They followed to the Ohio River, and some distance beyond. Then, satisfied that this expedition was routed utterly, they came back into Kentucky.
"I'd like to go to that little house of ours inside the cliff," said Paul.
"So would I," said Long Jim. "It's the snuggest home we've ever found inside the wilderness."
"An' Indian proof, ez we've proved," said the shiftless one.
"Good fur rest," said Silent Tom.
"Then we go there," said Henry.
They reached the valley the next day and climbed up into the cleft which had been a home and a fortress for them. It was sweet and clean, full of fresh, pure air, and the tiny rill was trickling away merrily. Nothing had been disturbed.
"Now ain't this fine?" said Long Jim, coming outside and looking over the hills. "Paul, I've heard you talk about palaces, them that the old Greeks an' Romans had, an' them that they hev now in Europe, but I know that thar has never been one among 'em ez snug an' safe an' cozy ez this."
"At least," said the shiftless one, "I don't believe any o' 'em ever had a water supply like ourn, clean, cool, an' unfailin'."
Silent Tom took something from his knapsack.