第18节

self by taking the long-dog

for a boat-ride?"

'Good question, sire. It depends what the initial deal was. She may

have to report back - or maybe she's taken a shopping list of things

that they need at the Heron Pool. There could be all kinds of

reasons.

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 Toshiro 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

shipment of Mutes.

They'll have to keep tabs on everybody who comes ashore 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 assume we do all that and find that some generous soul

has paid the portage fees for a certain "Yoko Mi-Shima" - or whoever.

What then?"

'Somewhere between Pi-saba and Bo-sona the road convoy has the

misfortune to be waylaid by lawless elements and -' Toshiro spread his

hands - 'the lady is kidnapped. It's deplorable but, even under your

firm leadership, 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?"

Toshiro 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."

Yoritomo frowned. 'Wait a minute. Aren't you going to question

her?"

'No, sire. That would be fatal. I am assuming that the, uhh outlaws,