I was about to abandon the search when a finger penetrated the paper, revealing a round opening--a pipe hole, left uncovered except for the wallpaper.

I wrenched out the tin protector, and felt within.

The chimney had apparently never been used, the interior being clear of soot, and was built of a single layer of stone, Southern fashion, the irregular fragments mortared together, and plastered smoothly on the inside.

Without was a thin, narrow planking, dove-tailed, but secured by nails only at the four corners.

This could be easily pried away, leaving the chimney itself open to attack.