The offshore commotion grew louder. A conch-shell trumpet blared insistently. Glancing up, Sano noticed that the new noise came from a barge docking at the nearby harbor patrol station. The crew disembarked, their panicky voices carrying across the water. A fearful premonition sent Sano hurrying up the pier. On the promenade, he caught a soldier who ran through the crowds toward town.

“What is it?” Sano demanded.

“Oh, good, it’s you, sōsakan-sama.” Gasping, the man said, “There’s trouble with the Dutch ship. I have terrible news for you!”

14

十四

“Yesterday we gave the Dutch captain your message, and he was furious about the additional delay of the ship’s landing,” the soldier blurted. “Today he decided he doesn’t trust you to conduct a fair murder investigation. He thinks Japanese are slaughtering his countrymen on Deshima and intending to punish innocent Dutchmen for the crime. He says that if you don’t bring him the head of Jan Spaen’s Japanese killer and allow the crew ashore in two days, he’ll blast Nagasaki off the face of the earth!”

Speechless with horror, Sano looked out to sea. The Dutch had reacted as he’d feared; his distrust of Captain Oss had proved valid. The ambitious barbarian meant to use Spaen’s murder as an excuse for the Netherlands to declare war on Japan, plunder its wealth, and subjugate the citizens. Sano remembered the tales of Dutch conquests. Should he go out to the ship and try to avert the threat? No: The barbarian’s ultimatum left him no time for a long trip that might accomplish little anyway.

Hastily collecting his wits, Sano said, “Convey this reply to Captain Oss: ‘My investigation indicates that a Japanese shot Director Spaen. I shall do everything possible to identify the culprit and deliver him—or her—to justice. You have my promise that I will not protect a killer, regardless of nationality.’ ”

It was a vow that endangered his own life, but which he hoped might placate the captain, especially since he now had even more reason to prevent the crew’s landing. Until he either proved that the Deshima guards were not involved in Spaen’s murder or identified and dismissed the guilty parties, he couldn’t trust them to maintain security. He must keep the Dutch ship away.

“Tell Captain Oss that I will come to him in two days, with the head of Spaen’s killer. Until then, I respectfully request his patience.”

“Yes, sōsakan-sama.” The soldier bowed.