# A Cry in the Night explained — The Hidden Staircase

> Chapter companion for The Hidden Staircase by Carolyn Keene.

## What happens

Nancy and the Turnbull sisters investigate a bloodcurdling cry in the night, searching the mansion and discovering that Rosemary's silver urn has been stolen.

## Themes in this chapter

### Courage and Resourcefulness

Nancy demonstrates bravery and quick thinking as she investigates the mysterious cry, leading the frightened sisters through the dark mansion.

### Mystery and the Supernatural

The eerie cry in the night and the sisters' fear of a ghost create an atmosphere of supernatural mystery.

### Deception and Hidden Truths

The stolen silver urn and the unexplained cry suggest hidden activities and possible deception within the mansion.

## Character check-ins

### Nancy Drew

Leads the investigation after hearing the cry, armed with a revolver and flashlight.

### Floretta Turnbull

Frightened and hesitant, she follows Nancy and Rosemary during the search.

### Rosemary Turnbull

Maintains composure and accompanies Nancy downstairs; discovers the silver urn is missing.

## Key lines

> When the loud, piercing cry echoed through the old stone house, Nancy Drew instinctively clutched the bedclothing about her neck as though by so doing she could protect herself from an unseen danger.

Nancy grabbed her blankets tightly when a terrifying scream rang out, as if trying to shield herself from an unknown threat.

_Highlights Nancy's immediate reaction to the mysterious cry._

> My silver urn! It's gone! Someone has stolen my urn!

Rosemary screamed that her silver urn had been taken by a thief.

_Reveals the discovery of the theft that concludes the chapter._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_hidden_staircase_se/chapters/xi-a-cry-in-the-night
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_hidden_staircase_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_hidden_staircase_se/chapters