This installment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 658 on 24 August 1974.
The Secret Assassin (continued . . .)
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.
The Secret Assassin (continued . . .)
Janno climbed the tallest tree he could find. Far across the wilderness of greenery, he saw the distant glint of water. A river! That’s our way out of here! Then, with a blood-chilling screech and the beat of heavy wings—IT came! Oh, no! The tree shook under the impact of deadly talons. From down below, the assassin’s strange firearm spoke silent death! That’s the second time you’ve saved me with your splendid gun! I hope it doesn’t become a habit! Did you sight anything up there? Yes! There’s a river on the horizon! Then what are we waiting for? What about the others—the old man and the pilot? Let’s get this straight! I’m going to be in Trigan City tomorrow, or I might as well stay here and be devoured by the monsters! And I’m not burdening myself with passengers!Aaaaah! The old man’s coming to! Look! We’re stuck in the Daveli jungle and our only way out is to march to a river. Do you think you can manage a long walk? Yes. I’m stronger than I look, young fellow. Friend, may I rest my hand on your shoulder as we walk along? By all the stars! Do you have to? Yes. You see, I am blind. I must reach Trigan City tomorrow to save Vazli from execution! I’ve got to warn Uncle Trigo of the assassination attempt! Unless I destroy the Emperor Trigo as ordered, they’ll destroy me! Janno and Kittu rigged up a litter to carry the injured pilot. They struck out in the direction of the river—through the most hazardous country on all the planet Elekton! For three of them, at least, there was an urgent reason for haste. Three minds, each with a single, burning desire . . .
This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 656 on 10 August 1974.
