“The missive we received was also signed by the Emperor.”
“A question—if Russia had demanded Hokkaido, would you have ceded it?”
Ito scratched at his balding pate with the tip of his finger. “It is impossible to speculate.”
“Be honest.”
“At present, Japan has no hope of defeating Russia… No, no, I cannot say.”
“The difference in military strength speaks for itself. I find it difficult to believe that Alexander III would allow such an opportunity to escape him. He does not seem the type to take such a weak diplomatic stance. Surely there was opposition from the Russian government.”
“True. Russia’s foreign minister, Giers, thought that the best possible outcome would have been for Tsuda to receive the death penalty, and then for the Russian Emperor to request a reduced sentence, thus preserving Russia’s honor. He was greatly dissatisfied with Tsuda’s judgment.”
“What of the Russian people? Was there no call for war?”
“Initially the Russian papers reported that Prince George alone had come to Tsarevich Nicholas’ aid, while the Japanese people merely looked on. We heard there was much anger throughout the populace, but apparently after His Grace’s visit to the Tsarevich, the Russian government implemented a ban and such stories ceased to appear.”
“This is even stranger. An observer might think all of Russia trembled for fear of the Emperor of Japan. Such a reaction might be expected of a small country when dealing with a greater. It is almost as if your situations are reversed.”
“His Grace is formidable.”
“Perhaps to yourself and the people of Japan, but I doubt that Alexander III is intimidated by the rulers of other nations. Why should the man who invaded the Ottoman Empire and advanced fully to Constantinople dither now? Do remember, he builds the Trans-Siberian Railway precisely to delve into the Far East.”
“Well, unfortunately, since then the situation has developed in a direction more consistent with your views.” Ito sounded disgruntled. “In September, relations grew tense once more. Now Russian warships have all but occupied the Sea of Japan. And Ambassador Shevich has demanded a retrial for Sanzo Tsuda.”
“Surely it is a violation of international law for the Russians to attempt to renege on what they agreed to in their earlier missive.”
“Yes, but they have suddenly brought forward the document they signed in secret with Foreign Minister Aoki. They claim that as a previous agreement exists in writing, that agreement should take precedence. You would almost think the Russian Emperor and government were previously unaware of its existence.”
“Hmph. So Alexander III shows his true stripes, then.”
“Only it is not the Emperor alone who is responsible. It seems the one calling for a tougher stance is none other than Tsarevich Nicholas himself.”
“So the Crown Prince has changed his tune as well. That is interesting.”
“According to reports, he now publicly refers to the Japanese as ‘yellow monkeys’ and insists that we cannot be trusted. He says we are savages who should be wiped from the face of the Earth.”
“Such outbursts are understandable. He was injured badly enough to damage his skull. Perhaps his brain was even injured, causing the Tsarevich to grow violent in his temperament?”
Ito did not think that likely. “Tsarevich Nicholas’ injury was not that severe. He seemed in excellent spirits! During His Grace’s visit, he seemed more embarrassed about it than anything else. Russian government and military officials all attested at the time that the Tsarevich held no ill will against Japan. He was grateful for the reception he had received. He treated Japan with the same friendliness he had shown before the incident—just as the papers reported.”
“I see. This is a puzzle, indeed. In addition to Nicholas’ inexplicable behavior, we must consider that the Russian Navy has taken action. Not to mention the shifting response of the Russian court and government. Why have Nicholas and his father, Alexander III, belatedly taken such hard stances? Curious, very curious.”
“Some have suggested that the crown prince may have been persuaded by his father after returning to Russia…”
“To go from pro-Japanese to referring to the people as ‘yellow monkeys’? The change is too drastic, even allowing for that possibility. If the Emperor’s intent had been to overthrow Japan all along, I suspect he would have disregarded his son’s feelings from the outset and gone to war immediately. We have not yet explained why he would first lay the option of force aside and sign that letter, which appeared in the papers.”
“Russia’s fickleness has put Ambassador Shevich in a difficult position, but even more so us. Perhaps this time there will be a demand for money or land.”
“And the man who attacked Nicholas, Sanzo Tsuda? Where is he being held?”
“Hokkaido. He is serving his sentence in Kushiro Prison.”
“What were his motives?”
“The trial was carried out in a hurry, if you recall. The interviews were less than thorough. After a verdict was handed down, no further investigation was pursued.”
“Excellent.” Sherlock rose to his feet. “When the police fail to act it increases the value of consultants such as myself.”
“What do you plan to do?” asked Ito.
“If I am correct, a great number of Russian warships are currently harbored in Tokyo’s port.”
“Yes… In fact, nine ships have gathered at Shinagawa Daiba, which is located in the Shiba Ward. All nine are medium-class vessels.”
“Then I shall go there now.”
“Now? But how did you know that the warships were there? Did you visit the port yesterday?”
“No. I was too busy looking for your home, and I never approached the docks.” He set the newspaper down on his chair. “But you and I are to rescue Japan from war, are we not? Hurry now, we must be off!”
Sherlock’s expression was animated. His voice carried across the hall. Even his posture had grown sprightly. Ito stared half in amazement. Sherlock faced concerns enough of his own, but at the moment he seemed entirely insensible to them. For a man supposed to be dead, he was in remarkably good spirits.
On the way out, Sherlock paused. “I almost forgot, I wish to ask you something.”
“What is it?”
“It is something Ambassador Shevich said earlier, about Britain aiming to control Japan. He cautioned you to be on your guard, lest the nation become addicted to opium.”
“Yes. What of it?”
“Is that the general view of things here in the East? That Britain was responsible for the Opium Wars?”
“Britain was responsible. There is no denying that.”
Sherlock looked vexed. “Hmm…”
“That is not to say that I blame the British people. Britain’s government and military had their own motives. The responsibility lies with those who were in power at the time, I suppose. Every country has blemishes when you explore their history.”
This response did nothing to wipe the expression of dejection from Sherlock’s face. He began walking once more, this time in silence. He stepped outside quickly.
Ito followed dubiously. Sherlock was a strange man. He possessed an intellect of extraordinary proportions, but his moods could be tumultuous, to say the least.