DIRK Struan, founder of the Noble House may have breathed his last in Tai-pan, but his spirit lives on in James Clavell.
''What's happening in Hongkong,'' the best-selling author said, ''reminds me of the Emperor Kung who lived about 2,000 years ago.
''If you have a boil, said the emperor, you're wise if you lance it carefully, wrap your skin warmly and cherish it.
''However, if you're foolish, you squeeze it out and suffer the infection, and if you're very foolish, you let it ripen till it bursts and does irreparable harm to your skin.
''Obviously, when you're dealing with a people as exquisite and wise and ancient as the Chinese, you do not offend their sensibilities and manners. Foolish to back yourself into a position.'' Even long-distance, the voice delivering this lecture - ''I'm not pontificating'' - had a resonance rarely found behind the pulpit or on soapbox. During the next few weeks it will be fine-tuned as Clavell tours the United States and Britain promoting what bears all the signs of yet another blockbuster: his new novel Gai-Jin.
''It's high, wide and handsome,'' said an elated Clavell of his latest epic. ''A film version? Cosmopolitan got an advance copy of Gai-Jin and said there was enough material in it for 10 mini-series plots.