"I've never spent a more peaceful night in my life," he continued. "If we can't find the diamonds you might do worse than turn the place into a rest cure. I believe you'd make a pot of money." "It's not a bad notion," I admitted. "We could have Manning as a resident physician." I ducked my head into a basin of water, and emerged from the process feeling considerably refreshed. "How's the weather?" I enquired, seeing that he was looking out of the window. "Better than it was. There's still a lot of mist hanging about the estuary, but the wind's south-east, and it will probably get up later in the day." He turned back into the room. "What time are you due in town?" he demanded. "Just after nine," I said. "I ought to be in Fleet Street by half past." He sat there swinging his foot and meditating while I rapidly pulled on my trousers and laced up my boots. "It all depends whether the sleuth-hound's in his kennel," he observed. "If he is you'll be through by about ten-thirty. Send me a wire directly you've fixed up your arrangements. I want to let them know when to expect me at Martlesea." "You couldn't put off the trip till to-morrow?" I suggested. He shook his head. "I must look in for an hour. It doesn't matter what time though; there's always someone there till eight o'clock." "I shall try and bring Campbell back with me by the mid-day train," I said. "Then we can have a hunt for the diamonds before you start." "That's the idea," he replied approvingly. "With any luck it ought to be a very interesting and profitable afternoon." He hoisted himself off the sill, and, coming up to where I was standing, helped me on with my coat. "I'll row you ashore now," he added, "and if you'll let me know when to expect you I'll be waiting for you at Pen Mill." "But how about the house?" I objected. "We oughtn't to leave it empty." "I've only got to tip the word to my man Jenkins," he replied. "He'll take damned good care that nobody lands on the island." We made our way downstairs, and, shutting the front door behind us, we set off at a brisk pace for the landing-stage. The motor-boat, which had slewed round with the tide, was now lying with her nose towards the island, and Jenkins himself--a stalwart figure in white slops--was leaning pensively over the iron railing. As soon as he saw us he drew himself up and saluted. We paddled alongside, where Bobby gave his instructions; and then, pulling straight across the estuary, ran in under the end of the jetty. Except for an aged fisherman mending his nets the place was entirely deserted.