“Until eventually you hit one who again doesn’t know.” Logan looked disgusted. “It’s like that game of whispers, only in this case, no one has any clue who whispered first.”

“The way the Indians relate to one another-the caste system-plays into the Black Cobra’s hands,” James said. “The cultists unquestioningly obey, and never think it unreasonable that they know nothing about their masters-just that they are their masters, and so must be obeyed.”

“It’s a veil,” Gareth said. “The Black Cobra operates from behind a deliberately maintained veil.”

“And being a cult wreathed in all the usual mystery,” Rafe added, “the cultists think it only right that the Cobra is never seen, never directly heard-for all we know he sends out his orders on bits of paper passed through that damned veil.”

“According to Wolverstone and Devil,” Del said, “the entire Ferrar family is widely known to be viciously exploitative-that’s why the Earl of Shrewton is in the position he’s in. In that respect, Roderick Ferrar seems very much a twig off the same trunk.”

“So what’s next?” Rafe asked.

They spent the next half hour, and another beer, discussing the villages and outposts they thought worth a visit. “Just riding up, flag waving, will be seen as a challenge,” Logan said. “If we can provoke a response, perhaps we’ll capture someone with some useful knowledge.”

“Getting them to talk will be another matter.” Rafe glanced at the others. “It’s that yoke of fear-the Black Cobra’s got their tongues well-leashed with fear of his retribution.”

“Which,” James added, “is admittedly ghastly. I can still see the man I cut down last week.” He grimaced.

“Nothing we can do other than press harder,” Del said. “We need that proof-the incontrovertible evidence implicating Ferrar. Gareth and I will concentrate on trying to shake something loose through Ferrar’s contacts with the princelings-we’ll start interviewing those he’s had dealings with via the governor’s office. Given his temperament, he has to have made enemies-with luck one might talk, and resentful princelings are more likely to than villagers.”