As to where Manning came in, I was still puzzled. That he had some connection with the de Rodas was obvious, but from what I had seen of him, I was strongly inclined to believe that he was playing a private and separate game of his own, in which Christine and her uncle were only partly concerned. Anyhow, I was now convinced that the most promising place in which to hunt for the key of the mystery was on board _The Penguin_, and that the quicker I got on to the job the more likely I was to find it. With this idea in my mind I returned to the jetty, where the faithful Jimmy was patiently awaiting my arrival. The fact that I was a friend of Bobby's had evidently sent me up several pegs in his estimation, for he greeted me with a respectful salute which I was careful to acknowledge. "I am much obliged to you, James," I said, presenting him with a shilling. "It's a great thing to have somebody that one can really depend on." He looked up at me gravely. "You can trust me, guv'nor," he observed. "I ain't the sort to let yer down--not if there's anything yer wants done." "I am sure of that," I said. "And what's more, I shan't forget it." Settling myself in my seat, I sculled off at a leisurely pace down the creek. My thoughts were still busy with the owner of _The Penguin_, and as I came out into the open I cast an instinctive glance up the estuary in the direction of the barge. What I saw pulled me up short in the middle of my stroke. A hundred yards away, and moving rapidly towards me, was a small motor-boat containing a single occupant. I recognised the latter instantly. It was Manning himself, and with a queer feeling of suspicion at this remarkably opportune appearance of his I swung the dinghy round and waited his approach. He came up alongside, and, cutting off his engine, waved me a friendly greeting. "I was right after all then," he said. "I thought I saw you going ashore about twenty minutes ago." "I was just seeing back a pal of mine who's been lunching with me," I said. "Dean, of the Coast Patrol. I think you have met him, haven't you?" He nodded easily. "Oh, yes--several times. An uncommonly good fellow from all accounts. I should like to know him better." I thought of Bobby's remarks on the same subject, and it was as much as I could manage to keep a straight face. "He was my skipper during the war," I explained. "I had no idea he was down in these parts. We ran across each other accidentally on the jetty this morning." I was watching him closely while I spoke, but if my news was in any way unwelcome he certainly managed to conceal the fact. "Just what you wanted," he said, steadying the dinghy with his hand. "It must be precious lonely for you, tucked away on that island all by yourself. I have been meaning to run across again and look you up, only I thought I had better give you time to settle in first." I took the opening without hesitation.