Janno’s father, Brag, was the first to greet him on his arrival at Trigan City airport.

Thank the stars you’re safe, lad. But why the serious face?

I have grave news, Father, but it must wait till we’re alone!

He introduced his fellow-survivors.

Kittu must go immediately to the Court of Justice. He has evidence which will save his best friend from unjust execution!

He shall be escorted there by my own personal bodyguards.

Lord Brag, the thanks of an old blind man are poured upon your fine son, for his bravery and his kindness.

I thank you.

And now, Father, I want you to meet the true hero of the adventure. We never would have got back without him and I don’t even know his name!

Call me . . . Zith.

I am in your debt, Zith. Any favour you ask will be granted.

I would greatly like to see today’s opening of the Imperial Assembly, from a seat high up so that I shall not miss anything of the spectacle.

That afternoon, the Emperor and his family and entourage entered the vast assembly building.

Long live the Emperor!























Following Janno’s grave news that there would be an assassination attempt, the great amphitheatre was ringed by armed guards.

Alone, in a favoured place near the roof, was Zith. There was no one to see him produce his deadly gun!

And now, proud Emperor, with the helpful connivance of your family, I will eliminate you!

The professional assassin took aim at the same moment that Janno’s broad back obscured the Emperor from his view.

Move, curse you, or I’ll have to eliminate you to get a shot at your uncle!

I can’t kill Janno in cold blood . . .

Not someone who saved my life at the risk of his own!

Then, a voice behind him, a menacing, hissing voice.

Shoot them both now!

You?

IT WAS THE OLD BLIND MAN! Not blind, and at closer inspection, not so very old!

Yes! My task was to follow you and make sure that you did your task!

This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 659 on 31 August 1974.

They pressed on through the heat of the day. At length, the old blind man stumbled and fell.

I . . . I must rest!

Then rest and rot! We’re halting for nothing and no-one!

Janno’s voice rasped out, commandingly . . .

I say we halt!

Oh, you do, eh? Well, just you listen to me, my fine young . . .

The secret assassin never finished what he had to say.

Eeeeaaaaghh!

He—e—e—elp!

Janno raced forward and grabbed the fallen gun-case. As he did so, he saw the face of the thing in the hollow tree!

I’ve got to get that creature before it gets me, too!

The hideous arms were already scrabbling at him, as Janno took hurried aim and fired!























The assassin’s magnificent killing-weapon did its work swiftly and well. Its owner stared at his rescuer in disbelief.

You risked your life to save me! That brute could have got you before you had a chance to fire!

One good turn deserves another,. May I repeat my suggestion that we stop for a while?

They rested. Later, they set off again.

Water! I smell water! We must be close to the river!

Presently, they were gazing out across a broad torrent.

It’s in full spate! If we built a raft, we’d be carried back to civilisation before tomorrow’s dawn! We could be in Trigan City by midday!

They all fell to work. Somehow, a crude raft was put together and borne down to the flood.

And then, the great voyage began.

High above, a patrol craft of the Caton air fleet appeared.

There’s a raft on the river, I can make out four or five people on it!

Ah! Heading for Trigan territory!

No actual state of war existed between Cato and the Trigan Empire, just mutual hatred.

Our orders are to destroy anything suspicious and ask questions afterwards!

Prepare to attack!

This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 657 on 17 August 1974.