y a person, or persons, named Baldwin, and used
by them contrary to law in canning lobsters on the French territory of
Newfoundland, and it was signed: "Charmian, Capitan de Fregate."

"So, Monsieur Baldwin," continued the officer, when he had finished the
reading, "you will gif to me ze key of your factory zat I may from it
remof ze materiel. I sall also take your schooner for to convey it to
ze factory of M. Delom. Is it plain, ma intention?"

"Your intention is only too plain," responded White. "You are come to
aid that thief in stealing my property; but you are too late, for the
factory no longer belongs to the Baldwin family."

"Ah! Is it so? Who zen belong to it?"

"This gentleman is the present owner," replied White, "and you must
arrange your business with him."

"Who is he?" demanded the Frenchman, surveying Cabot contemptuously
from head to foot. "But I do not care. Ze material mus all ze same be
remof."

"I am an American citizen," interrupted Cabot, "and I forbid you to
touch my property. If you do so I shall claim damages through the
American government, and in the meantime I shall call on the British
frigate now in this bay for protection."

"For ze Americains I do not care," cried the Frenchman, assuming a
theatrical attitude. "For l'Anglais, pouf! I also care not. When it
is my duty I do him. Ze material mus be remof. Allons, mes garcons."

A dozen French bluejackets, armed with cutlasses and pistols, had
gathered behind their leader, and now these sprang forward with a
shout, clearing a way through the collected throng of villagers.
Advancing upon the main entrance to the factory, they quickly battered
down its door and rushed inside. With them went swarthy-faced Delom,
who gloated over the spoil that now seemed within his grasp, and which
would make his own factory the best equipped on the coast, he was
especially pleased to note the pack all boxed ready for shipment, and
our lads saw him direct the officer's attention to it. As a result the
latter gave an order, and in another minute a file of French
bluejackets, each with a case of canned lobster on his shoulder, was
marching towards the door.

Just as they reached it there came a shout and a tramp of heavy feet
from the outside. Then a stern voice cried:

"Halt! What are you doing here, you French beggars? Drop those boxes
and clear out."

As the Frenchmen halted irresolute, their officer, who could not see
what was g