# XV: A Desperate Situation explained — The Secret of the Old Clock

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

## What happens

Nancy Drew, investigating the Topham bungalow, realizes the Crowley clock has been stolen. She decides to report the robbery but is trapped when a robber arrives. She hides in a closet, watching the gang strip the house. A sneeze reveals her hiding place, and the leader captures her. Despite her fierce struggle, he locks her in the closet, threatening her with the same fate as the missing caretaker.

## Themes in this chapter

### Courage in Adversity

Nancy shows defiance and bravery when confronted by the robber leader, struggling against him despite being overpowered.

### Mystery and Detection

Nancy's investigation of the bungalow leads her to discover the robbery and the gang's activities, advancing the mystery of the stolen clock.

## Character check-ins

### Nancy Drew

Nancy hides in a closet to avoid detection by the robber gang, is discovered after sneezing, and is captured and locked in the closet.

## Key lines

> How silly of me to be afraid! Probably there isn't a person within miles of here!

Nancy chides herself for being scared, thinking the bungalow is deserted.

_Nancy's initial false sense of security._

> I'll drive to the nearest town and report the robbery to the police.

Nancy decides to alert the authorities about the theft.

_Nancy's plan to report the crime._

> I didn't hear much, but I saw plenty! You're nothing but a common thief, and if I get the chance I'll turn you and your gang over to the police!

Nancy defiantly tells the robber she witnessed the theft and threatens to expose him.

_Nancy's courageous defiance despite being captured._

> Now you can starve for all I care!

The robber locks Nancy in the closet, leaving her to her fate.

_The robber's cruel abandonment of Nancy._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_of_the_old_clock_se/chapters/xv-a-desperate-situation
- 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