"Jimmy's at the shack we built in the rocks. What about the warden?"
"We can get no news. I imagine the police are hiding the fellow."
"Why did you leave Jimmy?" Laura interrupted, and Deering saw she did not altogether trust him. "Has he food and proper clothes? If he is in trouble, we must try to help."
"That is so," said Dillon. "If Jimmy wants me, I'll get off the boat."
"Jimmy's clothes are worse than mine, but he doesn't particularly want your help. I pulled out because I must transact some business, and I've pretty good grounds to imagine the police are on my track."
"I expect we'll sail in a few minutes," said Dillon. "Do you think the police know you got on board?"
Deering glanced at the others. He thought Laura imagined he had meant to join them and she was not yet satisfied. Mrs. Dillon was frankly annoyed.
"So long as they don't know I got off again, it's not important," he replied.
"Are you going to get off?"
"Certainly," said Deering and turned to Laura with a twinkle. "The trick is not remarkably fresh, but since the police reckon I'm bound for the United States, it ought to work. You see, Jimmy's my friend, and when I've put across my business I'm going back."