As Sano prepared to refute the accusations and persuade the judges to let him catch the real criminals, his thoughts were clouded by pain, fatigue, and worry. He’d spent a hellish night in a filthy prison cell. The jailers had denied him food and water, while what seemed like every samurai in town had come to taunt the highest-ranking inmate Nagasaki Jail had ever housed. The trip to the courtroom had further taxed Sano’s strength and wounded his pride. Guards had forced him to walk in the ladder cage past jeering crowds who hurled stones and garbage. His injured shoulder ached; his bruises throbbed; he stank, and knew his appearance would prejudice the judges as much as the lies told about him. Worst of all, the jailers had confiscated the stolen records from Deshima, leaving Sano no evidence for his defense.

“Additional charges against the defendant were brought by the Honorable Governor Nagai yesterday,” Supreme Judge Takeda said. “Trespassing on Deshima and attacking the staff. Bribing the Dutch ship’s crew.” Takeda indicated the scrolls on the table. “We the judges have reviewed the witnesses’ statements and deem them satisfactory. We hereby find the accused guilty of all the aforementioned crimes.”

Staring in shock and disbelief, Sano demanded, “That’s it?” He’d known his chances of fair treatment were slim; yet he hadn’t expected such a perfunctory condemnation. “Don’t the witnesses have to testify? Am I not even allowed to present my own defense?” Even the lowliest peasant usually had his say before the verdict was rendered, and the chance to face his accusers in court. “You can’t be serious.”

“No one gave you permission to speak,” whined Judge Segawa, a wizened little man with a prissy mouth. He turned to Supreme Judge Takeda. “Let us pronounce the sentence and conclude this distasteful business as expediently as the Honorable Chamberlain Yanagisawa would wish.”

Plump, bland Judge Dazai nodded. Sano lost all hope of finding allies in these men, who were obviously Yanagisawa’s flunkies and sought to win the chamberlain’s approbation by destroying him. But he wouldn’t surrender without a fight.

“The charges are false,” Sanos said hotly. “The so-called witnesses have framed me to protect themselves.” The judges frowned in wordless disapproval. Officials, secretaries, and guards watched with disdain. “I demand a chance to prove my innocence!”

After the echo of his voice faded, the ensuing silence lasted an eternity. Then Judge Segawa said, “This emotional outburst is extremely offensive. Takeda-san, I beg you to end these proceedings now.”

But Supreme Judge Takeda’s attention was focused on Sano; interest narrowed his eyes. “Due to the severity of the charges, I’ll allow the accused to speak on his own behalf.” To Sano, he said, “Go ahead.”