Pathfinder; or, The Missing Tenderfoot

In the summer woods of Hickory Ridge, a lively troop of Boy Scouts splits into three patrols—Wolf, Beaver and Eagle—each led by eager boys who dream of earning their first‑class badges. While trekking through a tangled forest, they stumble upon a curious birch‑bark note left in a forked stick, its crude symbols hinting at a secret trail. The discovery sparks a buzz of speculation, as the scouts trade jokes and try to decipher the makeshift “rebus” left by their pathfinder, Elmer Chenowith.

When the “tenderfoot” who was supposed to follow the clues vanishes, the remaining boys rally to solve the mystery before night falls. Guided by Elmer’s promise to leave periodic messages, they must learn to read the hidden signs, trust each other’s strengths, and piece together the trail before the forest swallows the missing scout. The early chapters blend camaraderie, wilderness skill, and a touch of suspense, inviting listeners to join the boys on their first real adventure of teamwork and discovery.