"A Gong bangs in Hong Kong" "The parcel was delivered this morning, Sir." "You were waiting for it." "That will do, Hung." "Hung, Hung, Hung, that's an impossible name for a boy." "I'll call you Max." "As long as you pay me, you may call me anything you like." "I know, I know, I owe you three months wages already." "Say, it's not very kind to remind me that way." "I'm sure your luck is going to change." "Such a thing would mean that they got new cards and new dice at Blackie Lee's." "I found this portrait in a shop and had it framed." " What do you think?" " Pretty enough, Sir." "Oh yeah?" "Pretty enough?" "I command you to say it's marvelous." "I know the girl who sat for it." "Ah!" "Pretty enough..." "That's what this room needed:" "something to catch your eye and prevent you from seeing the dust." "This picture is a genuine Ching Ching Ching, old sport." " I think this is the best spot for it." " I'll fetch a ladder." "My dear wife wants twenty thousand dollars to agree to a divorce." "I'd like to know how much you'll ask me." "Don't bother, I'll do it." "Get the dinner ready." "Good Heavens, this wall is like paper!" "Diamonds?" "Diamonds!" "The "Sûreté" Office." "Inspector Gonsart, quick!" "This is Hung, Inspector." "Mark Jason found the diamonds." " I'll dine out." " Why would you spend more money, Sir?" "Please excuse me, but you always say yourself that your fiNhancial situation is..." "My fiNhancial situation just got better." " I feel like going out." " Stop!" "You musn't leave!" "I insist that you stay." "This is something else!" "My boy ordering me around!" "You're a policeman?" "We always thought the jewels were hidden in this house." "What jewels?" "Diamonds, once owned by General N'guyen Van Tho, a very rich man, Sir." "We knew he bought diamonds in great quantities." " I don't give a damn about that General..." " Please, Sir." "In this house lived May Chong,his mistress." " Hung, listen to me and you..." " It's no use, Sir, I saw it all." "The Police has been looking for those stones for a long time but you alone were lucky enough to find the hiding place." " I was less lucky when I chose a boy." " It wasn't much of a choice, Sir." "I can guarantee that the Police fixed everything for me to get the position." "Look, Hung, I know how much a teacher or a policeman earn here..." "No, Sir, don't say it." "It's useless:" "the Police are warned and on their way, they should be here in a few minutes." "Oh, your Police?" "I can picture the scene:" "your chiefs will cover you in flowers before they pocket the diamonds and get away." "Don't be stupid, Hung." "You should think of the young lady whom you see every evening after work." "You could marry her, buy a nice house, have servants, a car." " No." "The diamonds belong to the State." " Alright, forget it." "Stay an honest cop." "Will you allow me to hang the painting anyway?" " Who is it?" " Me, Mr. Jason." "Mei Lang Tho." "Sorry to disturb you, I would like to speak to Hung." "Come back tomorrow, Mei Lang Tho, if you want to see him." " Hung is not here at the moment." " I'm really surprised: we had a date." "I'm sorry: he's not here." "I'm lending him to one of my friends who's having a dinner party tonight." "He usually phones me when such things happen." "He had to leave in a hurry." "But he'll be free every night next week, I promise you that." "At last." "Good evening, Mr. Jason." "May I introduce my second-in-command, inspector Tang Han." "To what do I owe the honour of your visit, gentlemen?" "We're on duty." "May we come in?" "You're on duty?" "Would you by any chance think I'm a terrorist?" "I do not blow bridges up." "When I'm fed-up with a situation," " I merely burn my bridges." " Excuse me." "One of our agents called us from your home moments ago." "He had very important news for us." "One of your agents?" "Here?" "In my place?" "You see ghosts everywhere, don't you, my dear chap?" "You'd think that any corner hides an agent or a saboteur." " But, please, come in if you want to." " Thank you, Sir." "I'm having a drink." "If you'd like one, just help yourself." " Make yourself at home." " No, thank you." "I admit being surprised that you, not your servant, opened the door for us." "Hung?" "Tonight he vanished, just like that." "Maybe he thought I could prepare my own dinner." "Me?" "I'm barely able to pour myself a drink of whisky." "I must say I'm amazed." "Hung called to tell us that you... you made a discovery." "Diamonds, if I understood correctly." "Diamonds?" "He had to be completely drunk." "Should I have found a mere hundred piastres, I would have gone to Blackie Lee's to improve my meagre salary by playing poker." "Hung is a reliable, very dedicated agent." "He said he saw the diamonds." "He saw the diamonds?" "Diamonds that were hidden in this house a few years ago by one of our flag officers." "Well, if Hung was lucky enough to find such a treasure," "I can understand why he split so suddenly." "If my information is correct, Hung has a girlfriend." "If you know her, you might tell me where I can contact her." "I don't know." "She's not my type." "Hung may have written her name and address somewhere." " I'd like to search his room." " Wait." "I think he wrote her telephone number down." "I'll fetch it for you." "That will be something." " I'm sure he lies." " You're very perceptive." "I'm for arresting him." "Then we'll be able to make him tell the truth." "That is the kind of idea you would have." "Today I want the taxi girl..." "Mmm, whisky..." "A commendable sense of smell, inspector." "How stupid to waste alcohol." "I dropped a glass while I poured myself a drink." "Here's the number." "If you can find Hung, tell him he's fired." "I thank you for your co-operation, Sir." "Nonetheless, I must ask you to stay home until we find Hung and manage to solve the case." "It couldn't be better:" "I decided to stay home, waiting for a visitor." "How I envy you to be able to spend a night home without a care, reading a good book." " Come again soon, inspector." " Gladly." " You'll see yourself out?" " Yes." "Good evening." " Back to the office?" " No." "We stay here." "And we'll wait all night if necessary." "If Jason wants to flee, he'll have to pass this way: it's the only way out." "So you think he'll go away?" "If he found the diamonds, I'm sure he will." "I drink your health, Lotus Blossom." "I'll be able to send my wife the money she wants for a divorce." "And when we're in Hong Kong," "I'll give you anything you want." "That's a promise." "The diamonds are worth more than two million dollars." "But they do not belong to you." "What will you do with those stones?" "You can't sell them now: you told me yourself that the Police suspect you." "I can wait as long as necessary." "I won't change my way of living:" "they will relent eventually." "Policemen are very patient here." "It's a trait of my countrymen." "I know how patient you are, Nhan." " I often was obnoxious to you." " Did I complain?" "No, you were wonderful." "But can you understand what this means?" "The possibility of divorcing, of getting my freedom back." "And a fortune." "Free and rich, that would be marvelous." "I would not be forced to sit or to be a taxi girl anymore to be able to send some money to my family, far from here." "If you want, Nhan, we can have the whole of your family come to us." "Or we can buy their village." " Do you really think it will be that easy?" " Consider it done." "Now go to bed, Lotus Blossom." "Promise me you won't worry anymore and I'll join you." "Hung disappears all of a sudden." "Is he dead?" "Maybe." "Did he flee?" "No, the man was above suspicion." "The diamonds must still be in the house then." "Obviously, the American has them." "This is the only viable solution." "Hence he killed Hung." "As a consequence, we'll wait." "But how long do you intend to wait?" "We'll go and get high.." "on a fair moonlight.. on the sea and we'll go dancing you and me, under the silver pines..." " You think I'm drunk, don't you?" " Good night" "Good night to you too." "We'll go and get high, on a fair moonlight.. on the sea and we'll sing love together..." "Good evening, Mr. Jason." "If you're looking for Nhan, it just happens that she's free tonight." "I'd like to talk to Blackie Lee." "He'll be delighted to see you." "I'll tell him now." " Good evening, Mark." " Good evening." "You look swell." "I wouldn't say the same about you." "No offense, Mark, but you look exhausted." "Should we blame it on women?" "Booze?" "Or poker?" "A mix of all three." " Are you always a schoolteacher?" " Yes, why?" "What words do you teach the kids?" "Yankee go home?" "No." "I mostly keep them from getting involved with black market and picking pockets." "We've not seen you at the club for a long time." "We miss you, you know." "Yes, I had a bad streak, didn't pay my contribution for several months, but I'm better now." "I'll settle everything then come back." "See you, Mark." "Good evening, my lovelies." "I hope my clients like watching you as much as I do." "Avoid drinking too much, it's bad for your figure." " Yes, Mr. Lee." " You're cute." "You'll have a great career." "Good evening, Mr Jason." "They tell me you want to talk to me." "Hi, Blackie Lee." "Why don't you come and sit by me?" "Oh, one moment, Mr Jason." "If you come to ask for more credit..." "Hold on to the table so you won't fall down:" "I came to pay what I owe." " I don't need credit anymore." " That's great, Mr Jason." "Did you bury a rich uncle?" "No, I buried my pride." "I own a few valuable family jewels." "Of course I swore I'd keep those mementos but I'm forced to sell." "Should you buy this one, we'd both be better off in all departments." " A very fine stone indeed." " A fine stone which is mine, don't worry." "Of course." "I never doubted that." "Well?" "How much will you give me for it?" "I'll cancel all your debts, Mr Jason, and give you..." " three hundred dollars cash." " It's worth five times that." "I'm not an authority, Mr Jason, I can't do a genuine estimate." "If you think it's worth more, go and see a jeweller downtown." "I want five hundred dollars cash." "I'll lose them quickly in your joint." "I'm opposed to that kind of business, but since you're an excellent customer." "I thank you, Blackie." "Mr Jason is becoming far more interesting." "I discover he has a passion for riches that I never suspected before." "Jeez, you really have a good eye, don't you, boss?" "Do you know where he lives and where is the school he works at." " Yes, boss." " Right.." "You'll tail Jason, then, and never leave him out of your sight, day or night, get it?" "And the sooner you begin the better." "I think I heard something." "Who do you think you are, Tang?" "Joan of Arc?" " It's Hung, inspector." " I know, I already examined the body." "I tried to reconstruct the accident." " Surely he fell down from the bridge." " One moment." "I'll come down." "This seems to prove that Hung found the diamonds and tried to cross the border." "And what became of the diamonds?" "He probably sent them to wherever he was going before he fled." " You've become clever." " Hung was fleeing." "He was speeding in the night:" "he probably didn't see the sign." "A brilliant piece of reasoning." " Unfortunately you forgot one tiny detail." " What detail?" "In his police file, I read that Hung couldn't even ride a bicycle." "Then it's a murder made to look like an accident." "I found this tiny thing in Hung's pocket." " Good morning, pretty Lotus Blossom." " Good morning, Mark." "Oh, you shaved!" " I have to set an example for the kids." " Is everything going as you wish?" "Everything is OK, Nhan, don't be afraid." "We're on the right track." "Here's a down payment to take your family from its distant village." " I hope your plans will be successful." " Trust me." "I didn't have a drink since yesterday," " I shaved and I'm in top form this morning." " I'm so happy." " Maybe these diamonds will bring us luck." " I'm sure they will." "I must go to work, Mark." "I'm not like you:" "I don't own any diamonds." "Oh, I intend to go on working too." "Hung has been missing for three days, inspector." "I know." "I know." "You come every day to tell me that another day has gone by." "Something must have happened." "Hung wouldn't have left town without me, believe me." "You must search the American's house." "We're positive he's not in Mr Jason's house anymore." " But where is he then?" " Shut up!" "Sit down!" "I assure you that we did what was needed." "Today, I'll go to the American ambassador and ask him to question Mark Jason." "Have a little more patience." "This is a case for Sanurai." "Tell him to put himself at our disposal." "Get it?" "Please be sure that I understand why you worry." "On the other hand, we're not sitting on this." "I already contacted the US Embassy through the correct channels and asked to question Jason." "We must act according to the rules if we wish to avoid a diplomatic incident which wouldn't do you any good." "Trust us." "I'm convinced that something dodgy is going on, inspector." "And I'm convinced that you worry in vain." "You must now go back to your home." "Try and calm down." "As soon as we know something, we'll tell you." " Thank you." " I'm only doing my duty." "One and one is two." "Two and two is four." "Three and three is six." "Four and four is eight." "Six and six is twelve." " Good evening." " Go away!" "So you see, I didn't lie: she's fantastic." " Congratulations." "May I buy you a drink?" " Leave me alone." "I have to change." "What's with you?" "Are you crazy?" "I didn't hire you so you could insult my clients." "Do I have to repeat again that you're not here merely to dance?" "Do I have to repeat again that I'm only here to dance, boss?" "Don't be stupid." "He's an American diplomat, a very important man." "A decent man has sunk low enough to come here?" "If the clients didn't like you so much, I'd teach you a few things." "Stupid girl!" "I'm sorry, I just can't understand that girl." "But do not have any regrets:" "I reserved a marvel for you." "Anita." "I'm not saying anything more." "Anita!" "Anita?" "Hmmm..." "I want you to feel better than home in my place..." "Please excuse me..." "Well, Jojo, did you learn anything?" "Of course I did, Mr. Lee, I was in school all day." "Good." "Tell me all about it." "Get out now, and let nobody disturb me again!" "I received an explanation request about you from the US Embassy." "It's about Mr. Jason." "I got hold of this diamond which had been given to a fence." "We at once conducted an in-depth investigation:" "there is no doubt that Hung sold the jewel." "Therefore our agent discovered the stones and took them for himself." "And paradoxically you suspect Mr. Jason." "You enter his place, violate his home." "My actions weren't meant to hurt Mr. Jason." "It was but a precaution to get hold of Hung in case he'd come back." "I very logically and discreetly watched the house where he lived." "Yes but why was Mr. Jason watched as well?" "Far from me the idea of harbouring the slightest suspicion, but I had to examine the theory of Mr Jason being in cahoots, if you'll forgive the word." "It was of course a routine investigation, Sir." "You know perfectly well that it wasn't." "If Hung stole the diamonds, he wasn't about to seek refuge at my place." "Even less so should we have been accomplices." "Mr. Jason is a schoolteacher in Ken Duc." "Such a job won't make you rich." "If he had found the diamonds, he be gone." "He would be having a wild time in Florida or Hawai." "I'm asking you to moderate your men's zeal, Colonel!" "Inspector Gonsard, I command you not to pester Mr Jason anymore." "If you do, I'll be forced to severely clamp down on you, in the interest of our relations with the United States." " Yes, Sir." " You may go, inspector." "There were probably other diamonds in here." "Maybe the inspector came and searched the house while you were away." "He'd have to go through the walls like a termite." "I wonder where he found that diamond." "He must tell the truth." "Hung must have found it by chance then sold it." " Impossible." " Why impossible?" "Maybe you didn't see that particular stone." "Hung found it and got away with it." "Impossible:" "Hung is dead." " How do you know that?" " I killed Hung here." "It was an accident." "He was working for the cops, under Gonsard." "I swear it was an accident." "He was aware that I found the diamonds and he immediately called Gonsard." "He wanted to stop me leaving, so I defended myself" " and he fell down the wrong way." " What if his body is found?" " I'm sure Gonsard already found it." " Are you positive?" "You bet." "I'd stake my head on it." "He must have found the stone on Hung's body, whom I was stupid enough not to search." "Now Gonsard knows for a fact that I've got the diamonds." "I must carry them abroad as soon as possible." "All the borders are being watched, and the registration number of your car has probably been broadcast." "Of course:" "Gonsard has arranged for me to be stuck here." "Ben's car has a "diplomatic corps" registration number." " He has to lend it to me tonight." " Tonight?" "He's not home." "He's probably at the beautiful Swedish girl's." "Oh, of course, Anita." "What will the Colonel say if he learns that we're watching Jason anyway." "In my own car and when I'm off duty, I may do what I want." "Wait?" "I'll check." "That was the door bell." "Good evening, Anita." "Sorry to disturb international relations but I'm looking for Ben." " Ben is not here, I'm sorry." " Lying is perfectly useless," " I saw his car downstairs." " What's up, Mark?" "We need your collaboration to unite two populations with love." "Leave us." "How did you know I was here?" "Well, I wondered where an over-zealous civil servant might work for his country's prestige in the middle of the night, and here I am." "And what do you want from me?" "My car won't work." "I'd like you to lend me yours." "You want mine?" "It's strictly for the Embassy's staff." "I'm sorry to bother you, old boy, but I'm in a jam." "There's a pretty girl waiting downstairs, a wonderful girl." "I promised her I'd drive her to the airport and I want to take advantage of the ride." "I don't want to be late since, after that, I've got a date with another cutie who wouldn't wait for me." "You naughty boy!" "If you failed with one of those girls, you'd say I'm to blame." "Bring it back before 9 am." "Thank you, Ben." "I'll introduce you to them." "That's the least you can do, don't you think?" "Now scram!" "Come." "It worked." "The "DC" plate will make things easy." "A Diplomatic Corps car?" "Very clever." "Now we must play a mean game if we want to force him to show his hand." " Well, Nhan, did you sleep well?" " Wonderfully." "In a moment we're going to drive past the last police station." "But don't worry: when they see the "DC" on the plates, they'll let us pass." "Here's the control point." "Lie down and hide:" " it's better if they see only me." " Yes." "If he goes past this point, he'll get away easily." "The men here are devoted to me." "I'll control him here." "Don't forget the boss' orders." "You're liable to endure terrible consequences." "Jason is American and what's more, he's in an Embassy car." "I know all that, but you're forgetting the girl." "She's not American." "Get out of the car!" "Hurry up!" "Jason's car was hit." "It's burning." "We must act quickly." "No, please, be patient." "Don't forget diamonds can't burn." " Calm down, Nhan." " Wait." "Wait for a while, Mark, I'm too frightened." "What shall we do?" "The first thing is to get away." "They saw us running." "They know where we are." "We must quickly find a hideout." "My grandfather lives a few kilometers from here" " but still on this side of the border." " Do you think he'd help us?" " No doubt." "But we must get there." " Let's try." " So they killed everybody?" " No, not everybody." "I really have to rip the words off you, don't I?" "Go on!" "OK, OK." "Mr. Jason and Nhan got out of the car in time and disappeared in the underbrush." " Gonsard and Tang stayed cleverly hidden." " Didn't they chase Jason?" "No, they would never have found him in that kind of vegetation." "Ah, so the Police are interested in Jason." "But why?" "A robbery?" "No, I don't think so." "In my opinion, Jason acquired the diamonds in a more mysterious way and he might have more than the two pieces he sold." "Let's hope so anyway." "Because our friend Jason clearly needs my help now." " Even more than he thought." " And how will you find him?" "There's a small village in the area of the checkpoint." "That's where Nhan's grandfather lives, once she asked my permission to visit him." "And you think Nhan and Jason are hiding there?" "Perhaps." "Tomorrow we'll have a little ride into this village to take a look around anyway." "Isn't it a good surprise, Grandfather?" "Yes, a very good surprise." "My heart always rejoices in seeing you." " Oh!" " Are you going to the village." "It's crawling with policemen who search everywhere." "We can't stay here long." "I read about your adventure." "The city newspaper says a lot about Mr. Mark Jason." "They say he stole a car and blew up the checkpoint." "Do they say about Nhan?" "I've got a feeling my friend Ben is now working with Gonsard." "They must have found an agreement." "So I must write him off." "Ben decided to let me down." " What will you do now, then?" " Cross the border discreetly." "We don't have a choice anymore." "Neither you or I." "We must find a way to reach Hong Kong." "We'll need a lot of money to succeed, and the one person who can give it to me is Blackie Lee." "How could I contact him?" "If you want, I can go to the city for you." "But Grandfather,you've never even been there." "Because I was too young to resist the attraction, but now I'm safe:" "I'm older." "Someone's coming." "Hi, Blackie Lee." "You've come just at the right time." "Hello, Mr. Jason." "You have great taste:" "this is a very picturesque area." "Tourism is the least of my worries." " Come in, I've got to talk to you." " Thank you." "Oh, Miss, what a surprise!" "Please sit down." "Bring us tea, Nhan." " How did you find me?" " By chance." "I came here on some business." "What a coincidence!" "I'll put my cards on the table:" "I'm in a hurry." "I must get out of this country as soon as possible." "Yes I know, the Police are on your trail." "It's all over the newspapers." " They say you stole a car?" " There's something more serious." "Someone died in my home recently." "Hung, my boy, accidentally fell down and killed himself." "So what?" "An accident is no crime, I say." " Yes, but I can't prove anything." " Are you positive there's nothing more?" "Something that could pass as stealing?" "No, there's nothing more." "But I must get away all the same." "Smuggling you out of the country will cost a small fortune, you know that, and I know your fiNhancial situation very well." " No, I don't think so." " Are you sure?" "I've got some money, a few thousand dollars, in America." "Good." "It will cost at least $20.000 to succeed in such an endeavour." " Let's say $17.000, for Nhan and I." " I'll try." "You'll get your dough as soon as we reach Hong Kong." "Oh no, no, my devotion doesn't go that far." "Be reasonable, Mr. Jason, you can't ask me to lend you such a sum." "I must have at least $2000 in advance." "Holding a knife to my throat, are you, my good Blackie?" "I just have one diamond left." "The last one, which I carefully kept." "I wanted to have a ring made out of it, for Nhan." "Of course, I'd prefer cash, but you would be hard pressed to get it." "I could find it but it would be another waste of time." "The perfect stone for an engagement ring." "Very pure and so very discreet!" " Well, is it yes or no?" " It's certainly yes." "And have no regrets:" "I don't believe Nhan will ever have a marriage of convenience." "When can we leave?" "Today?" "No, no, your opinion of me is very flattering but I'm no miracle worker, unfortunately." "First, I must contact my brother who lives in Hong Kong and knows a lot of people." " let's say tomorrow." " Where shall we meet?" "I'd say it would be unwise to meet here." "There are a lot of people in the marketplace but it's not really safe." "I think the perfect place if we want some peace is the Chinese Theatre," " the afternoon show." " I really like the Chinese Theatre." "I hope you won't be disappointed." "Passengers for Canton and Hong Kong, please proceed to door number 8 for immediate boarding." "Thank you." "Hi, Charlie, I'm so pleased to see you." "How is business?" "Terrible." "To think that without your hysterical telegram," "I would have concluded a splendid deal in Hong Kong!" "There's a very wise saying:" ""Two brothers sailing under the same flag get more than two brothers sailing in different ships. "" "Oh?" "And who said that?" "Oh, I know:" "Lin Tai Ping!" "No:" "Baron Rothschild!" "You're lucky: just in time for the suspense, Mr. Jason." "I'm not really in the mood for joking." "How are things going?" "I talked to my brother: he might know a way of getting you out." " Well?" " But we need $2000 more." " 2000...?" " Shut up!" "No sense in telling everybody what we're plotting, or just climb up on the stage!" " OK, how will it go?" " My brother just arrived from Hong Kong." "He knows a trusted pilot who flies opium over the border for us." " Right." "Where and when shall we take off." " We'll come for you tomorrow morning, near the place where you're hiding." "There's a landing pad for helicopters nearby, it's a ten minutes drive." "But as I already told you, the pilot wants a $2000 advance payment." "Alright, give them to him." "I'll pay you back in Hong Kong." "Oh, I'm sorry but it's impossible, Mr. Jason." "My turnover has gone down a lot, recently, and I must count every penny." " Can't we talk in a more convenient place?" " Go and wait for me in the Tai Pei temple." "I'll join you in a minute." "Here." "Oh, I can see there's still another diamond." "Yes, there is, but I don't have any other now." "I kept this one to fiNhance a business venture in Hong Kong." "It's a nice stone, granted, but I'm no fence." "You might become one." "Since you have difficulties with opium, that would be an interesting compensation." " Don't you think so?" " Well, all right, Mr. Jason," "I agree once more but only to oblige you." " Can the helicopter carry three people?" " Three?" " Yes, remember that Nhan is coming with me." " Oh, that's true, I forgot about her." "Yes, there's space for three but the price will be different." "You know you could evacuate the population of a whole village for the price you'll get for those stones?" " See you tomorrow morning, then." " Tomorrow morning, OK." "Oh, hello, inspector." "What are you doing in this God-forsaken place, it you don't mind my asking?" "The question I was about to ask you, precisely, Blackie Lee." "I'm here on professional business but surely you're not, are you?" "No, I was just passing through and I thought I'd stop to buy cigarettes, which gave me the pleasure of meeting you, Mr. Gonsard." " See you one of these days." " I'm sure of that." "And sooner than you think." "Inspector Gonsard, of the "Sûreté"." "Did the big guy who just left have a rendez-vous here?" "Did he talk to anybody?" "Oh, yes, he came with a tall man." "An American, I guess, or a European." "What did they talk about?" "They were speaking too low, I couldn't understand." "Did you see in what direction the other man left?" "He took left when he got out of here." "After that, I don't know." "Nhan, my Lotus Blossom." "Now it's done!" "Blackie Lee will come and fetch us tomorrow at dawn." "Oh, how lucky we are, Mark!" "Hong Kong!" "Do you know Hong Kong, Mrs Jason?" "That was the sweetest thing you ever said to me, you know, Mark." "What?" "Hong Kong?" "No:" "Mrs Jason." "That will soon be your name." "As soon as there's no other Mrs Jason anymore." " Oh, Mark, we'll have a nice apartment?" " We'll have a very large house, my dear." "And I shall own a TV set?" "I'll be so happy." " Why?" " I love cowboy movies." "Darling, I'll buy you a big ranch with lots of cowboys in Texas." "Tell me, did you see a tall American bloke?" "Yes, yes, a tall white gent passed by." "I saw him go this way there..." "You really don't know where he went?" "No." "I know not." "But I think I saw him already with Roh Min's grandaughter." "You know: she's called Nhan." "Works at Blackie Lee's." " Nhan Lee Quon?" " Yes, that's her name, sir." "Thank you." "To Deng Han!" "And step on it!" "Did you hear that?" "Let's be smart and go away from here." "It might be the Police." "Come quick." "It is the Police." "Where is your grandfather?" "He went to collect deadwood." "Let him go." "What is your name?" "Roh Min, Sir." "Did your granddaughter Nhan Lee Quon come to see you?" "Unfortunately, Sir, it's a long time since I had last the joy of seeing Nhan Lee Quon." "That's rather surprising since she came in the company of an American, Mark Jason." "I never saw any American here." "Shut up, Nhan, please!" "They just mean to scare him." "They won't hurt him." "Your granddaughter and the American came here." "Where are they?" "I'm an old man and don't want any trouble with the Police." "Yes, they came here yesterday, we had dinner together then they went away." " Where?" " They didn't confide in me and I didn't ask where they were going," " but they went West after leaving here." " You say West but mean East." "It proves they're trying to cross the border." "Do you know where?" "Take him to the "Sûreté"." "Nhan!" " Don't be afraid." " They're sure to kill him." "Exactly the way they killed Mei Lan the other night." "No, it's very different: killing your grandfather would be useless to them." "He just has to buy us some time." "Then he can confess: we'll be gone." "But if I go to the "Sûreté", they'll be forced to admit that I'm not a fugitive, then I'll come back with Blackie Lee." "On the contrary, you'd be playing into their hands:" "the only use they have for your grandfather is as a bait for you," "Because if they have you, they think they can have me." "If you don't go, they'll release him tomorrow." "They won't be able to keep him, Nhan." "You should sleep for a few hours." "Come and sit by me then." "Can you remember how happy we were earlier today?" "I assure you that nothing is changed:" "your grandfather will be back tomorrow." "And, one day, in a beautiful house that you'll be able to give them, you'll assemble all of your family." "Have a little heart." "In the beginning, I thought those diamonds would bring us luck, you know." "You changed so much." "You were not letting yourself drift anymore, you renewed your taste for life." "But now, I feel like everything is falling apart." "Our future is becoming darker by the hour." "Of course they bring us luck, don't worry." "And only one thing matters:" "I love you, Nhan, and you love me too." " What is it?" " Be nice, do not mock me." "This is my lucky charm." "It was given to me when I was a little girl." " And you believe that it protects you?" " No, but aren't we all more or less superstitious?" "It will protect you tomorrow." "Now I think that someone discovered a boNhanza and that this someone is..." "Mark Jason." "That would explain it all." "I think that's an exellent hypothesis." "Listen, I've got another idea." "I can't wait to know it." "You don't have many ideas but they're very good." "I think the diamonds must go into our pockets before they reach Hong Kong." "If we succeed in this venture, we can live off it ever after." "I do appreciate your idea which seems apparently subtle and quite wise, but if we take them from him, we'll have to kill him." "We could hire two hitmen to kill him when he's about to climb into the plane." "No." "No strangers in that kind of business:" "they might steal the diamonds from us." "No, no, if Jason has to be eliminated, there's no need to complicate matters:" "we have to do it ourselves." "There's a small problem." "The girl." "The one who goes with him." "She knows everything about the diamonds." "It's as easy to kill a girl as a man, you know." "Nhan!" "But..." "She's gone insane!" "How come she went to the police and what drove her to leave me this Buddha." "What does she want me to do with it?" "I want her!" "Enough, old man." "Answer the inspector's questions clearly if you don't want to spend the rest of your life in prison." "I won't live much longer." "I won't suffer very much to be deprived of my freedom." "We'll get nothing from this stupid old peasant." "He doesn't even understand what we want from him." "The old fox knows very well what we want." "Nhan Lee Quon asks to talk to you, boss." "This is perfect." "Thank you for coming." " I ask that you release my grandfather." " Of course." "Keep me in prison instead if you really need a hostage." "Have no fear, my dear miss Quon, we do not want to put anybody in jail." "We're looking for information that you should be able to provide." " If I may be of help..." " I was sure you would assist us." " Do you know an American called Mark Jason?" " Yes I do." "We knew that." "What we'd very much like to know is where he is now." "He's gone." "He left the country yesterday night." "He managed to illegally cross the border." "I was sure of that already." "He's been trying to go abroad for a long time, taking a number of jewels with him." "There's only one thing that surprises me, dear Miss Quon." "How come he left behind so precious a jewel as you?" "I wouldn't go with him." "My whole family lives here." "You're an earnest patriot and a wise girl." "Do you know what a Frenchman wrote:" ""You can't take your mother land with you under the soles of your shoes, but you can make a deal with Heaven"?" "I know another wise saying:" ""East is East, West is West"." "Thank you, I understand." "I'm very grateful for the information you gave me, Miss Quon." "You are free and so is your grandfather." "Someone will see you out." "Goodbye, Miss Quon." " So you're letting her go?" " I think it's a good idea." "She'll lead us to Mark Jason." "All is going well." "I must admit that phone call was a piece of luck." "The fact that the girl asks to be driven there with her grandfather when you leave here helps a lot." "What surprises me is that Gonsard released her so quickly." "He's an old fox but we won't let go of our prey." " At what time does the chopper take off?" " At dawn." "On what signal did you agree with the pilot?" "So you're spying on me?" "Come and explain yourself." "The house is closed tonight." "What are you doing here?" " I've got an interesting bit of information." " What are you babbling about?" "About your friend." "Mark Jason." "This is my brother." "You can speak in front of him." "I just learned that the Police offer a big reward to anybody who helps catch Jason, and I know where he hides." "What's your point?" "You moron!" "Of course you know where he hides since you went there with me." "So I repeat: what's your point?" "If you want me to shut up, I won't claim the reward." "Listen." "I'm going to ask you a question that even a moron like you can answer." "Do you intend to blackmail me?" "Yes, that's about it." "I gather you want to settle down." "And how much would you like to extort from me?" "The Police offer ten thousand piastres." "So I'm asking for twice the sum." "Is that acceptable?" "I didn't think you'd be capable of such reasoning." "Money opens your mind." "Unfortunately, you're wrong to be arrogant." "Let's suppose I refuse to give you what you ask for and send you to Hell with all due respect." "Then I'll have to be content with the Police's ten thousand piastres." "My brother is a good boss." "He always was nice and generous with you." "Yes but I'm not about to get rich with what he pays me, you know," " so I have to think of my future." " You're right, Jojo." "I'll make you a fair offer." "Here: we'll strike a deal," "I'll give you fifteen thousand piastres in exchange for your silence.." "No deal." "But if you say eighteen thousand, I'll forget all about the American." "OK." "Will you still employ me, Mr. Lee?" "Are you kidding me?" "With this money, you don't need to work anymore, pal." "This is just the beginning: he's going to become more and more greedy..." " and more and more arrogant." " No doubt, Blackie." "But soon there will be a border between the American and his pursuers, then Jojo can tell his story to the Police for all the good it will do." "We won't mind." "This afternoon I went to the bank and took out my cash." "We might be forced to lay low for a while." "I think you should go and fetch the girl, Blackie." "And where shall we...?" "We'll decide when you come back with her and the old man." "It's me again." "I thought about something and I guess the two of us should discuss it." "I didn't think you'd be back so soon." "You've got a hell of a nerve." " Well?" "What do you want?" " I'm mainly here to do you a favour." "Good." "Because if it is for money, you're wasting your time." "There are several policemen outside, watching the house." " I can't see anybody." " No wonder:" "they just left, following your brother when he departed." "So what?" "They can tail all they want, see if we care!" "This is not really fair." "Aren't you going to slip me some dough for coming to warn you?" "It was irrelevant." "Now beat it!" "Right..." "Give me all the cash you have here!" "I haven't got a penny." "The bread is in the safe." " Open the safe then." "Hurry up!" " I don't know the combination." "It's Blackie's safe." "And I know he gave you the number a few minutes ago." "Come on, open it!" "O..." "OK." "I'll try to open it." "But take that knife away from me." "Come on, hurry." "Wait a second." "I'll tell my brother that we're here." "Yes, mister Lee." "Charlie!" "My brother had to go out but he'll join us there." "He left me a note." "We're going now." "I'll fetch Mark." "We'll be back is no time." "What you did was crazy." "Of course not." "I'm back, as you can see, we have nothing to fear anymore." "Blackie Lee is waiting for us outside with a car." " Your grandfather is free?" " Yes, that's why I went to the Police." " Did you speak to Gonsard?" " Yes." "He asked me a few questions about you." "I said that you crossed the border and I stayed behind." "Then he released us." "It has to be a trap, Nhan." "Let's not waste any time." "Come." " Nhan went to the Police." " Yes, yes, I know." "Gonsard must have followed her." "The thought also crossed my mind but I'm sure we have a head start." "My car is faster than the Police vehicle." "Let's go!" "He's going to land there." "The chopper comes from there, from the North." "Let's go." "Come this way." "Alright, this is the spot where we must wait for the helicopter." " It should be here soon." " How will he spot us?" "We must light a fire." "Let's gather some wood." "Fire inspector!" "Probably to indicate the landing area." "Listen!" "That noise!" "A helicopter engine!" "We're on the right track, let's go!" " Here it is!" " At last." "He's seen us!" "Excuse me, Mr. Jason, but there's no space in the helicopter for anyone but me Drop your weapon." "Now please be so kind as to give me the diamonds." "Sorry, I fail to understand what you're talking about." "Too late to play a part:" "give me the diamonds." "Too late: inspector Gonsard wants them too." "Don't try to escape, Jason!" "Stay where you are!" "Do not move!" " Stop or I shoot!" " Mark, beware!" "Nhan..." "Nhan!" "Nhan!" "It's over." "We've won!" "Can you hear me, Nhan?" "Everything is alright now." "It's true, you know." "Here, look!" "Look!" "I could save the diamonds." "A new life is going to begin for us." "Everything will be easy." "Nhan..." "Thanks to you, sir, we could unmask a scoundrel." "These diamonds are a State property." "You did our country a great favour and are free to go wherever you want." "Until now I didn't know how much I loved her." "I'm a real bastard." "I wasn't worthy of her love." "I knew the danger I was getting her into but I didn't care because I wanted to be rich." "Now I've lost everything." "My love." "Everything." "Translation:" "Goupil66 January 2011"