Manasseh was now among people who knew him well, and he did not expect to be asked to show his passport.

But he was mistaken.

Suddenly a hand was laid on his arm and a firm voice saluted his ears.
"So you thought you'd slip by me without once showing your papers, did you?
A pretty way to act, I must say!" Manasseh turned to the speaker, who proved to be a short, broad-shouldered, thick-set man, in a coarse coat such as the Szeklers wear, high boots, and a large hat.

His arms were disproportionately long for his short body, his beard was either very closely cut or sadly in need of the razor, and his legs were planted widely apart as he confronted the travellers in a challenging attitude.

Perhaps he wished to invite Manasseh to a wrestling bout.
Blanka looked on in surprise as she saw the two men fling their arms around each other.