It was unlikely, even if the young man ever did get safely out of the wilderness, that any stories he might relate would reveal the hunter's favorite rendezvous.

But Wetzel seriously demanded this secrecy, as earnestly as if the forest were full of Indians and white men, all prowling in search of his burrow.
Joe was in the seventh heaven of delight, and took to the free life as a wild gosling takes to the water.

No place had ever appealed to him as did this dark, silent hole far up on the side of a steep cliff.

His interest in Wetzel soon passed into a great admiration, and from that deepened to love.
This afternoon, when they were satisfied that all was well within their refuge, Joe laid aside his rifle, and, whistling softly, began to prepare supper.

The back part of the cave permitted him to stand erect, and was large enough for comparative comfort.