I gulped down the tea, and, scrambling out of bed, proceeded to commence a hasty toilet, while Bobby, who looked very unshaven and disreputable, seated himself on the window sill and puffed contentedly at a cigarette.
"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.