The time for the man to remain on guard expired, however, without any favorable chance presenting itself.

He was, therefore, compelled to wait until the evening, when the same sentinel would be again on guard, before he could attempt to bribe him.

At four o'clock he was posted, and after some hesitation, Harry determined to address him.

Walking up as soon as he perceived no one near the man, he called out to him.
"Vot to deuce do you vant?
you rebel," asked the sentinel in a broad Dutch accent.
"Will you let me come a little nearer ?" Harry inquired, perceiving that the distance between the guard and himself too great for a conversation.
"Vot do you vant to come a leetle nearer for ?" asked the sentinel.
"I want to talk to you," he replied, making a motion of his hand to indicate that he wished to converse in secret.
The sentinel, looking carefully around to be certain that no one was near at hand who could perceive him, beckoned to Harry to approach.
The young man went forward cautiously, as the numerous sentinels around the wall were likely to perceive him, and would not hesitate to fire if they imagined he was about to attempt an escape.

As soon as he reached the sentinel, he made known his wishes, and ended by offering the man his watch and forty dollars in gold if he would permit himself and his friend to pass the gate at night.