Pathfinder; or, The Missing Tenderfoot

"Pathfinder; or, The Missing Tenderfoot" by Alan Douglas is an adventure story about a troop of Boy Scouts, the Hickory Ridge troop, who are known for friendship and problem-solving. Guided by the expertise of Elmer Chenowith, who acts as their pathfinder, they encounter a mystery that changes everything as they try to find their friend, Nat Scott, who vanishes in the wilderness. The novel begins with the friends discovering a coded note left by Elmer while exploring the woods. This clever message directs the boys about their companions' whereabouts and expands their adventure. As they continue their journey, they learn of Nat's unexpected disappearance, which brings about a sense of urgency, and they set off to figure out what happened to him, facing challenges and discoveries at every turn.