Wolf felt a sudden surge of affection for the old man. Reluctant he might be, but he knew what he was doing and he knew the consequences and was willing to accept them.
"And Daimya?"
"That is a different matter," said Carroll. "It is not right that she should suffer for her father's folly."
Or that a father should suffer for his son's folly, thought Wolf. But he said nothing.
"You would take her?" Carroll asked.
"If I am—able," said Wolf.
"All right," said the old man. "I will see to it. Better she should be alive than dead. That is all that matters."
Wolfs final plan was simple. He had not enough men to count on a direct attack. The major work would be performed by the dependable five, of which Carroll assured him. The others would be used to create a diversion to cover the actual assault.
There was a slight bend to the highway just before it entered the village. When the procession passed this point, they would see a group of men disperse quickly into the low scrub at the side of the road. This would put them on their guard, they would be apprehensive, watching.