As the cliff, though low, was perpendicular, he could not scale it, else he would have preferred to conceal them in the woods above.

To pile pebbles over them was the best he could do for the present; he intended to return for them when he discovered a path up the cliff.

He then started, taking only his bow and arrows.
But no such path was to be found; he walked on and on till weary, and still the cliff ran like a wall on his left hand.

After an hour's rest, he started again; and, as the sun was declining, came suddenly to a gap in the cliff, where a grassy sward came down to the shore.

It was now too late, and he was too weary, to think of returning for his things that evening.