portmaster

He scanned the pier and harbor, but his eyes kept going back to the road, and before too long he could see a rider moving at a quick trot toward the squarish heavy-timbered building that held the portmaster and the customs enumerator.

Wellspring of Chaos Modesitt, L. E. 2004

When he got the wagon turned around, he saw the portmaster standing on the dock, his wife behind him.

Prentice Alvin Card, Orson Scott 1989

Folks wanted iron bad enough, the portmaster included, and he'd be up to the smithy soon enough asking for this or that.

Prentice Alvin Card, Orson Scott 1989

"I reckon we get along well enough most of the time, boys," said the portmaster.

Prentice Alvin Card, Orson Scott 1989

The portmaster went back inside before the wagon even turned the corner onto the town road.

Prentice Alvin Card, Orson Scott 1989

"Don't want you using my hand trucks to tote those, now," said the portmaster.

Prentice Alvin Card, Orson Scott 1989

"You don't suppose the portmaster is in danger from having helped us, do you?" asked the lady.

Prentice Alvin Card, Orson Scott 1989

"They all know that if ever a portmaster got harmed, them as did it would never work again on the river, or if they did, they wouldn't live through a night ashore."

Prentice Alvin Card, Orson Scott 1989

The portmaster touched another switch, prepared to make a fresh recording.

Mission to Moulokin Foster, Alan Dean, 1946- 1979

" "You said the portmaster and others will accept our story because they'll have nothing to compare it with.

Mission to Moulokin Foster, Alan Dean, 1946- 1979