Pathfinder; or, The Missing Tenderfoot

by Alan Douglas

"Pathfinder; or, The Missing Tenderfoot" by Captain Alan Douglas is a fictional novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story follows a group of Boy Scouts from the Hickory Ridge troop, specifically focusing on their adventures led by Elmer Chenowith, who takes on the role of a skilled pathfinder as they attempt to unravel the mystery of a missing scout named Nat Scott. The narrative introduces themes of friendship, problem-solving, and the spirit of adventure inherent in youth. At the start of the book, a group of seven scouts, including Elmer and Matty Eggleston, discovers a birch bark message left by Elmer while they are hiking in the woods. The message serves as a clever way for Elmer to communicate with his fellow scouts about a game they are playing, which involves following trails and tracking other scout teams. The friends excitedly decode the message that reveals information about their companions’ whereabouts and leads them further on their adventure. As the scouts delve into their expedition, they become aware of Nat's unexplained disappearance, and a sense of urgency and mystery envelops the narrative as they prepare to search for him, setting the stage for the challenges and discoveries that lie ahead.