While visiting a Navaho Indian reservation in New Mexico, the Aldens try to save a forest under threat of development by proving it is the site of a lost, buried village, but someone is sabotaging their dig.
While on a cruise with their grandfather, the Alden children help discover who is behind the mysterious troubles of the ship--disconnected phone lines, engine trouble, a man overboard--and still have fun sightseeing, eating, and swimming.