Boy Scouts in the North Sea; Or, The Mystery of a Sub

by G. Harvey (George Harvey) Ralphson

"Boy Scouts in the North Sea; Or, The Mystery of a Sub" by G. Harvey Ralphson is a fictional adventure novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story follows a group of four Boy Scouts who find themselves embroiled in a high-stakes scenario involving a mysterious package linked to German submarine activities during World War I. The main character, Ned Nestor, leads his companions on an exciting quest filled with intrigue and peril as they navigate their way from war-torn Europe towards home. At the start of the story, the Boy Scouts are on a train headed for a neutral port in Holland after engaging in dangerous escapades in Belgium. The initial conflict arises when a soldier searches their belongings, leading to the discovery of a suspicious package marked "U-13," which disappears unexpectedly. As the boys delve into this mystery, they encounter characters like the enigmatic Mackinder, who attempts to recover the package, revealing a web of espionage that complicates their journey. As they seek to evade danger, including a submarine, the Scouts' camaraderie and resourcefulness come to the fore, setting the stage for their thrilling adventures ahead.