"Well, in the old days they probably felled a tree so it would fall on them. The occupants of the cave probably cut steps in the tree trunk over which to travel up and down. The tree has rotted away many years since."
"And we can't get down, then?"
"We'll find a way, Master Walter. I thought I should be able to make a rope ladder that would work, but I see it is not practicable."
"How shall we do it?"
"Try the old way, I guess, Master Tad."
"What's that?"
"The tree."
"But there are no trees near here?"
"Yes, there are, a few rods back. We are all strong and I guess we shall be able to make a pretty fair pair of steps."
Kris Kringle had brought an axe with him. With this he cut some long, straight poles which, he explained, were intended for pike poles such as woodsmen use to roll logs. This done, he began industriously chopping at the tree after deciding upon the exact position in which he desired it to fall.