The Rival Submarines

"The Rival Submarines" by Percy F. Westerman is a gripping naval adventure set during a time of military buildup, telling the story of Sub-Lieutenant Arnold Hythe's mission to uncover the identity of a mysterious foreign submarine that threatens the British fleet. The story opens with a sense of urgency as the British naval forces get ready for practice maneuvers at Portsmouth. Hythe's investigation starts when a coded message attached to the battleships’ anchors reveals an unknown danger. His search leads him deep into the ocean, where an encounter with a mysterious submarine fuels his resolve to safeguard his fleet. The story revolves around the tense struggle between British naval forces and the unsettling actions of the elusive Captain Restronguet, creating a suspenseful story full of naval tactics, technological exploration, and bravery when facing danger.