‘Not at all. I don’t think you give a damn for the rules.’

‘I’m very law abiding.’

‘But you didn’t mind lying to the squire. You were prepared to take him on at his own game. What do you think he would have done had he discovered your deception?’

‘I try not to think about it. Anyway, I’m unlikely to meet the squire again. We don’t move in the same circles.’

‘Best keep it that way, too.’ Jay clicked his tongue against his teeth. ‘Walk on, Hero, old man. It’s not too far now.’

Daisy held on to the side of the seat as the trap lurched forward, bouncing off the ruts in what was little more than a track. They were driving along the edge of the saltings and sunlight sparkled on the strips of water lying between the tussocky grass mounds. The whole area was alive with wildlife, and gulls soared above their heads, their plaintive cries filling the air. It was chilly but exhilarating, and Daisy felt a surge of anticipation as Jay guided Hero down a narrow track that opened out suddenly into a secluded strip of mud flat surrounded by trees. There, as he had said, was the Lazy Jane, with two seamen working to repair the damage caused when the boat was beached.

Jay drew Hero to a halt and leaped down from the driver’s seat. He crossed the muddy foreshore to speak to his crew. Abandoned temporarily, Daisy watched curiously. Judging by the men’s attitudes it was obvious that Jay was their leader, and a popular one at that. Their faces had brightened at the sight of him and they seemed eager to talk. Daisy climbed down from the driver’s seat and stretched. The old trap was not the most luxurious form of travel and it was good to feel solid ground beneath her feet. She stroked Hero’s muzzle and he rubbed his head against her shoulder in response.

After a brief conversation, Jay strolled back to join her. ‘What do you think of my Jane?’

‘She’s very beautiful,’ Daisy said truthfully. ‘I’d love to see her under full sail.’

‘Would you?’ Jay studied her expression and smiled. ‘I believe you mean it, Daisy.’

‘Of course I do. I know nothing about boats, but it’s obvious you care about her, almost as if she were a woman.’

‘Boats and ships have personalities, just like people. Jane is a capricious little minx, and she’s hard to handle, but with the wind in her sails she sets a fine course at a top speed. She’s got us out of many a scrape in the past.’

‘What sort of contraband do you bring ashore?’

He laughed, causing his mates to look up and grin. ‘You’ve been reading too many penny dreadfuls, Daisy. It’s not as exciting as it sounds.’

‘But if you’re caught you’ll go to prison again.’

‘Like everything it’s a matter of being well prepared, plus a large amount of luck.’

Daisy glanced over his shoulder at the men who had resumed their work. ‘Are you satisfied with what they’ve done so far?’