# Capturing the Robbers explained — The Secret of the Old Clock

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

## What happens

Nancy retrieves Josiah Crowley's notebook from the clock, then races to alert the marshal. A high-speed chase ensues, the robbers' van overturns, and the criminals are captured. Nancy identifies the leader as the man who trapped her, but asks the marshal to keep her name out of the case to avoid involving Mrs. Topham.

## Themes in this chapter

### Courage in Adversity

Nancy bravely pursues the robbers, risks her safety, and faces the marshal's scrutiny to ensure justice is served.

### Justice and Fairness

The robbers are captured and will face charges; Nancy insists on not taking credit, focusing on the rightful outcome.

### Mystery and Detection

Nancy's discovery of Crowley's notebook and her quick thinking in tracking the robbers highlight her detective skills.

## Character check-ins

### Nancy Drew

Finds the notebook, pursues the robbers, and identifies the leader to the marshal.

### Josiah Crowley

His notebook is discovered inside the clock.

### Jeff Tucker

Mentioned as having his keys stolen by the robbers after being gotten drunk.

### Richard Topham

Mrs. Topham's household goods are among the stolen items; Nancy asks the marshal not to mention her name to Mrs. Topham.

### Carson Drew

Mentioned by the marshal as Nancy's father.

## Key lines

> Eagerly, Nancy Drew tore the little notebook from the hook. The light was dim, but by holding the book directly under the dashlight, she could make out the words on the cover: 'The Property of Josiah Crowley.'

Nancy excitedly removed the small notebook from its hook, and in the dim light, she read the cover: 'The Property of Josiah Crowley.'

_Nancy finds the crucial notebook inside the clock._

> Halt! came the order. The van did not stop. Instead, it put on additional speed and crowded the police car toward the ditch.

The marshal ordered the van to stop, but it sped up and forced the police car toward the ditch.

_The robbers resist arrest, leading to a dangerous chase._

> You don't want any credit for capturing the robbers? the marshal gasped in astonishment. No, I would prefer that my name not be mentioned in connection with the affair.

The marshal was shocked that Nancy didn't want credit, but she insisted on remaining anonymous.

_Nancy chooses to avoid publicity for personal reasons._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_of_the_old_clock_se/chapters/xxi-capturing-the-robbers
- 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