Part 10 (1/2)

Let's face it the risks are minimal. You've given me to understand that what happens aboard his wheelboats is a closed book ' 'It's true that, up to now, we have never been able to get any of our people on board.”

'Then provided no one catches the lady actually getting on or off the boat, he's in the clear. Once she's back in the box, the only person she can be linked to is to the Consul-General.”

'Mmmmmm...” Yoritomo pulled slowly at his bottom lip. 'It's a neat theory but - let's face it, my friend - it's pure supposition. Don't get me wrong. I'm not trying to wish this conspiracy away, but, so far, you haven't presented me with one shred of hard evidence.

You haven't even come up with any firsthand information - it's all hearsay.”

It was a harsh judgement, but Tos.h.i.+ro was obliged to take it on the chin. He bowed. 'That's the way the system works, sire. I am only a conduit for information not a government spy.”

'I know, I know. I'm not questioning your competence.

And I have every faith in the people we have out there in the field, but... I'm not entirely convinced you've interpreted the information correctly.”

'I share your concern, sire. But I can name names. Three, to be precise. If you were to bring them to the boil I'm sure they would only be too happy to confirm that the female in the Consul-General's lake-house is a long-dog. With dark hair and blue eyes.”

'Is there any other way we can get at the truth?

Something a little more devious, perhaps?”

'I can think of one way. But it will take some organising and we would have to move fast.”

'Shoot.”

'Our people at Kari-faran and Pi-saba will have to be alerted to maintain a day and night watch on the wheelboats bringing in the new s.h.i.+pment of Mutes.

They'll have to keep tabs on everybody who comes ash.o.r.e from those boats - and that includes any captured long-dogs. We also need to know in advance who is booked to travel on any of the eastbound road convoys.”

'That's a tall order.”

'It is, sire. But I do not believe it is beyond the power of the Shogunate. Our chief agents can be alerted by pigeon post.”

'Okay. Let's a.s.sume we do all that and find that some generous soul has paid the portage fees for a certain ”Yoko Mi-s.h.i.+ma” - or whoever.

What then?”

'Somewhere between Pi-saba and Bo-sona the road convoy has the misfortune to be waylaid by lawless elements and -' Tos.h.i.+ro spread his hands - 'the lady is kidnapped. It's deplorable but, even under your firm leaders.h.i.+p, a certain level of criminality persists.”

Yoritomo's eyes hardened. 'Do you realise what you're asking?”

'Yes, sir. People are liable to get themselves killed.

But those who lose their lives will die in the service of the Shogun.”

'And if it turns out you're wrong about this woman?”

Tos.h.i.+ro inclined his head meekly. 'Then, no doubt, I shall also have the honour to make the same sacrifice . . .”

'I may take you up on that,' said Yoritomo as the Herald's eyes rose to meet his. 'But let's suppose you're right. What happens next?”

'Nothing, sire. Once we have proof that she is a long-dog, we arrange to have her put back into circulation without delay.”