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

E-text prepared by Jim Ludwig
Note: This is book two of eight of the Submarine Boys Series.
Making Good as Young Experts
1909
CHAPTERS I. A Big Cloud on the Submarine Horizon II. A Submarine Stunt that Dumfounds the Beholders III. Mr. Melville Hurls the Crash IV. A Squall in an Office V. Don Melville Takes a Hand VI. The Pollard has a Rival VII. Missing—A Submarine and Crew VIII. Farnum Stock Goes Up IX. A Rascally Piece of Work X. A Race for Mixed Prizes XI. What Befell, the Real Benson XII. The Capitalist Doesn't Likes the Situation XIII. On trial as Young Experts XIV. Fooling the Navy, But Only Once XV. Serving in the Cause of Peace, Not War XVI. Fighting a Mutiny with Threats XVII. Jack Perpetrates a Practical Sea Joke XVIII. Eph Enjoys Being Rescued XIX. Jack Stumbles Upon a Big Surprise XX. Conclusion
At what time did you say that the 'Pollard' was due to be back, Mr. Farnum?
At two o'clock, replied the owner of the boat-building yard at the little seaport town of Dunhaven.
It's within five minutes of that hour, now.
So it is, nodded the owner of the yard, after briefly consulting his watch.
For half an hour, or a little longer, a middle aged man, with the world of business and large affairs imprinted on him, had been walking to and fro along the shore end of the yard. In this walk he was accompanied by his son, a handsome, dark-eyed and dark-haired young fellow of nineteen. George Melville, the father, was attired very much as any prosperous, busy man might have been, with a touch of fastidiousness added, but the son, Don, was dressed and groomed to look just what he wanted to appear to be, the born young aristocrat.
Punctuality is one of the cardinal virtues with me, you know, continued Mr. Melville, impatiently, as he again glanced at his watch. I had hoped to be able to see your submarine boat, the 'Pollard,' this afternoon.
And I certainly hope you will be able to, replied Jacob Farnum, cordially. This builder, a young man in his thirties, allowed a shade of uneasiness to flit across his face.