On the outskirts of the village Manasseh met scattered bodies of soldiery who surveyed him in much surprise; but, as he was unarmed, they offered him no injury.
His calmness of bearing and the cool, collected look with which he met their scrutiny completely disarmed them.

Besides, they were busy cutting up slaughtered cattle and cooking their supper in the open fields.

As was usual among such irregular troops, no outposts had been set to challenge the approach of strangers.
Manasseh accosted the first man whose face impressed him favourably, and asked for guidance to the commander's quarters.

The man willingly gave him his escort.

On the way he went so far as to unbosom himself to Manasseh, complaining that, at this busy season of the year, when all ought to be at home, men were forced to make so long a march.