It would be impossible for us to make a ladder that length--or even to hoist it up there if made--so that all thought of scaling the cliff at this point must be given up." "Perhaps," interposed Caspar, catching at Karl's idea, "there may be some other part of the precipice where the ledges are nearer to each other?
Did you examine it all around ?" "No.

I had got no further than this place, when I met Master Bruin; and, as you know, our adventures with him and our exploration of the cave have taken up our time ever since, and, indeed, driven the design of the ladders quite out of my head.

Now, however, we may return to it; and our next move will be to go all round, and see whether a better place may not be discovered.

To-night it is too late.

It already begins to darken; and we must have clear daylight for such a purpose.
Let us home to our hut, and have some supper and then go to rest--having first prayed to Him for success.