Who is Thomas Hardy from Dead in the Water: A Novel and what is their importance?

Thomas Hardy is the owner of the Shipwright's Arms. Thomas is a big help to Stone throughout his time on the island. It is Thomas who plays secretary for Stone during his time there as well as Thomas who found Sir Leslie for Stone. In fact, at the end of the novel, the reader must stop and wonder if Thomas knew what Sir Leslie was up to throughout the trial and if he set Stone up.