The Bungalow Mystery · Chapter
XII: Nancy Bides Her Time explained
After fleeing from Jacob Aborn, Nancy decides to investigate his activities further.
What happens
After fleeing from Jacob Aborn, Nancy decides to investigate his activities further. She checks into a hotel, calls Laura to reassure her, and waits for nightfall. She then drives to Aborn's bungalow, enters through Laura's window using a trellis, and hides in a closet when she hears footsteps approaching.
Themes in this chapter
Courage and Perseverance
Nancy resolves to investigate despite the danger, climbing a trellis and hiding in a closet to help Laura.
Deception and Identity
Nancy suspects Jacob Aborn is hiding something and believes his charges against Laura are false.
Resourcefulness and Ingenuity
Nancy uses a trellis to enter the bungalow, hides in a closet, and plans her investigation carefully.
Characters to notice
- Nancy Drew
Plans and executes a nighttime investigation of Jacob Aborn's bungalow, climbing a trellis to enter Laura's room and hiding in a closet when footsteps approach.
- Laura Pendleton
Receives a phone call from Nancy, expresses fear for Nancy's safety, and is mentioned as having left her window unfastened.
- Jacob Aborn
Suspected of mischief and of intending to harm Laura; Nancy believes he was about to strike her earlier and is determined to uncover his game.
- Hannah Gruen
Answers the phone at the Drew home and calls Laura to the telephone.
Key passages
“I believe that man intended to strike me... He became positively vicious when I refused to tell him where Laura is.”
Nancy thinks Jacob Aborn was about to hit her and grew angry when she wouldn't reveal Laura's location.
Shows Aborn's threatening behavior and Nancy's determination.
“I don't want to leave Melrose Lake until I have learned something that will help Laura.”
Nancy is committed to staying until she finds information that can aid Laura.
Highlights Nancy's perseverance and loyalty.
“If I don't telephone again within twenty-four hours send the police to Jacob Aborn's bungalow looking for me.”
Nancy instructs Laura to alert the police if she doesn't hear from her within a day.
Demonstrates Nancy's awareness of the danger and her cautious planning.