"What other one is there?" Reiko thought a moment, then asked, "Who attacked you in the castle?"
"Yes. I've questioned the Matsumae troops and found one that swears Gizaemon was with him during the attack on me. I think he's telling the truth. Gizaemon didn't do it. And I haven't been able to find out who did."
"Maybe one of his troops who died in the battle in the village and isn't around to confess?"
"Maybe," Sano said doubtfully, "but why would they attack me?"
"To protect Gizaemon?"
That had occurred to Sano as a reasonable theory, but he had a hunch that it was wrong. "I think the attack had nothing to do with the murder case. I think it was another in the series of events that brought us here."
"The acts of sabotage against you and Lord Matsudaira?"
"None other. And I've become convinced mat he's not responsible for the ones directed at me any more than I am for those directed at him."
"Then who is behind the sabotage?" Reiko asked.
Sano was beginning to get an idea, but it seemed impossible. She wouldn't believe him if he told her.
All the travelers were aboard the ship now. A channel had been cleared through the ice toward open sea, and the sailors cast off the mooring ropes. The spectators on the dock waved as the rowers below deck propelled the ship southward.
"When we get back to Edo," Sano said, "I'm going to find out."