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chambers, but one curious feature caught Sano's attention.

In the alcove stood a table with long, spindly legs. On this sat a peculiar wooden box the size of a man's head, with a white enamel circle on its upright face. Twelve strange symbols, inlaid in gold, rimmed the circle, from whose center extended slender gold pointers. The box emitted loud, rhythmic clicks.

oI see you've noticed my European clock. Governor Nagai regarded the object fondly. He offered refreshments, ordering them from a servant who appeared at the door. oIt and the table were gifts from the Dutch barbarian who has disappeared: East India Company Trade Director Jan Spaen.

oRemarkable, Sano said. He recalled Chamberlain Yanagisawa mentioning the wealth that a Nagasaki official could reap from the overseas commerce. Apparently it came from both Japanese merchants as taxes, and from foreign merchants as presents intended to facilitate trade relations. But more intriguing than the possibility of riches was the thought of meeting the men whose culture produced such wonders as a mechanical timekeeping device.

oYour reputation precedes you, ssakan-sama, Governor Nagai said. oThe last time I was in Edo, I heard about your capture of the Bundori Killer.

To ensure that no individual commanded too much power over the international port, Nagasaki actually had three governors, who took turns ruling the city. While one was in Edo, reporting to the shogun " and visiting his family held hostage to his good behavior "the others served alternate shifts. Fate had saddled Governor Nagai with the Dutchman's unfortunate disappearance. But he'd surely benefited from his trips to the capital, testing the political climate there. Sano guessed that the courteous treatment he was receiving meant Governor Nagai knew he enjoyed the shogun's albeit unreliable favor. Yet the governor, though subject to Tokugawa Tsunayoshi, also had Chamberlain Yanagisawa's orders, and would know of his animosity toward Sano. However, perhaps Sano could use Nagai's conflicting loyalties to his advantage.

oHis Excellency took a special interest in the Bundori Murder investigation, Sano said, mentioning the shogun to make Governor Nagai think he was secure in Tokugawa Tsunayoshi's protection, which he'd earned by solving the case. He must survive his stay in Nagasaki and return to his proper post.

oYes. Of course. Well. Governor Nagai acknowledged the ploy by sucking his lips. oI shall be happy to lend you and your retainer a fine mansion, servants, and horses.

This concession was a good sign, even if it wasn't what Sano really wanted. oThank you, Nagai-san. The servant brought tea and cakes, which he accepted, tasted, and praised according to polite convention. oThese cakes have a unique and delicious tang. He suppressed a smile as he saw Hirata, seasickness gone now, eating hungrily for the first time in days. oWhat is the seasoning?

oMace and cinnamon, Governor Nagai answered between bites, ofrom the Indonesian Spice Islands. Here in Nagasaki, foreign traders bring us all the flavors of the world.

This was the opening Sano needed. oPerhaps I should begin my inspection with an assessment of the current state of foreign commerce. Starting with the Dutch trade. If he must carry out the charade, he would at least realize his dream of seeing the barbarians.

oYes. Well. Governor Nagai smiled and sipped his tea. oI'm afraid that the current state of Dutch-Japanese relations is hardly typical. He looked out the window. Down the hill, troops filed through the streets, still searching. oIf you inspect Deshima now, you'll carry an inaccurate report back to Edo "and Chamberlain Yanagisawa.

Was the governor asking Sano not to criticize his administration, or implying that Chamberlain Yanagisawa would back his refusal? Whatever his reason for invoking the chamberlain's authority, Sano couldn't afford to yield. His status in Nagasaki was ambiguous enough that losing this power play would