The eyes of the Captain instantly caught sight of "The Galleon," then of the five, and then of Lieutenant Diego Bernal standing near the Americans.
"Men," he cried to some of his soldiers who had landed.

"Seize this boat at once! It is my property, taken from me by these American thieves!" The soldiers moved to obey, but the little Catalan, Lieutenant Diego Bernal stepped forward.

Never was he more mincing, and it is likely that he never felt more satisfaction than he did now at the role that he was about to play.
"Gently! Gently! my good captain," he said.

"I am a port officer and boats cannot be seized at will in His Most Catholic Majesty's city of New Orleans." His manner stung Alvarez, who replied hotly: "I repeat, it is my boat! It was stolen from me by these thieves from Kaintock!" "But that must be proved," and the lieutenant's voice was very soft and silky.

"The law is still administered in the City of New Orleans.