At times immense and ponderous creaking sounded in the distance, as if a great rusted crane swung in the wind.

Again there were distant, voluminous flutterings, as if neglected and loosened sails flapped.

Idle roaming donkeys brayed and a dog shut up and forgotten in a compound barked incessantly.

Presently there came faint, far-off, failing cries that faded into silence.

The Jew's brow contracted but he did not move.
From his position, he could see the port to the east packed with lifeless vessels.