Whether it's there to cut us off, or has moved by mere chance, I don't know, but the effect is just the same.

If we keep on we'll run into it." "Suppose we try the ascent and get out over the ridges," said Robert.
Willet looked up at the steep and lofty slopes on either side.
"It's tremendously bad footing," he replied, "and will take heavy toll of our strength, but I see no other way.

It would be foolish for us to go on and walk straight into the hands of our enemies.

What say you, Tayoga ?" "There is but a single choice and that a desperate one.

We must try the summits." They delayed no longer, and, Willet still leading, began the frightful climb, choosing the westward cliff which towered above them a full four hundred feet, and, like the one that faced it, almost precipitous.