His dog would have warned him of any danger, and, as Top did not bark, it might be concluded that there was nothing to fear at the moment at least, and that the convicts were occupied in another part of the island.
El perro le habría advertido del peligro y, cuando Top no ladraba, podía decirse que nada había que temer o al menos en aquel momento, y que los presidiarios estaban ocupados en otra parte de la isla.