It seemed to him to be like a deadfall, such as he knew trappers sometimes make.

The place was ideal for such a use, but now no steel-jawed trap yawned for him.

And it was only a moment before he realized that this was just the hiding-place for him--and one, moreover, for which he himself might have searched in vain.
"They'll never look for me as near the wreck as this," he said to himself.

"They'll spread out probably, but I think I'll be safe here.

As safe as anywhere, and it will give me a chance to find out what's happening, too." The side of the pit nearest the road was almost open, though it was screened by bushes and foliage.