Men of Toast
The problem was two-fold.

James and Vance (at the beach, in the fog) had seen Timmy with the bag.

And Timmy did not deny having had the bag.

But Enright wanted the bag and no one knew where it was.

Smithfield had malaria and was, therefore, useless.

And, in fact, Enright was not at all well either.

Lawrence was the only one who could help them.
He refused.

James and Vance (at the beach, in the fog) had seen Timmy with the bag.

And Timmy did not deny having had the bag.

But Enright wanted the bag and no one knew where it was.

Smithfield had malaria and was, therefore, useless.

And, in fact, Enright was not at all well either.

Lawrence was the only one who could help them.
He refused.

Comments
If yes, do I have to go do it on a foggy beach, or can I stay here and drink coffee while I long? After all, think of the multitasking possibilities. I could be longing for the bag while I clean the kitchen.
I promise to look soulfully off into distance like Garbo at the end of Queen Christina.