# IX: Vital Information explained — The Secret of the Old Clock

> Chapter companion for The Secret of the Old Clock by Carolyn Keene.

## What happens

Nancy Drew visits the dilapidated home of Abigail Rowen, who has fallen and injured herself. Nancy tends to her needs, buys groceries and bandages, and learns that Abigail knew Josiah Crowley and believes he made a second will that provided for her. Abigail recalls seeing the will but cannot remember where it was hidden, though the chiming of a clock triggers a vague memory.

## Themes in this chapter

### Resourcefulness and Independence

Nancy uses her own resources to care for Abigail without relying on others.

### Greed vs. Generosity

Nancy's generosity contrasts with the neglect Abigail has suffered.

### Mystery and Detection

Nancy investigates the missing will by questioning Abigail.

## Character check-ins

### Nancy Drew

Finds and cares for Abigail Rowen, learns about the second will.

### Abigail Rowen

Injured and living in poverty; reveals she saw Josiah Crowley's second will.

### Josiah Crowley

Mentioned as having written a second will and promising to provide for Abigail.

## Key lines

> I reckon he hid it somewhere. That would be like Josiah. But I remember he did say something about putting it 'where nobody can get it unless they have legal authority.'

Abigail thinks Josiah hid the will and mentioned it would be somewhere requiring legal authority to access.

_Key clue about the will's location._

> At that very moment the clock on the mantel chimed three. Abigail Rowen's eyes fluttered open and an odd expression passed over her face. For an instant she stared straight before her and then slowly turned her head and fastened her eyes on the clock.

The clock's chime seems to trigger a memory in Abigail, linking the clock to the hidden will.

_Foreshadows the clock's importance._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_of_the_old_clock_se/chapters/ix-vital-information
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_of_the_old_clock_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_of_the_old_clock_se/chapters