They emerged into a grassy clearing that occupied slightly higher and drier land. A fire burned in the centre near a wooden hut built of thick oak boards. A big rifle with a telescope sight rested against the door. Firewood was stacked near the fire. A Land Rover was pulled under trees at the far side of the clearing. Michael Shackleton – Shack to almost everyone – tanned, bearded and dressed in gamekeeper"s fustian, sat on a log skinning a rabbit with a large sheath knife.
At forty Shack had a formidable reputation. The tales of his woodcraft and cunning were many and it was a foolish poacher who felt he could outsmart him. Red had known Shack from childhood, as the gamekeeper lived from October to March in a cottage a mere ten minutes" walk from his great aunt, Florrie Gaunt. From April
