When driven with his mates to the new owners' camp, Buck saw a slipshod and slovenly affair, tent half stretched, dishes unwashed, everything in disorder; also, he saw a woman. "Mercedes" the men called her. She was Charles's wife and Hal's sister – a nice family party. Buck watched them apprehensively as they proceeded to take down the tent and load the sled. There was a great deal of effort about their manner, but no businesslike method. . . . Three men from a neighboring tent came out and looked on, grinning and winking at one another. —The Call of the Wild, Jack London Why is Buck concerned about being with Hal, Charles, and Mercedes? He is worried that they will attack. He fears they will not be able to take care of him and the other dogs. He thinks they will sell him to someone who is worse than his previous owners. He is afraid that they will strip him of his role as lead dog.