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establish him as the governor's inferior, rather than approximate equal.

oI'll help restore conditions to normal so that my inspection of the Dutch trade may proceed, he said.

A speculative gleam lit Nagai's eyes. oAre you offering to assume charge of the hunt for Trade Director Spaen? His bland tone didn't quite hide his eagerness. oYes. Well. That's very kind. But you needn't trouble yourself. Still, if you insist...

Sano saw the trap. By taking over the investigation, he would relieve Governor Nagai of an onerous burden "and play right into Chamberlain Yanagisawa's hands. Failure to locate the Dutch barbarian would mean his death. But if he refused the task, he might spend the next six months accomplishing nothing of value, growing increasingly bitter toward the bakufu, missing Aoi, and worrying about his future.

oI insist, Sano said.

Governor Nagai relaxed with an audible sigh. A reckless exhilaration filled Sano. Now he would be doing real work, pursuing truth, if not justice, and following the Way of the Warrior as he perceived it. He would see the barbarians. And success could bring a political bonus as well as personal satisfaction: owing him a favor, Governor Nagai might agree to ignore Chamberlain Yanagisawa's orders. Sano glanced at Hirata, whose mouth dropped: From what he'd seen and heard today, he guessed the danger Sano courted.

oHirata-san, I won't be needing you for this investigation, Sano said. To shield his retainer from the consequences of possible failure, he must keep Hirata at a distance from this dangerous task. If his actions caused his own ruin, then so be it; but he would not "could not "endure the pain of harming his faithful companion. oWhen we leave here, see the baggage safely to our lodgings. Then you may amuse yourself in town.

oAmuse myself, Hirata echoed, not quite managing to conceal his hurt at the dismissal, or his fear for Sano.

oGovernor Nagai, I would appreciate any details you can give me about the barbarian's disappearance, Sano said. oWhen was it noticed, and by whom?

The governor offered more tea and cakes, eager to cooperate now. oJust after daybreak, during a routine inspection by Chief Ohira and the guards.

oHow many other Dutchmen are on Deshima? Has anyone asked them where Trade Director Jan Spaen might have gone, or why? As Sano stumbled over the strange name, his pulse quickened in anticipation of encountering much more that was unfamiliar.

oThere are presently six barbarians in Japan, who came two years ago and have stayed to protect the goods in their warehouse and pay homage to the shogun and bakufu officials. However, three of them are away visiting various daimyo. The Deshima guards have questioned the other two. They claim ignorance regarding their superiors whereabouts, but may be lying to protect him. To induce cooperation, I've ordered them confined to their quarters without food or water.

Governor Nagai was a strong administrator, not afraid to act quickly and decisively, Sano thought. The prompt search effort also attested to that. And, unlike many bureaucrats, he displayed ready knowledge about his domain.

oYour efforts are commendable, Sano said. oI'll go to Deshima and see if the Dutch will talk, while the troops continue their search. Is there an interpreter who can assist me? He spoke no Dutch, and knew that the barbarians were kept ignorant of the Japanese language so as to discourage relations with citizens.

oYes. Well. Certainly, Governor Nagai said. oBut first, you and your retainer must take the oath that is required of everyone who has contact with foreigners.

He clapped his hands and gave orders to the servant who appeared. The servant fetched two officials and a tray bearing two scrolls, a roll of discolored cloth, a dish of ink, and a long, sharp needle. The officials knelt on either side of Governor Nagai, while the servant laid the scrolls open before Sano and Hirata, setting the tray between them.

oWith myself and