As you scrape the earth down you must past it back handful by handful.

Do not enlarge the outer entrance or disturb the roots of the heather growing there.

Any movement might be noticed by those below.

It is lucky, indeed, that the rock ends just when it gets to its narrowest, and that it is but sandy soil through which we have to scrape our way.

It will be hard work, for you have scarce room to move your arms, but you have plenty of time since we cannot sally out till nightfall." The hours passed slowly, and about noon the lookout reported that a number of bowmen were approaching.
"They are going to attack this time under cover of their fire," Archie said, "and as I do not wish to hazard the loss of any lives, we will keep within the cave and let them gain the ledge.