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Laura said with a wink.Jack put his hand to his chest and looked around him.
    "Moi?""Yes, you, Jack. You will pretend to be my prisoner. I will make it seem as though my plan--all along--was to double-cross you, to sweeten my deal with her."Jack cocked an eyebrow. Then he resigned himself to the ta sk."Sure," he said, "why not?"
     
    CHAPTER EIGHT
     
    Captain Laura Smith made her way through the streets of New Orleans as if she owned them.
    "We spent the better part of our time here ducking around, avoiding people," Jack muttered. His hands were bound in front of him, and he was being marched behind Captain Smith and in front of Mr. Reece.They passed a group of Pirate Guards. Captain Smith saluted them, and they all touched their hats back. Almost reverently. They seemed enthralled by the pirate queen, her flashing eyes and auburn hair.
    "How does she get away with it?" Jack continued to grumble.Mr. Reece gave a dry chuckle.
    "Take a look at her. It's just who she is."Arabella shook her head. She didn't have quite the captain's presence or air of command, but she strode with the same gait and tossed her own hair the same way.They managed to make it all the way to the city hall without being stopped or harassed.Captain Smith threw open the huge silver doors of the town hall with great drama. Arabella rolled her eyes. The building was completely empty. The four strode through the entryway and into the grand hall. Again, there was no one. Just the lonely sound of their own footsteps on th e creaking silver floorboards.
    Captain Smith called out. "I'm here to see the famous Madame Minuit. Witch, show yourself!"
    "Now, I would have gone with something a little more, well, I don't know, polite Jack commented.
    "The prisoner has a point, mum," Arabella said nervously.There was a strange noise coming from the shadows, dry and whispery, like a ghost.But the actual cause of the noise was far worse.A horrifyingly gigantic snake came out of the gloom, making its way slowly and deliberately towards them. It was green and black with shiny, platelike scales, huge white fangs, and slitted eyes.Captain Smith stood her ground, trying n ot to look nervous.
    Arabella and Mr. Reece didn't do quite as well.Jack just sighed. As he had expected, there was a flash of light and a puff of smoke. Suddenly, in place of the snake stood Madame Minuit, in her pretty form."So bloody dramatic," Jack muttered. Mr. Reece kicked him in the shin.Captain Smith didn't even blink.
    "Madame Minuit, I presume," Captain Smith said, with a curt little bow."Yes, le 'witch' you referred to before," the snake queen said languidly, in her thick French accent.
    "Why are you back here, Lady Pirate? You are as good as dead for attacking my compatriots."
    "I was not fully aware of the details of the situation at the time," Captain Smith said, trying to sound contrite.
    "My only thoughts were for revenge-on Left-Foot Louis and Silverback. The y plotted a mutiny against me. Forgive my earlier indiscretion. I have returned with a business opportunity that will benefit us both."
    "I see. Go on." It was obvious from the tone of her voice that Madame Minuit didn't think Captain Smith had anything to offer her. In fact, from the look on her face it was clear she didn't care for the captain of the Fleur--at all. I am a well-known smuggler on the Seven Seas--I have liaisons and connections everywhere from the Orient to the Outer Hebrides. I can help you move your silver anywhere in the world. All I ask is a share of the profits...and that LeftFoot and Silverback be handed over to me."Madame Minuit just stared at her with unblinking eyes, like a snake. She didn't say a word.
    Here, I have even brought you a gift of my good will," Captain Smith continued. Mr. Reece pushed Jack forward.
    "Captain Jack Sparrow, biggest troublemaker on the Seven Seas. I know he's been a thorn in your side."Madame Minuit laughed softly.
    "Merci--thank you. It is a lovely gesture. But why on earth would I need