As we approached it no landing-place was to be seen, no beach or strand.

An iron-bound coast of sharp and rugged crags confronted us, which it seemed impossible to scale.

At last we cast anchor at the foot of a great cliff, rising sheer out of the sea, where a ladder hung down the face of the rock for a few feet.

A wilder or lonelier place I had never seen.

Nobody could pursue and surprise me here.
The boatman who was with us climbed up the ladder, and, kneeling down, stretched out his hand to help me, while Tardif stood waiting to hold me steadily on the damp and slippery rungs.