Extract

Ever been out in the wilds of Northumberland at night? Seen silvery stars winking in the blue canopy of sky? Known it was a night for those who are up to no good?

‘Right lad, we’re goin’ to set a loop snare. Are ye watchin’?’ Da’s breath wheezed out in gasps, a legacy of the mines. His gnarled hands began to work their magic on the thin rope.

The small boy tried to concentrate, but it was bitterly cold. It was after midnight and there was ice in the north wind. He snuggled deeper into his duffel coat. All he could think of was his warm bed. He yawned, that was his first mistake!

A huge paw, roughened and calloused by years of work in the pit struck his right ear making it sting.

‘Ow! That hurt!’ The boy yelled and jumped up and down. ’What did ye do that for?’

‘Am I keeping’ ye up lad?’ asked his Da’. ‘Pity you’ve got food in yer belly. In my day you’d have been grateful for the poachin’ cos without it you’d have starved.’ Now haad yer gob and watch or ye’ll get another one like that’n.’

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