[Music. Enter, L., the four Knaves, each bearing two large fire-crackers. There are tarts in each. The Knaves sand side by side along the wall, L.]
King of Spades. Aha, the fire-crackers, the fire-crackers!
Queen of Spades. And most wondrous, wondrous are they!
Queen of Diamonds. Truly they be most marvellously fashioned.
King of Hearts. Now, Knave, according to my promise, and because of the gracious intercession of the Queen, thy life is spared, for thou hast brought back the fire-crackers. Take them to the board. And if ever again thou art taken a thief, thou needst not reckon thy life at the hundredth part of a farthing.
King of Spades. But, Sir King, the Knave did say he took the fire-crackers that he might place somewhat therein.
King of Hearts. True, I remember he said so. Hast thou placed aught within them, Knave?
Knave of Hearts. Ay, my lord. When I did first purloin the Queen's tarts last summer, methought to eat them. But being so sorely beaten by your Majesty, I did refrain, and so kept the tarts uneaten. To-day I return the tarts in the fire-crackers, thereby making double restitution to her most charitable and generous Majesty the Queen of Hearts.
[The Knaves open the fire-crackers and shake out the tarts into a tray held by the Joker.]
Queen of Hearts. The tarts?