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10/7/2016 <strong>The</strong> <strong>Secret</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Old</strong> <strong>Clock</strong><br />
"It's been a real pleasure waiting on you, Miss Drew," <strong>the</strong> saleswoman said after Miss Reed left and Nancy was<br />
putting on her suit. "But how I dread to see those Topham sisters come in here! <strong>The</strong>y're so unreasonable. And<br />
<strong>the</strong>y'll be even worse when <strong>the</strong>y get Josiah Crowley's money."<br />
<strong>The</strong> woman lowered her voice. "<strong>The</strong> estate hasn't been settled, but <strong>the</strong> girls are counting on <strong>the</strong> fortune already.<br />
Last week I heard Ada say to her sister, 'Oh, I guess <strong>the</strong>re's no question about our getting old Crowley's fortune.<br />
But I wish Fa<strong>the</strong>r would stop worrying that somebody is going to show up with a later will which may do us out<br />
<strong>of</strong> it.' "<br />
Nancy was too discreet to engage in gossip with <strong>the</strong> saleswoman. But she was interested and excited about <strong>the</strong><br />
information. <strong>The</strong> fact that Mr. Topham was disturbed indicated to her that he too suspected Josiah Crowley had<br />
made a second will<br />
<strong>The</strong> conversation reminded Nancy <strong>of</strong> her date. She glanced at her wrist watch and saw that it was after twelve<br />
o'clock.<br />
"I must hurry or I'll be late for an appointment with my dad," she told <strong>the</strong> saleswoman.<br />
Nancy drove directly to her fa<strong>the</strong>r's <strong>of</strong>fice. Although she was a few minutes ahead <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> appointed time, she<br />
found that he was ready to leave.<br />
"What luck, Dad?" Nancy asked eagerly. "Did Mr. Rolsted accept your luncheon invitation?"<br />
"Yes. We are to meet him at <strong>the</strong> Royal Hotel in ten minutes. Do you still think I should quiz him about <strong>the</strong><br />
Crowley will?"<br />
"Oh, I'm more interested than ever in <strong>the</strong> case." She told her fa<strong>the</strong>r about <strong>the</strong> saleswoman's gossipy remarks.<br />
"Him," said Mr. Drew. "It's not what you'd call evidence, but <strong>the</strong> old saying usually holds good, 'Where <strong>the</strong>re's<br />
smoke, <strong>the</strong>re's fire.' Come, let's go!"<br />
<strong>The</strong> Royal Hotel was located less than a block away, and Nancy and her fa<strong>the</strong>r quickly walked <strong>the</strong> distance.<br />
Mr. Rolsted was waiting in <strong>the</strong> lobby. Carson Drew introduced his daughter, <strong>the</strong>n <strong>the</strong> three made <strong>the</strong>ir way to <strong>the</strong><br />
dining room where a table had been reserved for <strong>the</strong>m.<br />
At first <strong>the</strong> conversation centered about a variety <strong>of</strong> subjects. As <strong>the</strong> luncheon progressed <strong>the</strong> two lawyers<br />
talked enthusiastically <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir college days toge<strong>the</strong>r and finally <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir pr<strong>of</strong>ession. Nancy began to fear that <strong>the</strong><br />
subject <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Crowley estate might never be brought up.<br />
<strong>The</strong>n, after <strong>the</strong> dessert course, Mr. Drew skillfully turned <strong>the</strong> conversation into a new channel and mentioned<br />
some strange cases which he had handled.<br />
"By <strong>the</strong> way," he said, "I haven't heard <strong>the</strong> details <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Crowley case. How are <strong>the</strong> Tophams making out? I<br />
understand o<strong>the</strong>r relatives are trying to break <strong>the</strong> will."<br />
For a moment Mr. Rolsted remained silent. Was he reluctant to enter into a discussion <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> matter? Nancy<br />
wondered.<br />
Finally <strong>the</strong> lawyer said quietly, "<strong>The</strong> settlement <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> estate wasn't given to me, Carson. But I confess I've<br />
followed it ra<strong>the</strong>r closely because <strong>of</strong> something that happened a year ago. As <strong>the</strong> present will stands, I do not<br />
believe it can be broken."<br />
"<strong>The</strong>n <strong>the</strong> Tophams fall heir to <strong>the</strong> entire estate," Mr. Drew commented.<br />
"Yes, unless a more recent will is uncovered."<br />
"Ano<strong>the</strong>r will?" Carson Drew inquired innocently. "<strong>The</strong>n you believe Crowley made a second one?"<br />
Mr. Rolsted hesitated as though uncertain whe<strong>the</strong>r or not he should divulge any fur<strong>the</strong>r information. <strong>The</strong>n, with<br />
a quick glance about, he lowered his voice and said, "Of course this is strictly confidential"<br />
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