The Hidden Staircase · Chapter
Another Surprise explained
Nancy receives a troubling telegram indicating her father left Chicago days ago but has not arrived, then discovers that Floretta's black silk dresses have been stolen and two live canaries left on a picture frame.
What happens
Nancy receives a troubling telegram indicating her father left Chicago days ago but has not arrived, then discovers that Floretta's black silk dresses have been stolen and two live canaries left on a picture frame. Investigating, Nancy learns that Nathan Gombet had previously threatened the Turnbull sisters over a disputed option to buy their house, leading her to suspect he is behind the strange occurrences. However, her worry over her missing father distracts her from the mystery.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Hidden Truths
Nathan Gombet's false claim of an option and his threats suggest a deliberate plot to deceive the Turnbull sisters and force them to sell their home.
Mystery and the Supernatural
The unexplained appearance of canary birds, stolen items, and eerie occurrences in the mansion deepen the supernatural atmosphere.
Justice and Morality
Nancy's determination to uncover the truth and protect the Turnbull sisters from exploitation reflects a pursuit of justice against unethical tactics.
Characters to notice
- Nancy Drew
Receives a telegram about her missing father, investigates the stolen dresses and canaries, and begins to suspect Nathan Gombet.
- Floretta Turnbull
Discovers her three black silk dresses stolen and two canaries on a picture frame; expresses fear and belief in bad omens.
- Rosemary Turnbull
Runs from the kitchen upon hearing Floretta's scream; provides information about offers for the house and Nathan Gombet's past threats.
- Nathan Gombet
Mentioned as having made a low offer for the house and threatened the sisters months ago; Nancy suspects he is behind the recent strange events.
- Carson Drew
Mentioned as missing; Nancy worries because he left Chicago two days ago and has not arrived home.
- H. D. Fellows
Mentioned as a real estate agent who made a straightforward offer for the house but did not pressure the sisters.
Key passages
“For a full minute Nancy Drew stood staring blankly at the telegram in her hand. She read it a second time, although she knew every word by memory. Worry assailed her anew.”
Nancy stared at the telegram in shock, rereading it even though she already knew its contents, and felt a fresh wave of anxiety.
Highlights Nancy's distress over her father's disappearance.
“My dresses have been stolen! ... Someone entered my room and took three of my best black silk dresses. And that isn't the worst. Look up there!”
Floretta cried out that her dresses were gone and pointed to two live canaries perched on the picture frame.
Reveals the bizarre theft and the strange addition of canaries.
“We've had several offers from real estate men. There's some talk that the city wants this house for a historical museum.”
Rosemary mentioned that real estate agents have made offers, and there is speculation the city may want the mansion as a museum.
Provides context for the motive behind the haunting.
“Gombet was trying to cheat you. ... He threatened us once. Said he would make us sorry we hadn't sold at his price.”
Nancy concluded that Gombet was dishonest, and Rosemary recalled he had threatened them after they refused his offer.
Establishes Nathan Gombet as a prime suspect.
