As vehicle after vehicle left the place of
the encampment, he noted the change, with increasing attention; seldom
failing to cast an enquiring look at the little neglected tent, which,
with its proper wagon, still remained as before, solitary and
apparently forgotten. The summons of Ishmael to his gloomy associate
had, however, as it would now seem, this hitherto neglected portion of
his effects for its object.
First casting a cautious and suspicious glance on every side of him,
the squatter and his companion advanced to the little wagon, and
caused it to enter within the folds of the cloth, much in the manner
that it had been extricated the preceding evening. They both then
disappeared behind the drapery, and many moments of suspense
succeeded, during which the old man, secretly urged by a burning
desire to know the meaning of so much mystery, insensibly drew nigh to
the place, until he stood within a few yards of the proscribed spot.
The agitation of the cloth betrayed the nature of the occupation of
those whom it concealed, though their work was conducted in rigid
silence.
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