Valesco is trusting Naranja to be on board. If he would not be on board, Manny would take his place.
It would be a shame if something should happen to Naranja. Have you found Naranja, already?
This is the low-spoiler guide for "Making Naranja miss the boat" puzzle in Grim Fandango. Unlike in normal walkthrough, you get gradual hints on how to solve the puzzle. Click the big button below to see your first hint. If the hint contains a spoiler, you will be warned about it before clicking.