It would be a tedious task and almost interminable, even supposing that it could be accomplished; but this was doubtful enough.

The blades of the knives might be worn or broken, long before the necessary number of holes could be made.
Of course, had they been possessed of a sufficient number of nails, they might have done without holes.

The steps of the ladders could have been nailed upon the sides, instead of being mortised into them.

But nails were a commodity quite as scarce with them as tools.

With the exception of those in the soles of their shoes, or the stocks of their guns, there was not a nail in the valley.
It is not to be denied that they were in a dilemma.