Posted on by Yarri

The Gambler’s Gift (continued . . .)

















	
















	
	That year’s Empire Day celebrations included a spectacular close-formation
	aerobatic display by Janno’s former comrades of the Air Fleet.

	
	As they flashed over the crowd . . .

	
	. . . Janno watched from his
	place in the Imperial box.

	
	
	
	
	A splendid display. Who’s
	the formation leader ?

	
	
	
	
	Keren.

	
	
	It could
	have
	been me.

	
	Janno’s father, Brag, was well aware of the bitter misery that
	threatened to destroy his son’s whole life. The next morning,
	at breakfast, Brag spotted an item in the newspaper.

	
	
	
	
	Here’s something
	that should
	interest you, Janno.

	
	The picture and the news item told 
	of a miracle-working healer who had 
	seemingly cured a lifelong cripple.
	

	
	
	
	
	It’s obviously a hoax. These 
	fellows crop up from time to time. 
	They cheat a few simple-minded 
	folk out of their hard-earned 
	money, and then disappear.
	

	
	
	On the Vorg sea
	coast . . . living 
	in a fisherman’s
	cottage.

	
	
	
	
	I’ll have
	some enquiries
	made about
	this fellow.

	
	
	
	
	Hey ! Where
	are you
	going, Janno ?


























	
















	
	In no time, Janno was driving at full speed for the Vorg sea coast.

	
	
	
	
	A chance to be cured ! To
	be able to fly again ! I’m going
	to grab at it with both hands !

	
	In a humble coastal village, Nastor, a gambler had gained 
	an undeserved reputation for faith-healing. The simple 
	fisher-folk showed their gratitude by gifts of money.

	
	
	
	
	And how is the
	little fellow faring ?

	
	
	
	
	Much better
	since you’ve
	been seeing
	him, sir.

	
	Suddenly, the crowd fell back in awe.

	
	
	
	
	Can you cure
	me also, sir ?

	
	
	
	
	It’s Lord Janno !

	
	
	
	
	The Emperor’s
	nephew !

	
	
	
	
	He was
	injured in
	a crash,
	wasn’t he ?

	
	
	
	
	Well, can
	you
	cure me ?

	
	
	
	
	I can try,
	my son.

	
	The following day, Nastor the ex-gambler 
	who had been struck by lightning, became 
	a nationwide celebrity.

	
	
	
	
	Thanks to the patronage of the
	Imperial family, the obscure
	faith-healer from a slum fishing
	village has rocketed to fame.
	From all over the Empire and
	beyond, wealthy sick people are
	bidding to be his patients.

	
	Nastor rejoiced.

	
	
	
	
	
	I’ve made it ! Fame
	and riches at last !

This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 721 on 8 November 1975.