"Is this the Pretty Harbour lobster factory?" demanded the officer as
he stepped ashore.
"I believe it was formerly used as a lobster cannery," replied Cabot,
guardedly, "but no business of the kind is being carried on here at
present."
"It is owned by the family of the late William Baldwin, is it not?"
"No, sir."
"Who then does own the property?"
"I do."
"You!" exclaimed the officer. "And pray, sir, who are you?"
"I am an American citizen named Grant, and have recently acquired this
property by purchase."
"Indeed. Then of course you possess papers showing the transfer of
ownership."
"Certainly."
"I should like to look at them."
"They have been sent for record to the county seat, where any one who
chooses may examine them."
"Where shall I find a person by the name of Whiteway Baldwin?"
"I can't tell you, as he has left the place."
"Is any member of his family here?"
"No. All of them went with him."
"Have you the keys of this factory?"
"I have."
"Then I must trouble you to open it, as I wish to look inside."
As the two entered the building, and the officer caught sight of the
machinery used in canning lobsters, he said:
"I am very sorry, Mr. Grant, but I have orders to destroy everything
found in this factory that has been, or may be, used in the canning of
lobsters."
"Those orders apply to the property of Mrs.
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