How did Nathaniel's work with The Darter ready him for his secret investigation into his mother's activities in the novel, Warlight?

As a teenager, Nathaniel often went with The Darter to London’s Thames River. There, they used a fishing boat to help illegally smuggle racing dogs into London. These illegal activities contributed to the growth of Nathaniel’s personal independence. These acts also potentially emboldened him to conduct his secret, personal investigation in the government archives as an adult.