# An Exciting Discovery explained — The Secret of the Old Clock

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

## What happens

Nancy Drew abruptly leaves camp to investigate the Topham bungalow, only to find it ransacked by robbers. She deduces that a moving van was used to strip the house of valuables, including the Crowley clock, and fears the thieves may still be nearby.

## Themes in this chapter

### Mystery and Detection

Nancy examines footprints and clues at the bungalow to deduce the robbery.

### Courage in Adversity

Despite the danger, Nancy continues her investigation alone in a remote area.

## Character check-ins

### Nancy Drew

Leaves camp to investigate the Topham bungalow, discovers it has been robbed.

### Helen Corning

Surprised by Nancy's sudden departure from camp.

### Jeff Tucker

The caretaker of the Topham bungalow, who is missing when Nancy arrives.

## Key lines

> Nancy Drew, why are you packing that suitcase? You’re not leaving camp already?

Helen Corning is shocked to find Nancy packing to leave camp.

_Helen's surprise at Nancy's sudden departure._

> I’m afraid I must leave this afternoon.

Nancy regretfully tells Helen she has to go.

_Nancy's decision to leave camp._

> The entire camp was in disorder. The front door of the bungalow had been flung wide open and the side doors were likewise ajar.

Nancy finds the bungalow in chaos with doors open and furniture scattered.

_Description of the ransacked bungalow._

> It looks like a case of ordinary robbery to me.

Nancy concludes that the bungalow has been robbed.

_Nancy's deduction about the robbery._

> What if those robbers should still be around here?

Nancy worries that the thieves might still be nearby.

_Nancy's fear of the robbers' presence._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_of_the_old_clock_se/chapters/xiv-an-exciting-discovery
- 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