And then there would be the additional labour of getting each into its place: as all, after the first one, would have to be carried up the cliff to the ledge for which it should be constructed.

Indeed, to raise ladders of thirty feet in the manner contemplated, would seem an impossibility-- that is, for such strength or mechanism as they could command.
And so it might have proved, had they intended to make these ladders of the ordinary weight.

But they foresaw this difficulty, and hoped to get over it by making them of the very lightest kind--something that would just carry the weight of a man.
Becoming more than half satisfied that at this point the precipice might be scaled in the manner contemplated, they remained upon the ground in order to give it a thorough examination.

That done, they intended to make the complete circuit of the valley, and ascertain whether there might not be some other place still easier of ascent.
The point where they had halted was behind the tract of heavily-timbered forest--of which Caspar had spoken, and which up to this time none of them had entered.

Between the trees and the cliff they were now contemplating, there was a narrow strip of ground destitute of timber; and covered with a shingle of loose stones which had fallen from the mountain above.