Rick persuaded his companions to come with him to Saltfleetby because, he insisted, he had pressing business in Gainsborough. From the small trading harbour they would take one of the many sailing vessels that plied their trade along the Lindsey coast and into the Humber. This was the plan but it proved harder to execute because the ship owners were reluctant to accept three unknowns seeking free passage.
Luck – for once, thought Rick – was on their side in the shape of a merchant born and raised in Little Carlton who recognised his friends although he had not seen them since their youth. He agreed without hesitation to take them to Gainsborough wither he was headed. His trade was in skins as seals were abundant along this stretch of coastline. He had many contacts in the port on the Tren
