The Submarine Boys and the Middies: The Prize Detail at Annapolis

"The Submarine Boys and the Middies" by Victor G. Durham is a novel written in the early 20th century. This adventure story focuses on a trio of young submarine enthusiasts as they navigate the challenges and excitement of working with their submarine craft, culminating in a trip to the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis. The main characters are Jack Benson, the captain of the submarine "Pollard," and his fellow crew members, Hal Hastings and Eph Somers, who are eager to showcase their skills and be part of the naval world. At the start of the narrative, Jack and his companions work at a shipbuilding yard where they anticipate the arrival of the United States Navy to take possession of the "Pollard." Upon receiving news that a naval gunboat, the "Hudson," is on the way to retrieve their submarine, excitement builds among the boys about the adventure ahead, including potential instructional duties for the midshipmen at Annapolis. However, their excitement is quickly mixed with tension as they discover that the secondary submarine, "Farnum," has mysteriously vanished from its moorings. This opening sets the stage for mystery, camaraderie, and the boys' journey into the naval world, establishing a sense of urgency and anticipation for the challenges they will soon face.