It may be that he regards us as rivals, and was only trying to find out where we intended to stop, and whether we were likely to spoil his trade.

That was why I said what I did, so that he might perceive that we were not likely to interfere with him.
"Then again, Surajah, I remembered my uncle's warning against joining other travellers, as these Thugs, who, they say, commit so many murders, generally travel in bands, disguised sometimes as traders, sometimes as men seeking work, sometimes as disbanded soldiers.
Anyhow, it is as well to be careful.

We have each got a brace of double-barrelled pistols in our girdles, in addition to these old single-barrelled Indian ones that we carry for show, and our swords are leaning against the tree behind us, so we can get hold of them in a moment.

I know, of course, that the betting is all in favour of these people being peaceful traders, but I don't want to leave anything to chance, and there is nothing like being prepared for whatever may happen." Presently Dick got up and sauntered across to Ibrahim, who was engaged in cooking.
"Ibrahim," he said, "don't look round while I speak to you, but go on with your cooking.

I don't like the look of the leader of this party.
He may be a respectable trader, he may be a Dacoit or a Thug.