ceived a reinforcement, as unexpected as it
was welcome, from the crew of the Yankee schooner, who, led by Captain
Bland, came to assist their fellow countryman in his struggle against
foreign oppression. With this timely and expert aid, the canning
business was so rushed that by ten o'clock of the next morning, when
the lookout again reported a launch to be approaching, every can was
filled and the pack was completed. More than half of it had also been
removed from the factory and stowed aboard the "Sea Bee," ready for
delivery to the St. Johns purchaser.

"I wish he were here now," said White, "so that we might settle up our
business with him before those chaps arrive."

"Well, he isn't," replied Cabot, "and we must protect the goods as best
we can until he comes. In the meantime I think you'd better disappear
and leave me to manage alone, the same as I did yesterday."

"No. I won't run away again. I'm going to stay and face the music."

"All right," agreed Cabot. "Perhaps it will be just as well, since the
factory is closed sure enough this time. You must let me do all the
talking, though, and perhaps in some way we'll manage to scare 'em off
again."

"If we could have just one day more we'd be all right," said White,
"but there they come. Only, I say! They are Frenchmen this time. See
the flag."

Sure enough. Instead of flying the British Union Jack the launch that
now appeared in the harbour displayed the tri-colour of the French
Republic. Thus, when Cabot and White reached the wharf, they were just
in time to greet their acquaintance of St. Pierre, the lieutenant of
the French frigate "Isla," whom White had so neatly outwitted in that
port. As he stepped ashore he was accompanied by a sharp-featured,
black-browed individual, whom White recognised as M. Delom, proprietor
of a French lobster factory located on another shore of the bay.

"That chap has come for pickings and stealings," he remarked in a low
tone.

"Shouldn't wonder," returned Cabot, "for he looks like a thief."

"Ah, ha, Monsieur Baldwin! I haf catch you zis time, an' you cannot
now gif me what you call ze sleep," cried the French lieutenant. "Also
I am come to siz your property, for you may no more can ze lob of ze
Francaise. Behol'! I have ze aut'orization."

So saying, the officer drew forth and unfolded with a flourish a paper
that he read aloud. It was an order for the confiscation and removal
of all property owned b