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Show - 156 - man standing on the opposite side. He looked across at her and on his wrinkled face was look of anticipation. "Chang Lin, what are you doing here?" she asked in surprise. "Waiting for you," he replied. "How did you know I was coming?" He didn't answer her question, but said. "I have been waiting every day for the past week. It is time." "Time for what?" said the girl in astonishment. "Time for us to speak. Come, let us find a place where we can be to alone with no intrruptions." He walked across the bridge where Penny was standing. Just a few yards further up the bank was a huge old Eucalyptus mous tree. Its enor- limbs spread out and almost reached the other side of the creek. Stretched out before them were the truck gardens. The sun was shining brightly and there was hardly a cloud in the sky. She could see the coolies, hoe in hand, neatly weeding each plant as they moved briskly along the rows of vegetables. Still others were watering. They seemed to balance the long bamboo poles across their shoulders with ease. Very slowly they tipped the two buckets,suspended on each end, and sprayed the plants. A feeling of expectation ran through Penny. Chang Lin led her to the tree and with a great deal of difficulty sat down beneath it. He drew his baggy trouser legs closely around his ankles and crossed his feet Indian fashion. The girl sat down close by and waited for him to speak. The ancient man's face was inscrutable as he looked at the young girl. Although his hands were knarled and covered with wrinkles, they still maintained the gracefullness and culture of his ancestors as he gestured toward the old house where the Orientals lived. His mind appeared to wander as he mused out loud. "Yes, the old abode has kept many secrets throughout the passing years, and the gardens have slumbered during many cataclysmic events." |
