It was impossible that Captain Len Guy, who knew every dweller in the place, should not have known that I was a stranger, even supposing that neither of my would-be patrons had mentioned me to him.
His attitude could only signify one of two things--either my proposal had been communicated to him, and he did not intend to accede to it; or neither Hurliguerly nor Arkins had spoken to him since the previous day.

In the latter case, if he held aloof from me, it was because of his morose nature; it was because he did not choose to enter into conversation with a stranger.
At the moment when I was about to accost him, the _Halbrane's_ lieutenant rejoined his captain, and the latter availed himself of the opportunity to avoid me.

He made a sign to the officer to follow him, and the two walked away at a rapid pace.
"This is serious," said I to myself.

"It looks as though I shall find it difficult to gain my point.

But, after all it only means delay.