# Inside the Other House explained — The Hidden Staircase

> Chapter companion for The Hidden Staircase by Carolyn Keene.

## What happens

Nancy Drew sneaks into Nathan Gombet's house through the cellar, evades the colored servant, and searches for evidence linking Gombet to the thefts at the Turnbull mansion. She discovers a room full of stuffed birds and live canaries, confirming Gombet's involvement, but is nearly caught when a parrot squawks, alerting the servant.

## Themes in this chapter

### Courage and Resourcefulness

Nancy's daring break-in, patient waiting in the cellar, and quick thinking when hiding in the closet demonstrate her courage and resourcefulness.

### Mystery and the Supernatural

The eerie room of stuffed birds with glassy eyes and the mysterious canaries create a supernatural, unsettling atmosphere.

### Deception and Hidden Truths

Nancy's search for a secret tunnel and the hidden evidence linking Gombet to the thefts highlight the theme of uncovering deception.

## Character check-ins

### Nancy Drew

Nancy breaks into Gombet's house, hides in a closet, and explores the upper floor, showing determination and resourcefulness.

### Nathan Gombet

Implied as the owner of the house and the taxidermist; his collection of stuffed birds and canaries links him to the thefts.

### Carson Drew

Mentioned as being held prisoner in a room nearby, though Nancy is unaware.

### Floretta Turnbull

Referenced as one who told Nancy about Gombet's taxidermy hobby.

### Rosemary Turnbull

Referenced as one who told Nancy about Gombet's taxidermy hobby.

## Key lines

> A girl less patient would have given up the search, but Nancy was determined to see the affair through to the end.

Nancy's patience and determination set her apart from others who might have quit.

_Highlights Nancy's perseverance._

> Only by rigid mental discipline did Nancy suppress a cry of fright.

Nancy used strong self-control to avoid screaming in terror.

_Shows Nancy's composure under fear._

> Now I am sure it was Nathan Gombet who entered the Turnbull mansion. The two canaries which we found in Floretta’s room must have come from here!

Nancy concludes that Gombet is the thief because the canaries match those found at the mansion.

_Key deduction linking Gombet to the crimes._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_hidden_staircase_se/chapters/xviii-inside-the-other-house
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_hidden_staircase_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_hidden_staircase_se/chapters