The Submarine Boys on Duty: Life on a Diving Torpedo Boat

In Short

This is a classic tale of youthful ingenuity and industrial ambition at the dawn of the twentieth century. It follows two teenage boys, Jack Benson and Hal Hastings, who secure work helping an inventor build a groundbreaking submarine. Their journey involves grueling labor, a dangerous rivalry with a spiteful foreman, and the eventual trial of their vessel before the United States Navy. The book endures as an early example of the "boy adventure" genre, capturing the turn-of-the-century fascination with naval technology and the idealized promise of self-made success.

The Story

The story begins in the sleepy town of Dunhaven, where sixteen-year-old chums Jack Benson and Hal Hastings arrive seeking work. Their path is immediately blocked by Joshua Owen, a surly, entrenched foreman at the local shipyard who views the boys as interlopers. Jack, a quick-witted youth with a knack for boxing, earns his place by besting a local bully named Dan Jaggers, who happens to be the foreman’s nephew. Despite Owen’s persistent attempts to sabotage the construction of the Pollard, a new diving torpedo boat, the boys’ natural aptitude and hard work win over the inventor, David Pollard, and the project owner, Jacob Farnum.

Once the submarine is completed and launched, the boys’ true test begins. As the boat undergoes its maiden trials, the resentment of the displaced foreman reaches a breaking point. Owen and his nephew conspire to steal money from the boys and, in a final act of malice, sneak aboard the vessel to leave the crew trapped beneath the waves. The boys are left to face the claustrophobic terror of a sinking submarine, with the air supply dwindling and their movements restricted by handcuffs. Their survival depends on their ability to remain calm and use their mechanical knowledge to reverse the sabotage.

The narrative shifts to the open ocean as the Pollard journeys to join the United States fleet for summer maneuvers. During this voyage, the boys encounter a mysterious passenger named Henderson who proves to be a dangerous lunatic hiding in plain sight. After successfully navigating these human threats, the crew reaches the naval fleet. Jack, demonstrating a mix of audacity and skill, orchestrates a bold "joke" that showcases the submarine’s capabilities to the high-ranking naval officers, ultimately securing the vessel’s reputation.

The final arc resolves the lingering threats. The boys assist in tracking down the criminal steward who had been involved in the conspiracy against the project. With the villains apprehended and the Pollard officially recognized as a triumph, the story concludes with a satisfying transition into stability. Jacob Farnum rewards the boys with generous salaries and, in a celebratory finish, invites his young crew to his wedding. The boys, once penniless wanderers, are now established as the trusted captain and crew of a revolutionary maritime machine.

How It Unfolds

The arrival in Dunhaven Jack and Hal arrive as strangers seeking employment at the shipyard. They face immediate skepticism from the foreman, who views their youth as a sign of incompetence.

Establishing the rivalry A physical confrontation between Jack and the local bully, Dan Jaggers, sets the stage for the ongoing conflict. The foreman’s animosity grows as he realizes the boys are protected by the shipyard's owner.

The completion of the Pollard The boys prove their worth through hard work and mechanical proficiency. As the submarine nears completion, they become integral to the vessel’s operation.

The sabotage at sea The embittered former foreman returns to trap the crew inside the sinking submarine. The boys must overcome their fear and the physical restraints of their captivity to prevent a disaster.

The naval maneuvers The submarine travels to join the United States fleet. During the transit, the crew must manage a dangerous, mentally unstable passenger.

The successful demonstration Jack executes a clever maneuver that impresses the Admiral of the fleet. This demonstration proves the boat’s viability and secures the future of the venture.

Resolution of the mystery The boys help track down the remaining conspirators involved in the financial schemes surrounding the boat. The story concludes with the boys being offered long-term employment and attending the owner’s wedding.

The People

Jack Benson is the charismatic, agile leader of the pair. Possessing a cool head under pressure, he moves from a penniless wanderer to the respected captain of the Pollard. His primary adversary is Joshua Owen, a bitter, resentful man whose pride and inability to accept change drive him to criminal lengths. Owen’s nephew, Dan Jaggers, serves as the brute-force instrument of this malice, though his limited intellect makes him an easy target for Jack’s cleverness. Hal Hastings acts as Jack’s loyal partner, providing necessary support and courage during their most harrowing moments. David Pollard, the inventor, and Jacob Farnum, the wealthy owner, provide the resources and mentorship that allow the boys to rise from laborers to professional mariners. Together, these figures represent the contrast between the innovative, forward-looking spirit of the new century and the petty, destructive impulses of the past.

In Its Own Voice

"You're behaving like a pretty poor grade of tough," spoke Jack, in deep disgust.

Jack says this to the bully Dan Jaggers, marking the moment he refuses to be intimidated by physical force.

"I'll confess to being a bit nervous myself," responded Mr. Farnum.

The owner of the shipyard admits to his own vulnerability while the crew is submerged in the depths of the ocean.

"Don't get flurried about anything, Captain Benson."

Jacob Farnum gives this advice to Jack as they prepare for the high-stakes naval maneuvers.

What It's Really About

The central theme of the story is the triumph of merit and technical competence over malice and tradition. The book argues that professional success is not a birthright but something to be earned through consistent, intelligent application of one's skills. Furthermore, the submarine serves as a metaphor for the rapid, sometimes "uncanny" technological progress of the era. The characters are constantly negotiating the boundary between human courage and the indifferent, often dangerous nature of the sea. The underlying question is whether the individual can master these new, powerful machines—and the complex social and criminal challenges that accompany them—to create a secure and prosperous future.

Why Read It Today

Readers who enjoy historical juvenile fiction will find this a charming, fast-paced glimpse into the early days of submarine technology. The writing is steeped in the optimism of the 1900s, where boys could rise to command ships through sheer character and pluck. The sense of wonder regarding the "miracle" of the submarine is infectious, and the high-seas maneuvering provides a genuine sense of adventure.

However, readers should be prepared for the period-typical language and attitudes. The characters often speak in a stilted, earnest dialect common to the writing style of the era, and the portrayal of social class and "tough" characters feels very much a product of its time. The plot relies heavily on the "boy hero" trope, where the protagonists are perhaps a bit too perfect and their enemies a bit too cartoonishly villainous. Despite these conventions, the book remains a readable curiosity. It is best enjoyed by those who appreciate the aesthetic of early industrial adventure, where the mystery of the deep sea meets the straightforward morality of a bygone era. What stays with the reader is the image of the young protagonists, in their crisp new uniforms, stepping into a future that was, at the time, only just beginning to unfold beneath the waves.