The huge chimney had evidently been erected merely for concealment, and I marvelled at the ingenuity of its construction.

I failed to count the steps, but I went around and around so many times, pressed against the smooth wall, that I knew I must be well below the basement of the house before I finally stood at the bottom.

I groped forward in the intense darkness, feeling with outstretched hands.

The first object encountered was a rough table, the surface of which I explored, discovering thereon a candlestick with flint and steel beside it.

With relief I struck a spark, and a yellow flame revealed my surroundings.
What I saw was a low room some fifteen feet square, the walls and roof apparently of stone securely mortared, the only exit the narrow circular stairs.