Laying his rifle down, Wetzel grasped a strong root and cautiously slid over the side.

When all of his body had disappeared, with the exception of his sinewy fingers, they loosened their hold on the root, grasped the rifle, and dragged it down out of sight.

Quietly, with similar caution, Joe took hold of the same root, let himself down, and when at full length swung himself in under the ledge.

His feet found a pocket in the cliff.
Letting go of the root, he took his rifle, and in another second was safe.
Of all Wetzel's retreats--for he had many--he considered this one the safest.

The cavern under the ledge he had discovered by accident.