Perhaps the gradually diminishing Romany clans found it better to band together for mutual benefit than to remain isolated units.

But the camp certainly contained many elements, and these, acting co-operatively, formed a large and somewhat reckless community, which justified Garvington's alarm.

A raid in the night by one or two, or three, or more of these lean, wiry, dangerous-looking outcasts was not to be despised.

But it must be admitted that, in a general way, law and order prevailed in the encampment.
There were many caravans, painted in gay colors and hung round with various goods, such as brushes and brooms, goat-skin rugs, and much tinware, together with baskets of all sorts and sizes.

The horses, which drew these rainbow-hued vehicles, were pasturing on the outskirts of the camp, hobbled for the most part.