What are the foreshadows in I am David and we’re they affective?

Before he gets out of the camp, "the man" (eventually revealed to be the camp commandant - see "Characters") directs him to make his way to a certain tree, where he will find supplies to help him on his journey. The most important of these is a compass, which David has never used but which he quickly realizes will be invaluable in helping him find his way to Denmark. This foreshadows the rest of David's journey.