The Jew, sitting beside me with his book of names and charges, poured cool water over my bandages and translated to me what they all said.

He spoke English very well indeed, but in such low tones that I could scarcely catch the words, drawing in his breath and not moving his lips at all.
The native explained that he had waited to see the bwana makubwa--the commandant.

He had nowhere to go and no money with which to pay for lodging, so he proposed to wait outside the gate and watch for the coming of the commandant next morning.

He would intercept him on his way down from the white house on the hill.
He was asked why.

To beg a favor.