit and technical expertise.

The Story

The narrative centers on the quiet seaport of Dunhaven, where boatbuilder Jacob Farnum and his inventor partner, David Pollard, have developed a revolutionary submarine. Their success is threatened by George Melville, a wealthy capitalist who seeks to buy out the yard, provided he can install his haughty son, Don, as captain. Farnum refuses, sparking a long-running, polite, yet ruthless battle for control.

Jack Benson, the young, capable captain of the Pollard, along with his loyal crewmates Hal Hastings and Eph Somers, becomes the focal point of the conflict. Don Melville, convinced that Jack is a mere obstacle to his own status, attempts to discredit him through lies and sabotage. The tension mounts as the boys prepare for a critical trial trip intended to prove the submarine’s viability to the U.S. Navy. To generate public interest and pressure, the crew stages a dramatic, secret maneuver: Jack dives the submarine, remains on the seabed, and then miraculously surfaces, proving that the crew does not face certain death if the vessel is disabled.

This display attracts the attention of both the Navy and a potential new investor, Broughton Emerson. However, the scheming Melvilles continue their interference. In a dark turn, Don orchestrates a plot to kidnap Jack and steal the boat’s technical plans, hoping to ruin the firm’s reputation. Jack manages to escape his captors, successfully protecting the integrity of the design and exposing the conspiracy.

With the threat neutralized, the crew executes a final, brilliant demonstration for a visiting Naval board. They navigate the submarine with such precision that they manage to pull off a daring sea rescue of passengers from a yacht controlled by mutineers, further proving the vessel’s utility for both defense and humanitarian service. Following these successes, the Navy officially accepts the Pollard.

The resolution is decisive: Jacob Farnum secures the necessary capital from Mr. Emerson, ensuring the yard’s future while keeping control in his own hands. George Melville, having squandered his fortune on failed sabotage, faces ruin, while his son is reduced to a menial position. The story concludes with the three boys receiving bonuses and shares in the new company, having definitively "made good" as experts.

How It Unfolds

The challenge of capital Jacob Farnum struggles to maintain control of his boatyard against the predatory demands of a wealthy investor. The arrival of the capitalist and his son creates an immediate, palpable tension in the workspace.

A dangerous stunt To prove the safety and innovation of their vessel, the crew performs an daring underwater demonstration. This act of tactical theater leaves onlookers stunned and secures the necessary public and official interest.

The plot thickens Don Melville attempts to undermine the young crew by spreading falsehoods and conspiring with local troublemakers. These underhanded tactics force the submarine boys into a direct, physical confrontation to protect their work.

The final demonstration The crew showcases the Pollard during a rigorous evaluation by Naval officers. By successfully executing a complex rescue mission, they prove the submarine’s worth and silence their remaining critics.

Justice is served The financial and personal schemes of the Melvilles collapse under the weight of their own dishonesty. The boatyard secures its future, and the boys are rewarded for their unwavering competence and integrity.

The People

Jack Benson serves as the moral and technical compass of the story. Driven by a sense of duty to his employer, he remains calm under immense pressure, transforming from a talented youth into a recognized expert. His crewmates, Hal Hastings and Eph Somers, provide essential support; Hal is the steady, capable hand, while Eph brings a touch of humor and fierce loyalty to the group.

Jacob Farnum is the principled visionary who refuses to compromise his independence for the sake of easy money. He acts as a mentor to the boys, trusting their judgment even when the stakes are at their highest. Standing in stark contrast is George Melville, a man who believes every person and innovation has a price. He is motivated by status and control, viewing his son as an extension of his own ambition. Don Melville, the antagonist, is defined by his unearned arrogance. He views the boys as obstacles rather than peers, and his arc is one of steady degradation as his schemes fail to yield the power he craves.

In Its Own Voice

"Punctuality is one of the cardinal virtues with me, you know," continued Mr. Melville, impatiently, as he again glanced at his watch.

Mr. Melville uses his rigid, demanding nature to establish his perceived authority over the boatyard owner.

"In the end Farnum will wish he never seen those boys," sneered Mr. Melville.

The capitalist reveals his deep-seated disdain for the young crew who refuse to submit to his influence.

"The Navy has something to talk about, now, wherever officers meet for dinner, or social talk in the ward-room," declared Commander Ennerling.

After witnessing the boys' success, a high-ranking officer finally acknowledges their professional capability.

What It's Really About

At its core, the book explores the tension between old-world aristocratic entitlement and the emerging meritocracy of the industrial age. It argues that true authority is earned through competence and character rather than inherited wealth or social status. The story frames technical skill as a form of social currency, suggesting that those who master the tools of the future—in this case, submarine technology—are the rightful stewards of industry. There is a persistent, underlying question about the ethics of innovation: can a invention designed for war be a force for peace? The characters navigate this by focusing on safety and rescue, framing their expertise as a moral good that transcends the destructive nature of their profession.

Why Read It Today

Readers who enjoy historical tales of technical ingenuity and the "underdog rising" trope will find much to admire here. The book captures the optimism of the early 20th century, where progress seemed to move at the speed of steam and steel. Reading it today feels like stepping into a brisk, focused world where problems are solved with a wrench and a steady hand.

However, prospective readers should be aware that the prose carries the hallmarks of its time. The dialogue can feel stilted or overly earnest, and the narrative reflects the period’s sometimes narrow attitudes toward class and social standing. The pacing is rapid, occasionally skipping over the logistics of the boys’ schemes in favor of immediate action, which can make the plot feel thin to those seeking deep character studies. Despite this, the central conflict—the battle between integrity and greed—is timeless. It stays with you as a classic example of "boy’s own" literature, where the excitement lies not just in the machinery, but in the satisfaction of seeing young people demand and earn respect in a field dominated by their elders.