As they proceeded, every crevice or ravine that seemed to lead up the cliff was carefully examined; but upon all its southern front no practicable path could be discovered.
"There must be _some_ way up," said Francois, "else how could the sheep have got there ?" "Maybe," suggested Basil, "they were bred up there, and have never been down to the plain." "No," said Lucien, "that is not likely, brother.

There can be no water, I think, upon the table above; and these animals require drink as well as others.

They must descend occasionally to the spring for it." "Then there is a path," said Francois.
"No doubt, for _them_ there is," replied Lucien; "but for all that, we may not be able to follow it.

These animals, although hoofed as sheep are, can scale a cliff like cats, or spring down one like squirrels.

It is in that way they are enabled to escape from wolves, panthers, and other beasts who would prey upon them." "I have heard," said Basil, "that they can fling themselves down for a hundred feet or more upon their horns, without receiving the slightest injury.