There was an air of discipline and trained activity, and from the central tent came the sound of voices.
I don't know why, but I certainly did not expect to hear English.

So the sound of English spoken with a foreign accent brought me to a standstill.

I listened to a few words, and made no further bones about eavesdropping.

Circumstances favored me.

The boys had seen I was carrying a rifle and was therefore a white man of importance, so they did not question my right to approach.