Fenella nodded.
“We had brought a cargo back safely across the Channel,” she explained, “but when we reached the creek from which we had set out, we had to sink the boat. The soldiers were looking for us and Periquine and I only escaped by a miracle.”
“Corbury must be demented ! “ Sir Nicolas exclaimed. There was so much horror in his voice that Fenella could not help laughing.
“I thought I had to tell you, Sir Nicolas, not only to excuse Periquine, but because I knew how shocked you would be,” she smiled, “but all is well. The bullet from the Preventive Ship only just grazed my arm. But naturally l could not tell Mama what had happened.”
“If you dial, perhaps she would have the good sense to hand that young fool over to the authorities,” Sir Nicolas Said grimly.
“Do not forget that,
