Two Daring Young Patriots; or, Outwitting the Huns

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

26645

Title

Two Daring Young Patriots; or, Outwitting the Huns

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Set in occupied Belgium, this adventure follows Max Durend and Jack Dale as they outwit the tyrannical German manager Otto von Schenk at the Durend munitions works. Through sabotage, espionage, and daring raids, the young patriots transform a German factory into an asset for the Allies, showcasing themes of courage, loyalty, and resistance against oppression.

Summary up to 500 words

Two Daring Young Patriots; or, Outwitting the Huns by W. P. Shervill chronicles the wartime exploits of Max Durend and Jack Dale, two Belgian youths of English descent working at the Durend munitions works under German occupation. The narrative opens with tension within Max's rowing crew at Hawkesley school, where Max is demoted due to the temper of his teammate Montgomery, foreshadowing the conflict and leadership qualities he will display later. Upon returning to Liège, Max and his friend Jack Dale face the harsh reality of German exploitation. They witness the manager, Otto von Schenk, a German officer, overseeing the production of shells and guns for the invading army. Determined to sabotage the enemy's war effort without destroying the factory's potential for the Allies, Max and Dale devise a series of strategic operations. They begin by planting explosives in the power-house and workshops, causing significant damage and forcing the Germans to halt production. However, Schenk quickly repairs the damage, prompting the boys to escalate their efforts. The duo then targets the massive coal stacks outside the works, planning to burn them to deny fuel to the Germans. Their plans are complicated by German military patrols and the need to evade capture. Max and Dale utilize their knowledge of the local terrain and the loyalty of some Belgian workers, including the faithful Dubec, to execute their schemes. They manage to hide supplies, plant fuses, and escape detection multiple times, often relying on clever distractions and the chaos of war. As the war progresses, the boys engage in trench fighting and participate in major battles like Ypres and Verdun. Their primary focus remains the Durend works. When the German retreat begins, Schenk attempts to evacuate the factory intact but fails to destroy it before the Allies arrive. In a climactic moment, Max and Dale deliver a final blow by leaving a note in Schenk's car, revealing that the factory is now fully operational for the Allies. Schenk is forced to flee, leaving behind a factory that will aid the Allied cause. The novel concludes with the return of Belgian workers to the restored factory, which quickly resumes production for the Allies. Max and Dale emerge as heroes, not only for their military contributions but for their ability to turn the enemy's resources against him. The story emphasizes patriotism, the strength of the Belgian spirit, and the enduring bond between the young patriots and their fellow citizens. Shervill's writing captures the excitement of adventure and the moral clarity of resistance, making it a compelling tale of youthful heroism during World War I.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

Download URL

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/26645.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg26645.epub

Download EPUB

Downloaded at

2026-07-04 13:13 UTC

Categories

• Adventure
• History
• Fiction