Author: Yarri

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The Secret Assassin (continued . . .)

















	














Janno saw their attacker as it came in low, with Elekton’s dying suns behind it.

We’re going to be shot up!

A blast of gunfire, as projectiles slammed into their frail craft and kicked up the water all round.

Janno’s companion whipped his gun out of its case.

Watch this.

Nice shooting! We owe you our lives.

That is the finest weapon I’ve ever come across. It has saved us many times.
























	














The secret assassin smiled.

It will also serve to eliminate the Emperor Trigo and earn me a fortune.

He would have been surprised to have known Janno’s thoughts at that moment.

May we reach Trigan City in time for me to warn Uncle Trigo that someone is planning to assassinate him tomorrow.

A third member of the party—Kittu—had other grave reasons for wanting to reach civilisation.

My best friend will be executed unless I’m there tomorrow, to prove his innocence.

All through the long night, the makeshift raft was borne on the turbulent waters of the broad river. At dawn, they saw lights and knew that their long voyage was nearly over.

It’s a fishing village.

They’ll have communications with the Capital. I’ll have air transport here in no time.

Janno sent a message to Trigan City which swiftly brought a transport craft of the Air Fleet.

You must have plenty of influence, to order up one of those things so smartly.

Who are you, anyhow? I never thought to ask.

I’m the Emperor’s nephew, Janno.

To think I’ve travelled with a close relation of the very person I’ve come here to eliminate.

Later, as the craft took off for Trigan City and a date with destiny, the assassin’s keen mind had arrived at a decision.

What a stroke of luck. I shall use friend Janno’s influence to get myself close to the Emperor this afternoon . . . for the fatal shot.

This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 658 on 24 August 1974.

 
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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.

 
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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.