Frank took the poker and broke up the burning log in the fireplace.
“In the meantime, you’d better get into some old clothes, Joe,” he said.
While they waited for the fire to burn itself out, Joe changed into some garments found in a shed that were so old and disreputable that the soot would make no appreciable difference. Much as the boys wanted to learn the secret of the chimney, none of them envied Joe his task, and, to tell the truth, he regarded it with some misgivings himself.
At last the fire had burned so low that a dipperful of water quenched the embers, and when the smoke had cleared away, Joe stepped into the big fireplace. He glanced up.
“Dark as a cellar!” he observed.
Chet came forward with his flashlight.
“I didn’t think it would be useful so soon,” he said, as he handed it over. “Away you go!”
Joe seized the flashlight and began his ascent into the chimney.
The stones were large and rough, affording a good foothold. No sooner had Joe begun his climb than a shower of soot descended into the fireplace. The lads heard a smothered gurgle.
“I’ll bet that chimney hasn’t been cleaned out since the cabin was built,” said Biff.