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.