If they were unsuccessful in fixing, they rarely disclosed what had been offered; and this would go on for days, until they had to fix; then they would draw closer to each other, and relate in the most minute fashion the history of all the negotiations, and how cleverly they had gained this or that advantage over the charterers; whereas, in truth, their agents or brokers had great trouble in getting some of them to understand the precise nature of the business that was being negotiated.
"Looking Seaward Again"
Walter Runciman
My consignees, who had received me with such heartiness on my arrival, now, in the character of my charterers, listened to my complaints with polite helplessness.
"'Twixt Land & Sea"
Joseph Conrad
Anxious to carry the news to my charterers, I ran back on the verandah to get my hat.
"'Twixt Land & Sea"
Joseph Conrad