Dan Carter and the Great Carved Face

In Short

Set against the backdrop of a Cub Scout den’s preparations for a local pow-wow, the story follows Dan Carter and his friends as they investigate a series of thefts and a strange, ancient-looking carving on a river cliff. What begins as a simple quest for handicraft materials turns into a high-stakes search for a missing Navajo medicine man living in an underground cavern. Known for its steady pacing and classic "boy detective" sensibility, the book remains a nostalgic example of the wholesome, project-driven mysteries popular in the 1950s.

The Story

The story begins with the members of Den 2, led by the dependable and clever Dan Carter and his friend Brad, preparing for an upcoming regional pow-wow. The boys are tasked with creating various Indian-themed crafts, including a sand painting and a carved paddle, to compete against a rival den. However, the project is repeatedly interrupted by a string of disappearances: first, a member of the troop named Red goes missing, and later, essential supplies like a valuable Navajo blanket and hand-painted paddles vanish without a trace.

While hiking near a ravine, the boys stumble upon a grotesque, skillfully carved face on a cliff wall. This discovery coincides with the arrival of two stern Navajo men, Eagle Feather and White Nose, who are searching for a missing tribesman they claim is an outcast. The Cubs, initially terrified, soon realize that the mystery of the missing items and the identity of the "outcast" are linked. They suspect a link between the strange current of a local river, which pulls lost items downstream, and an unexplored cave system.

When a rash comment by Red inadvertently reveals the location of their secret camp and the nearby cave to the two visiting Navajos, the boys realize they are in a race against time. They rush to the cave, fearing that the two tribesmen mean to harm the man they are tracking. Upon entering the cavern, they find an elderly, disoriented man named Miquel, who is living in isolation. The boys discover that Miquel is not a criminal, but a medicine man suffering from exposure and confusion.

Rather than fleeing, the Cubs take responsibility for his safety. Dan displays remarkable bravery by staying behind in the damp, dark cave to guard the old man while the others fetch medical help. After a doctor confirms Miquel is in need of care, the boys work to reconcile the misunderstanding. They eventually convince Eagle Feather and White Nose that Miquel is not a threat, successfully securing his safe return to his tribe. The story concludes with a celebratory meeting where the three Navajos visit the den, thanking the boys for their kindness and sharing authentic stories and gifts, leaving the Cubs eager for their next collective challenge.

How It Unfolds

The mystery begins The Cubs discover that their den is under pressure to finish their Indian-themed projects for the pow-wow. Tensions rise as their supplies start to disappear, causing the boys to suspect they are being watched by an unknown intruder.

The face on the cliff The boys encounter a mysterious, grotesque face carved into the limestone of a ravine. This leads to a tense confrontation with two Navajo men, Eagle Feather and White Nose, who are searching for a disgraced tribesman.

The trail to the cave After realizing the two Navajos are tracking a specific person, the boys accidentally reveal the location of a hidden river cave. They rush to find the inhabitant before the two men can take retribution.

The rescue The Cubs find Miquel, an elderly and confused medicine man, living inside the cave. They prioritize his health over their own competition, with Dan staying behind to keep watch while his friends seek medical aid.

Resolution of the conflict The boys convince the two tribesmen that Miquel is innocent and requires assistance. The ordeal ends with a peaceful gathering where the Navajos share their culture with the Cubs, cementing the bond of friendship.

The People

Dan Carter is the heart of the den. He is a sandy-haired, athletic, and modest boy whose primary desire is to maintain the honor of his troop. He is consistently the most level-headed member of the group, often sacrificing his own comfort—such as his solitary work on the sand painting—to help others.

Brad Wilber acts as the den’s steadying influence. As the older, more serious Den Chief, he seeks to keep the boys focused on their goals while navigating the complex mystery. He is the voice of authority among his peers and is quick to recognize when the situation has moved beyond a simple game.

Red Suell serves as the impulsive member of the group. His tendency to speak before thinking—most notably when he reveals the location of the cave—creates the story's central tension. By the end of the book, he learns the heavy cost of his lack of discretion and grows into a more responsible member of the den.

Miquel is the "outcast" the boys seek. He is a frail, elderly Navajo medicine man whose mental state is compromised by hunger and isolation. He acts as the bridge between the boys' world and the traditions of his people, ultimately transforming from a source of fear into a respected guest.

In Its Own Voice

"A grotesque carved face loomed on the wall."

This line describes the unsettling discovery the boys make at the ravine, which serves as the physical anchor for the mystery.

"The picture now had taken on both form and color, with pleasing symbols in blue, black, yellow and red."

This passage details the effort Dan puts into his sand painting, highlighting the importance of the handicraft competition to the boys.

"He’s out of his head," Red whispered to Dan. "He’s completely lost his buttons!"

This quote captures the boys' initial confusion when they first encounter the elderly medicine man and his incomprehensible, chanting monologue inside the cave.

What It's Really About

At its core, the book explores the tension between idle play and genuine responsibility. The Cubs start the story looking for a fun project to win a competition, but the narrative shifts as they realize that real-world problems—like homelessness, mental illness, and cultural misunderstanding—require more than just schoolyard grit. The book argues that the "scout" code is not just a set of rules for a club, but a framework for moral action. By choosing to care for Miquel instead of winning their race, the boys move from being children playing at "Indian lore" to individuals participating in a meaningful, cross-cultural act of compassion.

Why Read It Today

Readers who enjoy mid-century juvenile mysteries will find this book a charming trip back to a specific vision of American youth. It moves with a refreshing, linear speed that modern readers, accustomed to denser prose, may find quite relaxing. The book’s portrayal of Navajo culture is, as expected for a 1952 publication, filtered through the lens of its era; it relies on stereotypes and a romanticized view of "Indian lore" that reflects the period’s attitudes rather than modern ethnographic accuracy.

However, if one approaches it as a period piece, there is much to appreciate. The camaraderie between the boys is genuinely warm, and the sense of adventure is grounded in physical exploration—paddling on rivers and crawling through caves—which feels very tactile. It is a story about the pride of working with one’s hands and the satisfaction of finishing a job, even when it doesn't go as planned. Readers who value a straightforward, optimistic story where kindness ultimately triumphs over suspicion will likely find this a memorable and rewarding read. It leaves the reader with a sense of the outdoors and the belief that even the smallest group can make a significant difference.