Within instants, the cabin was an inferno, as the blazing oil set fire to the dry timbers.

Aaaaaah! It’s out of control! Fire! . . . Fire!

In less time than it takes to tell, the ship was a floating torch!

The undisciplined crew fought each other as they lowered the only boat . . . which toppled into the sea under the weight of their bodies.

Aaaaaah!

Eeeeeeeh!

Janno and his comrades reached the stern of the doomed ship unmolested.

Get this over the side . . . it could be our only chance of survival!

One by one, they plunged into the chill waters of the Great Ocean.

When day broke, there was no sign of the ship or its crew. The four Trigans were alone in the wild wastes of the ocean!

Lost! . . . We’re lost!

And no food or fresh water!

All that day and the following night, they suffered the tortures of thirst, and exposure. At the dawn of the next day, Janno raised his head and . . . 

It . . . it can’t be! . . . An island?  . . . I must be delirious . . . 























Later . . . much later . . . they were washed up on the shore of the island. Two strangely-garbed men found them.

They must be the survivors of a shipwreck!

The master will be highly pleased! Not for a long time has the ocean delivered up four such stalwart victims!

They were borne up a steep stairway to a vast building that topped the lofty peak of the strange island.

Janno recovered consciousness at nightfall, to find himself in a richly-furnished bedchamber.

What is this place? . . .  Am I still alive? . . . 

His thoughts were answered by a deep, hollow voice that emerged from the mouth of the huge statue . . . 

Arise! Dress yourself in the garb which has been laid out for you . . . and descend to the Great Hall!

He obeyed . . . and soon was descending a vast staircase leading down into a hall. Joyful shouts greeted him.

Janno! The stars be thanked  . . . you’re safe!

The figure at the end of the table rose to greet him . . . and it seemed to have a face filled with violence and evil!

Welcome and be seated! I am your host . . . my name is Otho!

This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 349 on 21 September 1968.