I paused in my rowing. "Sheppey!" I repeated. "Why damn it, Tommy,
I've just come back from Sheppey."
It was Tommy's turn to look surprised. "The devil you have!" he exclaimed. "What took you there?"
"To be exact," I said, "it was the Betty"; and then in as few words as possible I proceeded to acquaint him with the morning's doings. I was just finishing as we came alongside.
"Well, that's fine about the powder," he said, scrambling on board.
"Where's Gow?"
"Joyce sent him off for a holiday," I answered, "and he hasn't come back yet." Then hitching up the dinghy I added curiously: "What's up, Tommy? Let's have it."
"It's Latimer," he said. "I told you I was expecting to hear from him.
He sent me a message round early this morning, and I've promised him
I'll be in the creek under the German's bungalow by half-past nine. I
must get there somehow."
"Oh, we'll get there all right," I returned cheerfully, "What's the game?"
"I think he's having a squint round," said Tommy. "Anyhow I know he's there on his own and depending on me to pick him up."
"But what made him ask you?" I demanded.
"He knew I had a boat, and I fancy he's working this particular racket without any official help. As far as I can make out, he wants to be quite certain what these fellows are up to before he strikes. You don't get much sympathy in the Secret Service if you happen to make a mistake."