The cliff at that point was high, but a creek entered into it through a ravine.

At the entrance of the creek into the river they found a deep alcove, or, rather, cave in the rock.

It ran so far back that it afforded ample shelter from the rain, and that was all they wanted.

It was about halfway between the top and bottom of the cliff, and was difficult of approach both from below and above.

Unless completely surprised-a very unlikely thing with them-the five could hold it against any force as long as their provisions lasted.