Question

how do you know that ali was a familiar figure at the post office

Answer 1

Ali was a well-known figure at the post office because he had been visiting the post office regularly for last five years. He sat on the same bench everyday waiting for his name to be called. The postmen made fun of him. Even though there would be no letter for him, they would call out his name, just to see his reaction. The post office became a place of pilgrimage for Ali. Even bad weather could not deter him. He was always the first one to arrive at the post office.