the idea that had occurred to them—of making the cave their home—was no longer deemed worthy of being entertained. the dangerous proximity of the elephant had alone suggested it; and this no longer existed. it was not likely that there was another rogue in the valley. indeed, ossaroo was able to set their minds at rest on this point—assuring them that two animals of the kind are never found occupying the same district: since two creatures of such malignant dispositions would certainly enact the tragedy of the kilkenny cats—though ossaroo did not illustrate his meaning by quoting this celebrated expression.

possibly there might be other animals in the neighbourhood as much to be dreaded as the elephant had been. there might be panthers, or leopards, or tigers, or even another bear; but against any of these the cave would be no safe asylum—not safer than their old hut. they could reconstruct it more strongly than ever; and put a stout door upon it to keep out any midnight intruder; and to this work did they apply themselves as soon as they had eaten dinner, and dried their garments—so thoroughly saturated by the colossal syringe of the defunct elephant.

several days were spent in restoring the hovel—this time with considerable improvements. the winter weather had now fairly set in; and household warmth had become an important object: so that not only did they fill up the chinks with a thick coating of clay, but a fireplace and chimney were constructed, and a strong door was added.

they knew that it would take them a long time to make the ladders—more than a dozen long ladders—each of which must be light as a reed and straight as an arrow.

during the milder days of winter they might work in the open air; indeed, the greater part of their work they must needs do outside the hut. still it would be necessary to have shelter not only during the nights, but in times of storm and severe weather.

prudence therefore counselled them to providence; and before proceeding farther with their design of scaling the cliff, they made all snug within doors.

they had no fear of suffering from the winter’s cold—either for want of clothing by day, or covering by night. some of the yâk-skins were still in good preservation—with the pelts of several other animals that had fallen before the double-barrel of caspar—and these would suffice for warm clothing by day and bed-covering by night.

about their winter’s food they were a little more anxious. the elephant had succeeded not only in destroying their means of obtaining provisions, but had also damaged the stock which was on hand, by trampling it in the mud. those portions of the dried venison and yâk-beef that the brute had not succeeded in completely spoiling, were once more collected, and stored in a safe place; while it was resolved, in the event of their not being able to procure more, that they should go on rations proportioned to the time which they might have to continue in their rock-bound prison. of course, though their ammunition was exhausted, they were not without hopes of being able to add to their store of provisions. the arrows of ossaroo still existed, independent of either powder or lead. snares and traps would enable them to capture many of the wild creatures that, like themselves, appeared to have found a prison in that secluded and singular valley.