# Looking for the Will explained — The Secret of the Old Clock

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

## What happens

Nancy oversleeps and hurries to meet her father, who has obtained a court order to search for Josiah Crowley's will. They travel to Masonville and, after some difficulty with the bank, access a safety deposit box rented under the name Josiah Harkston. Inside they find Crowley's will, which appears to mention Grace and Allie Horner and Abigail Rowen but not the Tophams. They plan to have the will examined for legality before revealing it.

## Themes in this chapter

### Mystery and Detection

Nancy and her father use clues and a court order to locate and retrieve Crowley's hidden will from a bank safety deposit box.

### Justice and Fairness

The discovery of the will aims to ensure that the rightful heirs—Grace, Allie, and Abigail—receive their inheritance, countering the Tophams' claims.

## Character check-ins

### Nancy Drew

Oversleeps, retrieves the Crowley notebook, and accompanies her father to the bank to find the will.

### Carson Drew

Obtains a court order, accompanies Nancy to Masonville, and uses the order to open the safety deposit box.

### Josiah Crowley

Referred to as the eccentric deceased who rented a box under the name Josiah Harkston and left a will.

### Grace Horner

Mentioned in the will as one of the beneficiaries.

### Allie Horner

Mentioned in the will as one of the beneficiaries.

### Abigail Rowen

Mentioned in the will as one of the beneficiaries.

## Key lines

> “Oh, what a surprise the Tophams are going to get!” she chuckled softly.

Nancy gleefully anticipates the Tophams' shock when the will is revealed.

_Shows Nancy's playful confidence in the outcome._

> “You must remember one thing, Nancy,” returned her father calmly. “Crowley was a queer character and did things in a queer way. So the will may be there, and again it may not be.”

Carson Drew cautions Nancy that Crowley's eccentricity means the will might not be found.

_Highlights the uncertainty and the methodical approach needed._

> “If the will does prove to be legal, won’t it be a blow for the Tophams? I’d give a lot to see how they take it.”

Nancy imagines the Tophams' dismay if the will is valid and suggests a dramatic reading.

_Reflects Nancy's desire for justice and a bit of theatricality._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_of_the_old_clock_se/chapters/xxiii-looking-for-the-will
- 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