Final answer:
Towards the end of the story, Sykes takes the snake out of the box and places it where he had left the saddle-bags. He carefully places the girl on a bed made of a blanket, stones, and dust. He then retrieves his belongings and prepares to leave.
Step-by-step explanation:
Towards the story's conclusion, tension mounts as Sykes, a character yet undisclosed, unveils a snake from a concealed box. The serpent, a potent symbol, adds an ominous layer to the narrative. Sykes, seemingly indifferent, relocates the creature to where saddle-bags were left, foreshadowing a sinister turn of events.
Meanwhile, a makeshift bed of a blanket, stones, and dust is fashioned, suggesting a stark and uncomfortable reality. As he gingerly positions a girl on this crude surface, questions arise about her well-being and the unfolding circumstances. Sykes, undeterred, retrieves his belongings, setting the stage for an impending departure, leaving readers with a sense of impending doom.