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 by 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.
Pages:
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99