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Show - 177 - "You shall not separate my children a second time, you filthy swine!" he shreaked. With One lunge he was across the small space separating him from the Frenchman. They could see the flash of the dagger that he pulled from within his coat. One swift plunge hit its mark. The blood, spurted from Andre's chest. He clutched himself in agony,, but not before he had leveled his pistol straight at Chang lin. The bullet pierced the ancient Oriental's heart and he fell to the ground almost at the same instant as Andre1 Junot. One look and Penny knew the intruder was dead. She ran to the old man and cradled his head in her lap. The terrible nightmare of long ago was being repeated, only this time she was Maddie. "Oh, Chang Lin, please don't die. We'll get help for you!" sobbed Penny. Vicky stood there helplessly, not•knowing what to do. Claudine and Dirk stood close together looking at their dear friend. There was no sorrow on their faces. Instead a look of serene happiness emanated from them. "Do not cry, my child," said Chang Lin, and his voice was barely a whisper. "This was ordained a thousand years ago. Perhaps I will be with my loved ones now. Dirk, my son, can you hear me?" His voice was almost inaudible. "Yes, father," answered Dirk. "Can you forgive me for what I have done to you. and the one you have always loved. My great sin was that I tried to stop you from being reunited." "Honorable father, that was in the past," said Dirk. "Be assured We will be together always very soon." He turned to Claudine and said. "Come, my love, we must go now. Our time on this earth is finished. My eternal thanks, Penelope. But for you, I may never have been reconciled with my true love." He bowed his head in acknowledgement of her presence. Claudine turned and looked at the young girl. |