Those portions of the dried venison and yak-beef that the brute had not succeeded in completely spoiling, were once more collected, and stored in a safe place; while it was resolved, in the event of their not being able to procure more, that they should go on rations proportioned to the time which they might have to continue in their rock-bound prison.

Of course, though their ammunition was exhausted, they were not without hopes of being able to add to their store of provisions.

The arrows of Ossaroo still existed, independent of either powder or lead.

Snares and traps would enable them to capture many of the wild creatures that, like themselves, appeared to have found a prison in that secluded and singular valley.
When all the arrangements regarding their winter residence were completed, they returned once more to the survey of the cliffs, which had been interrupted by the elephant.
After a prolonged examination of the ledges, that had been discovered on that eventful day, they continued on until they had made the circuit of the valley.

Not a foot of the precipice was passed without the most elaborate inspection being bestowed upon it; and of course the twin cliffs which hemmed in the gorge of the glacier were examined with the rest.
There proved to be no place offering such advantages for an ascent by ladders as that already discovered; and although there was no positive certainty that they might be able to accomplish their formidable task, they determined to make a trial, and without further delay set about preparing the ladders.
The preliminary step was to select and cut down a sufficient quantity of timber of the right length.