With his doomed craft in flames and the ground coming up to meet him at supersonic speed, Janno pressed the escape button.

But . . .

I’m going to hit that hightension cable!

ZZZZZKKK-K-K-KK!

They found him later.

Is he? . .

As near as makes no difference!

In fact, Janno did not die. And, after an examination of his craft’s wreckage, a report was made to his uncle the emperor.

The craft was fired upon, you say?—Fired upon by whom?

That, Imperial Majesty, only Janno can tell us, when he recovers . . .























. . . If he recovers!

Another matter for your attention, Imperial Majesty. While enquiring into the strange disappearance of Marshal Rossu, our computers have come up with a series of most remarkable coincidences . . .

Explain yourself, Colonel.

See, Imperial Majesty—there have been no less than seven other disappearances in the last lunar month.

You are surely not suggesting some connection? What possible link exists between the Marshal of the Trigan Air Fleet and . . . for instance . . . a beggar?

The circumstances of the disappearances provides the only link so far, Imperial Majesty . . .

All seven persons were seen, apparently hale and hearty, immediately prior to vanishing . . .

And all left their outer clothing behind.

Rossi was the youngest senator the Empire had ever known, and tipped for Supreme Minister before he was much older.

Do not wait for me. I will find my own way home.

Yes, Excellency.

Rossi had—a certain weakness . . .

Gambling was his passion. He played badly and staked recklessly.

Fool that I am, I’m ruined . . . ruined!

But help was at hand. As soon as Rossi arrived home, he had a call.

 . . . Listen carefully . . .

Who are you?

That is immaterial, Excellency. I am a friend. I am willing to pay off all your gambling debts—in return for a simple service that you must perform for me . . .

This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 755 on 3 July 1976.