Trigo rose to his feet.

My lords, citizens of the empire! I declare the assembly open!

Long live the Emperor!

Long live the Trigan Empire!

High in the roof of the vast dome, Zith glared into the menacing face of his companion.

Shoot! Do your duty and destroy Trigo. You’ve had your fee, now earn it!

I take no orders from the likes of you. I’m a professional assassin, proud of his craft. I need no sneaking animal to check up on me. Go back and tell your masters they can have their money back and get someone else to kill Trigo.

All right, fool. It was my task to eliminate you after you had eliminated the Emperor but now . . .

 . . . I’ll destroy you first and kill the Emperor myself!

That’s what you think!

Next moment, the two were grappling with each other.

Aaaaaagh!























The sound of the shot, echoing and re-echoing in that huge assembly, had silenced the solemn proceedings.

Someone’s up there!

Look, Uncle!

A figure came cartwheeling down to destruction.

Eaaaaa-a-a-aggghh!

Janno led the rush to investigate the upper gallery. When they reached there, Zith had gone.

I distinctly saw two figures fighting up here, just after the shot.

One of them must have been Zith. But where is he?

Come to think of it, who is he?

Janno never received an answer to his question. At that very moment, Zith, the assassin, was crossing the bridge out of Trigan City. With him he carried the case that held his deadly killing-weapon.

The game isn’t what it used to be. Too many amateurs and busybodies spoiling the artistry of the dedicated professional. I’ll give it up, that’s what I’ll do, and become a farmer instead.

With that thought, Zith hurled his beloved killingweapon far out into the waters of Trigan river . . .

 . . . and went on his way, never to take life again.

This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 660 on 7 September 1974.

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.