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Koplin nearly passed out froh the snow for miles when actually it was only a distance of fifty yards That was as far as they'd got when a vague figure appeared through the storh the dim haze of near unconsciousness, Koplin felt the soldier stiffen

A soft "plop" sounded over the wind, and the massive komondor fell noiselessly on its side in the snow The Russian dropped his hold on Koplin and frantically tried to raise his gun, but the strange sound was repeated and a sushed red suddenly appeared in the lassy and he cru

So, Koplin told hione to draw any valid conclusions He sank to his knees and could only watch as a tall azed down at the dog

"A damned shame," he said tersely

Theappearance The oak tanned face looked out of place for the Arctic And the features were firm, almost cruel Yet it was the eyes that struck Koplin He had never seen eyes quite like the kind of warmth, a marked contrast from the hard lines etched in the face

The man turned to Koplin and smiled "Dr Koplin, I presume?" The tone was soft and effortless

The stranger pushed a handgun with silencer into a pocket, knelt down to eye level, and nodded at the blood spreading through the et you to where I can take a look at that" Then he picked Koplin up as onedown the mountain toward the sea

"Who are you?" Koplin muttered

"My name is Pitt Dirk Pitt"

"I don't understandwhere did you come from?"

Koplin never heard the answer At that moment, the black cover of unconsciousness abruptly lifted up, and he fell gratefully under it

3

Seagraarden restaurant just off Capitol Street to have lunch with his wife She was late Never in the eight years they had been ht the waiter's attention and gestured for another drink

Dana Seagra for her husband She spotted hi between the tables in his direction She wore an orange sweater and a broeed skirt so youthfully it raduate school Her hair was blond and tied with a scarf, and her coffee-brown eyes were funny and gay and quick

"Been waiting long?" she said, s