Posted on November 15, 2025November 15, 2025 by YarriThe Gambler’s Gift (continued . . .) A light sports craft flew to what seemed like certain destruction. The wing-span was only a hairsbreadth narrower than the width of the bridge, but the pilot made it. How was that ? Magnificent ! Later, when they had landed in Trigan City. Here’s your fifty zersts. I don’t understand you, Lord Janno. Why pay good money to risk your neck—and mine— in wild stunts like that ? Janno’s voice was bitter and regretful. I’m only alive when I feel the thrill and the fear of danger. I can no longer pilot, so I have to do my living second hand. I’m sorry for you, Lord Janno, and that’s the truth. Janno drove to a sumptuous villa outside the city. I have come for my appointment with Nastor. The Wise One will see you now, Lord Janno. Nastor’s new reception room was a far cry from the fisherman’s hovel where he had lately plied his strange trade. And how are the headaches, my son ? Do you know, Nastor, I really think they are not so frequent nor so painful. You must be doing me good. Talk yourself into feeling better by all means, you stupid fellow ! Thanks to you, the richest people on this planet are falling over themselves to become my patients ! There was another caller at the “healer’s” villa, a humble fishwife and her child. But the Wise One must see my little boy. He’s done him so much good already ! Those days are over, woman. Get you gone. You can’t afford the Wise One’s services any more. There had been a witness to the incident— the great scientist Peric, who had called to see Nastor for reasons of his own. Wait, please, my good woman. You say that Nastor has actually benefited your child ? Yes, sir. And many others down in the fishing village. That fellow must be a cheat and a mountebank. He’s taking advantage of Janno’s high rank to help him to become rich. I must make enquiries ! Later that day, Nastor had more visitors. Keep watch until I yell for you. If anyone tries to come in, bend them slightly ! The ex-gambler greeted the newcomer with some unease. Nice place you’ve got here, Nastor. You must be making a fortune. Haven’t I seen you somewhere before ? In Nastor’s former life on the edge of the underworld, he had come across many unsavoury characters. I know who you are. You’re Zudd— the gangster ! Let’s talk business, Nastor. From now on, I’m your manager and you pay me seventy-five percent of your earnings from this racket ! I’ll bring in the boys to show that we mean business ! This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 722 on 15 November 1975.
