6

The archery meet and the literary banquet were over and there were no great demands on his time. The provincial appointments that created such a stir on certain levels were no concern of his. He could think only of slipping off to Uji. The secretary from whom he had learned Kaoru's secret had certain ambitions, and was adept at currying favor. Niou did nothing to discourage him.

“Suppose I were to ask something really difficult of you,” he said one day. “Would you do it for me?”

The man bowed deeply.

“Well, here we are then, and I hope I won't shock you. I've learned that the lady at Uji might be someone I knew for a very little while a long time ago. She disappeared, and I've had reports that the general may have taken her away. I can't be really sure. I'd like to do a bit of sleuthing. Do you think something might be arranged without attracting notice?”

This would be difficult, thought the man. Still he could not refuse. “The road leads through wild mountains, but not so very far, really. If you leave in the evening you should be there by a little after ten. And it might be best to be home by dawn. No one needs to know except the men who go with you, and not even they need to know everything.

“My feelings exactly. I've made the trip before—but do try to keep it secret. There are always gossips who seem to think that people like me should stay at home.”