Disclaimer: Disney's


Knave of Hearts

"Capitaine! It is outrageous! Three dozen jam tarts! Gone!"

A colorful Gallic tirade ensued, silencing Jack perforce until his chef paused for breath. Then he said quickly, "Anatole, you're sure 'twas Tom?"

Anatole fixed Jack with a gimlet eye. "He is your son!" A touch of rueful but, nevertheless, amused pride passed over the pirate's face, and Anatole reddened furiously. "I saw him lurking—and warned him not to touch them! Mon Dieu! They are the Governor's favorite! For his birthday dinner!"

Before the tirade could recommence, Jack said, "All right, all right! I'll find him. P'rhaps he's not had time to eat them all."

"I demand satisfaction!" Anatole stated dramatically, as Jack walked away.

Jack muttered, "Well, if he's eaten even half, you'll have your revenge right there, won't you, ye old devil?"

o-o-o

Some time later, Harry pushed open the door of her brother's library. "Weatherby! Are you here?" The room was all shadows and gold in the light of late afternoon.

"Over here, by the window, Harry. For God's sake, shut the door!"

Harry frowned at the odd sound of his voice, but did as she was bade. Crossing the room, she said, "Don't you think you should dress for the party? And have you seen Jack? I…" She stopped and her brows lifted.

Swann cleared his throat. "Yes, I've seen Jack." He nodded to his right, where Jack was seated on the sofa beside him, unable to speak himself for a mouthful of jam tart. Little Tom was seated on the Governor's opposite flank, also holding a tart, face stained and exceedingly crumby.

Harry tried to look severe. "So this is where Anatole's tarts have gone!" She pointed to the plate of evidence on her brother's lap.

Tom piped up, "Uncle Weatherby wanted 'em, and it's his birthday!"

"So you stole them for him?" Harry shook her head. "I warn you, Anatole is bent on a terrible retribution, and it appears you all three deserve it!"

"Not I!" Weatherby objected. "It's my birthday, dash it!" He picked up another pastry and took a defiant bite.

"An' I came after the fact," said Jack, his voice still rather muffled. "Completely innocent! I swear!"

"There's two left, Mama," Tom wheedled. "You can have 'em if you won't tell."

Harry gave an anguished sigh. "Incorrigible. First theft, and now bribery!"

"A chip off the old block, ain't he?" observed Jack.

Swann said in measured tones, "There shall be no retribution, by decree of the Governor. Indeed, the acquisition and presentation of appropriate gifts is a hallmark of diplomatic practice. Tom has the makings of a great man in him." He looked down at his nevvie, who grinned at him. Swann beamed, then turned back to his sister. "Now sit down and have a tart, Harry. It's my birthday."