The Secret of the Old Clock · Chapter
V: A Conference explained
Nancy and her father, Carson Drew, meet with the Horner sisters to discuss the missing will of Josiah Crowley.
What happens
Nancy and her father, Carson Drew, meet with the Horner sisters to discuss the missing will of Josiah Crowley. The sisters reveal that Crowley hinted at hiding a second will, possibly in the Topham house. Carson Drew agrees to help but warns that without the will, little can be done. Nancy remains determined to find a way to secure the inheritance for the Horners.
Themes in this chapter
Justice and Fairness
Nancy and her father seek to ensure the Horner sisters receive their rightful inheritance from the Crowley estate, despite the Tophams' attempts to claim it all.
Family and Loyalty
The Horner sisters show loyalty to Josiah Crowley's memory and to each other, while Nancy demonstrates loyalty to her new friends by advocating for their cause.
Mystery and Detection
The chapter centers on the mystery of the missing will, with Nancy and her father gathering clues from the Horner sisters about Crowley's possible hiding place.
Characters to notice
- Nancy Drew
Impatiently awaits the conference with the Horner sisters, determined to help them find the missing will.
- Carson Drew
Agrees to assist the Horner sisters after hearing their story, but cautions that without the will there is little legal recourse.
- Grace Horner
Recalls Josiah Crowley's remark about making another will and hiding it in a safe place.
- Allie Horner
Confirms Crowley's habit of hiding things and supports Grace's recollection of the hidden will.
Key passages
“I don’t see why they don’t come”
Nancy anxiously wonders why the Horner sisters are late.
Shows Nancy's impatience and concern about the conference.
“If the will has been destroyed I don’t see how anyone can help them, but until I’m sure of it, I’m not going to give up!”
Nancy resolves to keep searching for the will despite the possibility it may have been destroyed.
Highlights Nancy's determination and refusal to abandon the Horner sisters.
“I’ll find some way to discover what became of the will!”
Nancy vows to uncover the fate of the missing will.
Emphasizes Nancy's proactive and resourceful nature.