Nor was it at all level, for it had been formed by the accumulation of falling debris from the cliff and sloped outward at a steep angle.

Some dwarf firs and low bushes had gained rootage, however, and it was possible for them to huddle there without fear of rolling to the rocks beneath.

Steve tried to find some dead branches to build a fire, and did succeed in getting a few, but his first attempt to set them alight proved the futility of the undertaking.
There was nothing for it save to lie as close together as they could, for warmth, and await the morning.
That was a miserable night.

They all slept at times, and by changing places they all, for a while at least, found some degree of warmth.

But they had been drenched through to start with and when, at last, the stormy world began to lighten their garments were still sodden and they shivered whenever they stirred.