The Secret of the Old Clock Read Online Free PDF

us," Allison spoke up. "We don't have much company. To tell you the truth, we can't afford it."
    Grace stepped to the stove, removed a golden-brown cake from the oven, and set it on the table to cool.
    "But today we're not talking about money. It's Allison's birthday and this is a birthday cake. Nancy, if you're not in too much of a hurry, I wish you'd join us in a little celebration."
    "Why, I'd love to," Nancy said.
    "Grace's cakes are yummy," Allison declared. "I'm not much of a cook myself. My department is taking care of the barn and the chickens."
    Soon Nancy finished pressing her clothes and put them back on. Meanwhile, the cake had cooled and Grace started to spread the chocolate frosting.
    "Suppose you two go into the living room and wait," she suggested. "I'll bring in the cake and tea."
    Nancy followed Allison to the adjoining room. Although it was comfortable, the room did not contain much furniture. The floor had been painted and was scantily covered with handmade rag rugs. With the exception of an old-fashioned sofa, an inexpensive table, a few straight-backed chairs and an old oil stove which furnished heat in cold weather, there was little else in the room. However, dainty white curtains covered the windows, and Nancy realized that although the Hoovers were poor, they had tried hard to make their home attractive.
    "Do you two girls live here alone all the time?" Nancy inquired.
    Allison nodded. "Grace and I have been living here since Father died. That was two years ago. Mother passed away just before that," the girl added with a slight catch in her voice. "Their illnesses took every penny we had."
    "I'm terribly sorry," Nancy remarked sympathetically. "It must be dreadfully hard for two girls to run the farm by themselves."
    "Our farm isn't as large as it once was," Allison said quietly. "We have only a few acres left. I know you are too polite to ask how we manage, Nancy. Grace helps a dressmaker at Masonville whenever she can get work. She makes all her own, clothes and mine too. And I raise chickens."
    From just beyond the doorway suddenly came the strains of "Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birth—"
    By this time Nancy had joined in. She and Grace finished "—day to you. Happy Birthday, dear Allison. Happy Birthday to you!"
    Grace set the cake with eighteen lighted candles on the table. She and Nancy sang the second verse with the words "May you have many more!"
    Tears stood in Allison's eyes. When the song ended, she grasped her sister in a tremendous hug. Then she gave Nancy one.
    "This—this is the nicest birthday I've had in years," she quavered.
    "And it's one of the most enjoyable I've ever attended," Nancy said sincerely.
    Suddenly Allison began to sing a tuneful old English ballad about the birthday of a village lass. Nancy listened entranced to Allison's clear, bell-like tones. When she finished, Nancy applauded, then said:
    "That was perfectly lovely. You have a beautiful voice, Allison!"
    The singer laughed gaily. "Thank you, Nancy. I've always wanted to take lessons, but as you know, voice training is pretty expensive."
    At that moment Grace brought in a tray of fragrant tea. As she poured three cups, Allison blew out the candles and served the cake.
    "I've never tasted anything more delicious in all my life," Nancy said enthusiastically.
    The three girls chatted like old friends. Finally the sun broke through the clouds. As Nancy rose to leave, she noticed an unusual picture on the wall opposite her and commented on its beauty.
    "Uncle Josiah Crowley gave it to us," Allison told her. "If he were only alive now, things would be different."
    At the mention of the name, Nancy sat down again. Was she going to pick up a clue to the possibility that Mr. Crowley had made a later will?
    "He wasn't really our uncle," Grace explained. "But we loved him as much as though he were a relative." Her voice broke and for a moment she could not go on. Then, gaining control of herself, she continued, "He lived on