Licorice and Black Jack

This fable is about Licorice and Black Jack, twin seafaring cats that lived on the Clipper Ship “The Fair Winds” during the mid-1700s. These brother cats were famous for catching rats throughout the Seven Seas. One night, they were kidnapped by a dishonest, disgruntled crew member who sold them to a witch. After ridding the old harridan’s hut of rats, there was nothing left for them to eat, so they snuck off seeking freedom, food, and hopefully their ship. They then had the misfortune to be discovered by a disreputable merchant who sold them for their beautiful pelts. Their troubles took a turn for the worst from that moment on.

Helen Jones is a 90-year-old retired widow who has lived abroad for several years.Mrs. Jones handmakes dolls for severely disabled children abroad and has a dog, Socks. She has written many children’s fables. These stories have lain in a folder for years. Finally, Mrs. Jones, with encouragement from several friends and acquaintances, decided to submit two of her stories for consideration. She lives in Woodbridge and has two daughters and five grandchildren.