The communication was effected by a shoulder which, starting from a point halfway up the rock, joined the hill behind it.

Along this shoulder were walls and gateways.

An enemy attacking these would be exposed to the fire from the summit of the rock.

From the point where the shoulder joined the rock, a zigzag road had been cut, with enormous labour, in the face of the rock, to the summit.
"It is a strong place," Charlie said to Tim Kelly, who was walking by his horse's head; "and should be able to hold out against anything but starvation.

That is to say, if properly defended." "It's a powerful place, surely," Tim said; "and would puzzle the ould boy himself to take.