The interpreter whimpered, “He says there’s a fortune in goods in the ship’s hold, and he wants us to buy them now, for the price he will set. Oh, sōsakan-sama, you must also bring him the corpse of Jan Spaen’s killer and allow them ashore, or they’ll destroy Nagasaki!”

Sano sensed the Japanese troops’ growing restlessness, but Captain Oss’s mention of money gave him an opening. And he saw terror on the faces of the barbarian crew: They didn’t want to die. Only fear of their leader compelled their obedience.

“Ten silver pieces for you if you cease fire and leave the harbor, Captain Oss,” Sano called, “and one for each of your men.”

A collective gasp rose from Sano’s comrades. Diplomatic protocol forbade the practice of bribing barbarians, which could be used to court military allegiance. Sano saw Governor Nagai’s faint smile and knew he’d just compounded the treason charges. Yet after Iishino translated the offer, he watched with jubilation as his ploy achieved the desired effect. Oss shook his head and roared a defiant negative, but his men turned on him, abandoning their posts to argue and gesticulate. Elation burst the iron band of worry around Sano’s chest. His offer to Captain Oss had been a token bribe; it was the crew he’d meant to reach. Dutch seamen earned a pittance; to them, even one silver coin represented a small fortune. For a moment, mutiny seemed likely. At last Captain Oss nodded, conceding defeat. He shouted at Sano. Iishino translated.

“He’ll hold fire for two more days, two more days.”

Murmurs of cautious relief swept the warship’s crew. Sano’s spirits lifted.

“But he refuses to leave the harbor until he’s satisfied that the true killer of Jan Spaen has been punished.”

No amount of negotiation would induce Captain Oss to capitulate. The Japanese warship turned back while barges still surrounded the Dutch ship, the troops remained on the waterfront and cliffs, and Sano prayed that the tentative truce would hold.

“We’ll pay the bribe, but maintain all forces on alert,” Governor Nagai told his men. “When the Dutch ship fires, they are to destroy it; we have no choice now.” Evidently he trusted neither Captain Oss’s promise nor Sano’s abilities. Turning to Sano, he said coldly, “This could be the beginning of the greatest catastrophe our land has ever known. How fortunate for you that you’ll not live to suffer the consequences of your foolhardy actions … traitor.”

The insult enflamed Sano’s anger even as his conscience acknowledged his culpability—after all, hadn’t he promoted Dutch interests above Japanese by leaving the barbarian ship armed? He should never have indulged the curiosity that had drawn him to the barbarians. How much was he compelled by the demands of honor and right; how much by the thrill of adventure?