“Hirata-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. “When we leave here, see the baggage safely to our lodgings. Then you may amuse yourself in town.”

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

“Governor Nagai, I would appreciate any details you can give me about the barbarian’s disappearance,” Sano said. “When was it noticed, and by whom?”

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

“How 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.

“There 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 shōgun and bakufu officials. However, three of them are away visiting various daimyō. The Deshima guards have questioned the other two. They claim ignorance regarding their superior’s 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.

“Your efforts are commendable,” Sano said. “I’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.

“Yes. Well. Certainly,” Governor Nagai said. “But 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.

“With myself and my aides as witnesses, you will read the scroll aloud,” Nagai told Sano.