“The murder is related to Director Spaen’s disappearance. Therefore, the responsibility for apprehending the killer is mine.”

A reckless elation intoxicated Sano. Here was his chance to pursue knowledge and right a wrong. But the stakes were even higher than during the search for the missing barbarian. He faced his companions, both hoping and fearing that someone would challenge his right to commandeer the investigation.

No one did. Yoriki Ota nodded. Governor Nagai said, “As you wish.” Behind their neutral expressions, Sano sensed relief. Hirata’s face shone with the certainty that Sano couldn’t possibly refuse his assistance now. Sano hated to disappoint Hirata, but it was more crucial than ever to protect the young retainer from harm, and prevent subsequent anguish for himself.

Chief Ohira kept his worried gaze fixed on Kiyoshi, who stared at the ground. Face pale, lips trembling, and Adam’s apple bobbing, he looked as if he was trying not to vomit. Interpreter Iishino sucked air through his teeth as he studied the corpse.

“One of Director Spaen’s comrades must have killed him,” Iishino said. “Who else but a fellow barbarian could have hated him enough to tie him up, beat, stab, and strangle him? And who but a Christian Dutchman would leave a crucifix on him?”

“Yes. Well.” Governor Nagai turned to Sano. “How fortunate for you that such is the case. If a Japanese citizen were found to be the killer, the Dutch could interpret Director Spaen’s murder as an act of military aggression, and retaliate in kind.”

Everyone looked seaward. Sano could almost see the Dutch ship riding at anchor beyond the bright waves.

“And incriminating a Japanese citizen could have other unpleasant consequences besides jeopardizing national peace,” Nagai added.

Two more officers arrived, carrying a litter covered with a white cloth. “Take the body to Deshima,” Governor Nagai ordered them. To Sano, he explained, “The law forbids the barbarians to administer Christian rites to their dead, but they are allowed to keep a funeral vigil and prepare the body for burial.”

Placing Director Spaen’s stiff form on the litter, the officers draped it with the cloth and bore it toward Deshima. “Go home! Nothing more to see!” they shouted at the townspeople. Sano was glad that the evidence would be preserved for a while, though he didn’t know exactly what to do with it. How he longed for Dr. Ito’s scientific expertise and wise counsel! Because Governor Nagai’s circumspect remark had warned him of the perilous dilemma he might face.

“Chief Ohira,” Sano said, “please confine the barbarians to separate rooms on Deshima.” He wasn’t ready to eliminate the staff as suspects, or overlook the possibility that Spaen had met his death at the hands of a stranger after escaping; but the Dutch were logical suspects. “Don’t let them see Director Spaen’s corpse, or tell them he’s dead. I’ll interview them right away, with Interpreter Iishino’s help.”