That night, soon after it was dark, I crept down to the tree, and concealing myself among some bushes which grew near, waited the result. I felt very sleepy, and could at times scarcely keep myself awake.  At last I heard footsteps, as if a person were cautiously approaching the tree.  A man dressed, as far as I could distinguish, like a chief, with a turban on his head, deposited a basket in the usual spot.  I sprang out and seized his hand.  At first he seemed much surprised, if not alarmed; but, recognising me, he patted me on the head, and uttered some words in a low voice, which I could not understand, but their tone was mild and kind.  Then he put out his hand, and I distinctly felt him make the sign of the cross on my brow, and then he made it on his own.  I no longer had any doubt that he was a Christian.  I longed to ask him about Jerry, but I found that he did not understand a word of English.  It was so dark, also, that he could scarcely see my gestures.  I tried every expedient to make him comprehend my meaning.  I ran on, and then seized an imaginary person, and conducted him back to the fort.  I raised my hands in a supplicating attitude.  I shook his hands warmly, to show how grateful I should be if he granted my request.  At last I began to hope that he understood me.  He shook my hands and nodded, and then, assisting me to carry the basket close up to the fort, hurriedly left me.