The Secret of the Old Clock · Chapter
XII: Following a Clue explained
Nancy Drew devises a plan to visit Moon Lake to investigate the Topham bungalow and the old Crowley clock.
What happens
Nancy Drew devises a plan to visit Moon Lake to investigate the Topham bungalow and the old Crowley clock. She uses a friend's camp as a cover, stops to comfort the Horner sisters who are facing financial hardship, and upon arrival at Camp Avondale, she joins a launch ride to locate the Topham cottage.
Themes in this chapter
Resourcefulness and Independence
Nancy demonstrates self-reliance by changing a flat tire on a remote road and devising a clever cover story to investigate the Topham bungalow.
Family and Loyalty
The Horner sisters' pride and refusal to accept charity highlight their loyalty to each other and their determination to manage their own affairs despite hardship.
Mystery and Detection
Nancy follows the clue of the Crowley clock to Moon Lake, using the launch ride to discreetly locate the Topham bungalow and advance her investigation.
Characters to notice
- Nancy Drew
Devises a plan to go to Moon Lake under the guise of visiting Helen Corning at camp; stops to help the Horner sisters; changes a flat tire en route; joins a launch ride to locate the Topham bungalow.
- Carson Drew
Notices Nancy's preoccupation at dinner and suggests she take a vacation, unwittingly giving her the excuse to go to Moon Lake.
- Grace Horner
Along with Allie, is distressed over dying chickens and financial troubles; refuses Nancy's offer of a loan or advance payment for dressmaking.
- Allie Horner
Crying over the loss of her chickens; expresses discouragement and hope that Nancy might find the second will.
- Helen Corning
Greets Nancy at Camp Avondale; arranges for her to stay; takes her on a launch ride around Moon Lake and points out the Topham bungalow.
- Jeff Tucker
Mentioned as the negro caretaker who looks after the Topham cottage at Moon Lake.
Key passages
“If the Tophams learn I have gone to Moon Lake they may become suspicious. I must think of some excuse to broadcast as a smoke screen.”
Nancy worries that the Tophams will suspect her motives if they find out she is going to Moon Lake, so she decides to create a cover story.
Nancy's strategic thinking to avoid arousing suspicion.
“I'm on my way to Moon Lake now. I stopped here to deliver the dress goods.”
Nancy tells the Horner sisters she is heading to Moon Lake and gives Grace the fabric she promised.
Nancy uses the dress goods delivery as a natural reason to visit the Horners before her trip.
“The Tophams have a bungalow up here, haven't they? ... Yes, it's across the lake from here. We'll come to it presently.”
Nancy asks Helen about the Topham cottage, and Helen confirms its location across the lake.
Nancy discreetly gathers information about the Topham bungalow during the launch ride.