I regret that I cannot alter my mind with respect to your proposal.

But, at any rate, you will only have a few days to wait.

The season is about to open.

Trading ships and whalers will put in at Christmas Harbour, and you will be able to make a choice, with the certainty of going to the port you want to reach.

I am very sorry, sir, and I salute you." With these words Captain Len Guy walked quickly away, and the interview ended differently from what I had expected, that is to say in formal, although polite, fashion.
As there is no use in contending with the impossible, I gave up the hope of a passage on the _Halbrane_, but continued to feel angry with her intractable captain.