I am the proprietor of this inn and . . . oh, I see what went wrong.

Neither the manager nor the young driver seemed at all put out by the incident.

I forgot to slow down in time and had to crash through your wall.

I know how it is. I’ve smashed up three of them in a lunar year. I walk everywhere now.

The newcomer introduced himself to Janno and Peric.

I’m Kalli. The Council asked me to look after you and show you around. I’m afraid we’ll have to walk.

That suits me fine. I think it will be . . . er . . . safer.

Their guide took them through the delightful city of the Nobes.

Over there is the stadium where we play Bollo. Bollo is our national sport and our national obsession.

Bollo, the Trigans discovered, was played with a hard metal ball. The game was fast . . .

One!

. . . And violent!

Two!!























After the game, Janno and Peric had a confrontation.

Trust the Trigans to be here already!

Emissaries from Cato. There’s going to be trouble!

Catons and Trigans were implacable rivals and enemies.

I suppose you are looking around to see  what’s in it for the Trigans. I wager you’ll  soon be moving in to take over the Nobes. 

That is a most improper suggestion!

The Trigans’ method is to come in friendship. After that, they take over your country and enslave your people! Never trust a Trigan. Every Caton child learns that almost as soon as he can walk!

Janno leapt at the taunting Caton and it took all the efforts of the others to part them.

Gentlemen, gentlemen! Let there be peace. This sort of behaviour is not permitted in the land of the Nobes!

Janno and Peric went on their way and the Catons watched them go.

Trigan animal! I’d like to have destroyed him with my bare hands!

Quite unnecessary, you did well. I found out all I needed to know. The Trigans do not  intend to take over the Nobes’ territory.

What they do not want, the Catons will have! I shall send a message to Cato this day, advising an immediate invasion of this valley, which is rich in mineral resources and a people who will make excellent slave labourers!

That night, in far-off Cato, the bombers and escort fighting-craft of the massive air fleet stood ready to take off and attack the peaceful valley of the Nobes.

This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 742 on 3 April 1976.