A man, unknown to Jean, closely watched his guarded movements and then waved a hand, as if to signify to Jean that he had nothing to fear.
After this act he disappeared.

Jean believed that he had been recognized by some one not antagonistic to the Isbels.

Therefore he passed the cabin and, coming to a thick scrub-oak tree that offered shelter, he hid there to watch.

From this spot he could see the back of Greaves's store, at a distance probably too far for a rifle bullet to reach.

Before him, as far as the store, and on each side, extended the village common.